1880 Train

Know Before You Go

Get everything you need to plan your 1880 Train visit — directions, parking, amenities, and tips for making the most of your Black Hills trip.

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Directions

Get Ready to Ride

The 1880 Train departs daily from two depots — Hill City and Keystone — from mid-May through December. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at either depot on the day of your ride. Browse ticket options below or keep scrolling for directions, parking, and everything else you need to know before you arrive.

Old West gunfighter performer leaning out of a 1880 Train passenger car window during an Old West Shootout event, with excited kids and passengers watching

Directions

Our depots are centrally located in Hill City and Keystone, South Dakota.

Hill City

Free parking (including RV) is available at the Hill City Depot.

Keystone

Keystone is located just minutes from Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Free on-street parking is limited to three hours, with nearby handicap parking available. Several city and privately owned parking lots offer all-day parking for a fee and are a short walk from our depot.

Amenities

Restrooms are located at both depots, but not onboard the train. Hill City restrooms are located in the brick building next to the Hill City Depot. Keystone restrooms are located inside the Keystone Depot. Public restrooms are also located right across the street at the information center. Restrooms are ADA accessible.
Drinking Fountains are located outside of the restroom building at Hill City Depot.
Dining is available at The High-Liner at Hill City Depot. The High-Liner has a covered patio with seating for approximately 50 people located trackside. All food purchased on the property is welcome onboard the train.
Picnic Area is located between Hill City Depot and the SD State Railroad Museum.
Kids Play Area where kids can “let off some steam” is located at Hill City Depot.
Gift Shop is located at both Hill City and Keystone. Similar items are offered at both depots.
ATM is located inside the Hill City Depot, and in the Turtle Town store near the Keystone Depot.
Photo Opportunities with our mascot Chug are available at both the Hill City and Keystone Depots.

Bring Home a Souvenir

Don’t miss the gift shop during your visit. It’s the only place to find exclusive merchandise and souvenirs in person. Looking for the perfect gift? Gift cards are available online anytime.

1880 Train staff member in red uniform assisting a customer at the gift shop counter, with train merchandise visible on shelves behind

Helpful Tips

Trains complete the round-trip in roughly 2-1/2 hours. Any combination of departure and return time can be combined for a custom itinerary.
Choosing an immediate return train will not offer enough time to explore town, but you can delay your return by choosing a later return train.
Peak tourism season is Memorial Day to Labor Day, so we recommend looking up store hours and availability if you are visiting in the spring or fall shoulder seasons.
Both towns are very close to Mount Rushmore, so you can easily drive to the National Monument in less than 20 minutes from either depot.

Policies

No refunds on tickets unless the ticketed train does not operate. Tickets must be picked up 30 minutes prior to departure.
Children under 2 years old are free when sitting on an adult's lap.
Departure and return times are set at the time of purchase–please call our reservation line or speak to a ticket agent if you are interested in adjusting your return time.
All seating is assigned at the time of purchase. Advance reservations are highly recommended to secure your preferred seating option.
For our passengers’ safety, we ask that all riders remain in their seats during the train ride.
No outside food or drinks are permitted on the train. (Food and drinks purchased on-site are welcome aboard.)
No pets are permitted on the train, with the exception of certified service dogs as defined by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy animals are not recognized as service animals under the ADA and are not permitted on our train.
The 1880 Train is accessible to wheelchair riders or those who need additional assistance boarding in our Blue Bird passenger car. We are limited to two wheelchairs per departure on a first-come, first-serve basis, so advance reservation of wheelchair seating is strongly recommended. Read more about our accessibility procedures.

Group Rides

Groups of 20 or more receive special discounted rates. We also offer accommodations for private events and special occasions.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

What towns does the train depart from?

The train operates on the original mining rail spur between the towns of Hill City and Keystone in the central Black Hills. You can start your ride from either end.

How long does the ride take?

It's an hour ride each way, with a 15-minute layover time. Budget 2 1/2 to 3 hours for a complete roundtrip if you're returning immediately, or longer if you choose to make a layover.

Can I break up my trip and spend time in the other town at my mid-way point?

Absolutely, schedule depending. During our peak, mid-summer season we offer numerous options for you to lay over, enjoy lunch, take in family activities, or explore the opposite town on foot. When booking, simply choose a later departure time based on how much time you wish to spend during your layover. Ticket assignments are time specific, so you must check your tickets for details or speak to a ticket agent if you would like to extend your layover.

Can someone in a wheelchair ride the train?

Yes, we can accommodate up to two wheelchairs per departure. The BLUEBIRD passenger car is designed with mobility assistance features such as wheelchair seating and a vertical lift for those who need additional assistance boarding. Rows 1-2 are specifically reserved for families with wheelchairs. Wheelchair seats are available on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations are required to ensure availability. There are multiple handicap-marked parking stalls in our Hill City parking lot, and the Town of Keystone maintains multiple handicap-marked parking stalls in the on-street parking and in the paid, all-day lots near our Keystone depot. ADA-compliant restrooms are available at both depots.

Is parking available at your depots?

Our Hill City depot has free parking on site with handicap parking spots.

In Keystone, on-street parking lot is limited to three hours, with nearby handicap parking available. Several city and privately owned parking lots offer all-day parking for a fee and are a short walk from our depot.

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$2 Off Admission

Train Ticket + Railroad Museum

Enjoy $2 off admission to the South Dakota State Railroad Museum with an 1880 Train ticket! The museum is conveniently located next to our Hill City depot.