Plan Your Visit
Choosing Your Seats
Switch sides of the car on your return trip (AB one way and CD the other). Our engine moves from the front to the back. The train does not turn around.
All seat backs flip forward and backward so you do not have to face backwards on either trip.
Car availability depends on the time of year. For more information, see our Seating Options page.
Edward Gillette
- Fully enclosed car with windows that open & close
- Padded seats that are able to face one another if you choose
- First car in the lineup as you leave Hill City, so it is very close to the engine (and the whistle!). Last car leaving Keystone
- Rows 6 & 7 have a glass divider separating them, which makes those rows unable to face the opposite direction. Parties of 4 should sit in Rows 5 & 6 and 7 & 8
Blue Bird
- Fully enclosed car with windows that open & close
- Padded seats that are able to face one another if you choose
- This 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--choose seat 1A or 1D for wheelchair if unable to transfer to a regular seat. Wheelchair seats are available on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations are required to ensure availability.
Oreville
- Fully enclosed car with windows that open & close
- Padded seats that are able to face one another if you choose
- Center of the car lineup in both directions
Battle Creek
- Fully enclosed car with windows that open and close
- Padded seats that are able to face one another if you choose
- Includes a glassed-in observation area in the rear of the car
- In the summer, this car is the last leaving Hill City and the first car directly behind the locomotive leaving Keystone. If you want to close look at the engine from Keystone to Hill City, sit in rows 13-15
Redfern*
- Covered car, open on the sides with plastic windows that drop down in case of inclement weather
- Wooden seats that are able to face one another if you choose
- Located in the middle of the car line up going both directions
- Utilized for summer departures
* Please note, seating assignments cannot be changed the day you arrive due to a change in weather. Choose an open-sided car knowing it could rain the day you ride!
Harney Canyon*
- Covered car, open on the sides with plastic windows that drop down in case of inclement weather
- Wooden seats that are able to face one another if you choose
- This car has the lowest window sills, which makes it a nice ride for families with small children who would like to see out
- Third to last car leaving Hill City, third car to leave Keystone
- Utilized for summer departures
* Please note, seating assignments cannot be changed the day you arrive due to a change in weather. Choose an open-sided car knowing it could rain the day you ride!
Mystic*
- Covered car, open on the sides with plastic windows that drop down in case of inclement weather
- Wooden seats that are able to face one another if you choose
- Second to last car leaving Hill City, second car when leaving Keystone
- Utilized for summer departures
* Please note, seating assignments cannot be changed the day you arrive due to a change in weather. Choose an open-sided car knowing it could rain the day you ride!
Keystone
- Fully enclosed car with windows that open & close
- Padded seats that are able to face one another if you choose
- Center of the car lineup
- Used for special events and in the fall & winter
Rochford
- Fully enclosed car with windows that open and close
- Padded seats that are able to face one another if you choose
- Utilized for special events and in the fall and winter
- Second to last car leaving Hill City
Hilyo
- Fully enclosed car with windows that partially open and close
- Padded seats that are able to face one another if you choose
- It is a Drovers car or our “little red Caboose”
- Utilized for special events and in the fall and winter
- Last car leaving Hill City, first car in the lineup leaving Keystone
Accessibility
The 1880 Train is accessible to those in wheelchairs. We are able to accommodate 2 wheelchairs per departure.
Wheelchair seating is Bluebird 1ABCD. The wheelchair person is seated in front of row 1 and guests will be seated directly behind them. We suggest families select either the AB or CD side, to leave room for another party who may need accessible seating on the opposite side.
The Hill City Depot utilizes a lift to board the Blue Bird car. The Keystone Depot has a platform that is even with the cars so no lift is needed.
Restrooms at both depots are handicapped accessible as well as the gift shops and snack bar located in Hill City.
Accessible parking is noted on the maps.
Food & Dining
The High-Liner Eatery
Located right next to the Hill City Depot, the Eatery offers many options. Items may be enjoyed on the covered deck, taken on the train or taken with you.
View Menu
Gift Shop Snacks & Beverages
All food items available in our depots are allowed on the train. The Hill City Depot offers
alcoholic beverages, which are also allowed on the train.
Depot Maps & Parking
Holiday Express Map
HC Depot Map
KY Depot Map
Town of Keystone Map
Hill City Depot Parking
Free parking (including RV) is available at the Hill City Depot. Please refer to the Hill City Depot map for parking location information.
Keystone Depot Parking
City parking near the Keystone Depot is all 3 hour public parking. We suggest parking in one of two paid lots in Keystone. The first is located north, across the street from the train station. The second is located in front of the Borglum Story Museum, 1 block south of the Keystone Depot. The cost is $5 for all day, payable at a self-serve station in either of the parking lots. Please refer to the Keystone Depot map for parking location information.
Sample Itineraries
Updated itineraries coming soon!
Guest Amenities
Restrooms
Restrooms are located at both depots, but not on board 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.
Shopping
Hill City & Keystone both offer a depot gift shop. Similar items are offered at both depots.
Picnic Area
The Hill City Depot features a guest picnic area between the Depot and the SD State Railroad Museum
Kids Play Area
The Hill City Depot offers an area where kids can “let off some steam!”
Photo Opportunities
Photo ops with Chug are available at both the Hill City & Keystone Depots
Points of Interest
ATM
Hill City Depot – an ATM is located inside the Hill City Depot
Keystone Depot – an ATM is nearby in the Turtle Town store
Drinking Fountains
Hill City Depot – A drinking fountain is located outside of the restroom building
Area Amenities
Dining
Hill City – within walking distance
- Alpine Inn
- Bumpin Buffalo
- Desperados
- Hill City Cafe
- Turtle Town – Espresso Bar, Ice Cream Chocolates
Outside of Hill City
Keystone
Museums
- South Dakota State Railroad Museum (right next to the Hill City Depot)
- Black Hills Geological Institute & Dinosaur Museum
- Teddy Bear Town
Lodging
Shopping
Grocery Store
Taxi Service
- Hill City Taxi – Serving Keystone & Hill City
Getting
Here
Depot Maps
& Parking
Sample
Itineraries
Choosing
Your Seats
Accessibility
Food &
Dining
Guest
Amenities
Special
Events
Groups
of 20+
FAQs
Area
Amenities