Plan Your Visit to the Black Hills of South Dakota

The railroad route from Hill City to Keystone is in the original configuration laid down at the turn of the last century and was never improved upon to reduce sharp curves or steep hills common in early railroad construction. We still operate some of the steepest mountain grades left in the United States. Specifically, the first climb out of Hill City known as Tin Mill Hill takes every ounce of locomotive effort to get a loaded train to the top - the locomotive is going as fast as it possibly can! Speeds average ten miles per hour, varying based on grade and curves. It's a wonderful speed for taking in the passing sights.

The train travels through typically beautiful Black Hills scenery, with a narrated story of the historic mines, camps, and settlements you pass on the way. Much of the route follows Battle Creek, once home to gold, silver, and tin prospectors. The train passes through National Forest Service land with distant views of Black Elk Peak and Wilderness area, wooded canyons, and open meadows. Many of the original mining claims are now residential, so you'll pass an interesting variety of homes along the way.

No. While Keystone and Hill City are the two closest towns to the National Monument, the train passes to the north of Mount Rushmore and the monument is not visible from any portion of the train ride. Mount Rushmore is a scenic 20-minute drive from either depot and can easily be visited before or after your ride. All evening trains return to station before sundown, so there's ample time to drive to the Monument for the Evening Lighting Ceremony

Many woodland species call the Black Hills home. Most often, passengers will see white tail deer, mule deer, wild turkey, woodchucks, mallard ducks and cottontail rabbits.

Yes! Passengers of all ages enjoy the sights and sounds. Our visitors are evenly split on how to ride with children. Some families like to break up the ride with an extended layover between legs to grab lunch or to explore the opposite town on foot. Others prefer an immediate return after using the 15-minute layover to stretch their legs, use the restroom, or grab a quick snack. You can find family-friendly attractions in both our depot towns, though please check availability outside the Memorial Day through Labor Day season. When traveling with children, please bear in mind that restroom facilities are available at the depots but not on the train itself.