Black Hills, South Dakota - 1880 Train / Black Hills Central Railroad - Full Tour (2019)
The Black Hills Central Railroad is a heritage railroad that operates in South Dakota, United States.
It currently operates the 1880 Train on the former Keystone Branch of the Burlington Northern Railroad (BN) between Hill City, South Dakota, and Keystone, South Dakota. This railroad line was originally built by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad as a mining railroad for gold in the Black Hills. It reached Keystone on January 20, 1900, and was later used to haul equipment for carving nearby Mount Rushmore.
In 1957, William Heckman and Robert Freer started the Black Hills Central Railroad which began operating a tourist passenger excursion train service on this line. In 1972, the Black Hills flood destroyed the last mile of the Burlington Northern/Black Hills Central line in Keystone, which was later restored in 2001.
The Black Hills Central Railroad restores early twentieth century-era locomotives and train cars and has been featured on television shows such as the Gunsmoke episode Snow Train, General Hospital, and the TNT mini-series Into the West. It also appeared in the movie Orphan Train.
Trains operate between early May and early October over the scenic 10-mile (16 km) line.
Preserved equipment:
The BHCR operates rare, well-preserved, and operational steam locomotives:
# 7, Baldwin 2-6-2, built 1919 as P&NW #7.
#103, Baldwin 2-6-2T, built 1922 as Silver Falls Timber Company (S.F.T.Co.) #103 before being sold to the BHCR in 1965.
#104, Baldwin 2-6-2T tank locomotive (pictured), built 1926 as S.F.T.Co. #104 before being sold to the BHCR in 1965
108, Baldwin 2-6-6-2T, built 1926 as Potlatch Lumber Company #24. Acquired by Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie, Washington. Sold to the BHCR in 2016.
#110, Baldwin 2-6-6-2T, built 1928 as Weyerhauser Timber Company #110.
The Black Hills Central Railroad also has two diesel locomotives on its engine roster:
#63, EMD GP9, formerly Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) #6178.
#6657, Whitcomb 80 Tonner, built 1943 as US Army #7379.
1880 Train Black Hills Central Railroad from Hill City to Keystone South Dakota 7/17/17
Today we chased the 1880 train on on old Hill City Road in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
The locomotive leading this train has an interesting history. This is a 2-6-6-2T articulated Mallet that was built by The Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1928 for the Weyerhaeuser Timber Company of Vail, WA. Its next stop was The Rayonier Lumber Company where it received a tender from Rayonier #101 and was retired in 1968. This engine was later displayed at the Wasatch Mountain Railway in Heber City, UT, and then sold to the Nevada State Railway Museum. The #110 was sold to The BHC in 1999 and was trucked from Nevada to South Dakota on four semi-trailers. Restoration on this engine was completed in the spring of 2001. It is the only 2-6-6-2T Mallet in service in the world.
The first steam engine in the Black Hills was brought across the prairie by bull team to the Homestake Mining Company at Lead in 1879. In 1881, the Home-stake Company created the first narrow-gauge railroad in the Black Hills to haul its cargo and the public from Lead to several mining camps. In 1885, the first standard-gauge railroad reached Buffalo Gap, Dakota Territory, and was extended on into Rapid City the next year.
The standard-gauge Burlington branch that came to host the 1880 Train's operations was built in several portions between Hill City and Keystone during the central Black Hills mining boom in the 1890s and the first month of 1900. The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (hereafter referred to as the Burlington for simplicity), pushed its line into the southwestern corner of the newly created state of South Dakota in November of 1889. In the spring of 1890, construction of this began at Edgemont as the first phase of the High Line.
In the summer of 1927, President Calvin Coolidge dedicated a granite mountain three miles southwest of Keystone as America's Shrine of Democracy, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
In 1948, another monumental project was begun near a future route of the 1880 Train. South of Hill City, a granite mountain was chosen to memorialize the Lakota Indian warrior Crazy Horse. A young sculptor named Korzak Ziolkowski and several Lakota elders proclaimed that the mountain carving would let others know that the Indian peoples had great leaders, too.
Railroads in Lead City, 1900
During the late 1940s, diesel engines became more common than steam. After years of declining use, William B. Heckman (a public relations man with railroad experience) decided to start a railroad where steam actually operated and was not just relegated to static display. He and Robert Freer, a sales engineer of diesel locomotives in the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors, organized a group who believed there should be in operation at least one working steam railroad, for boys of all ages who share America's fondness for the rapidly vanishing steam locomotive.
On the morning of August 18, 1957, the first official train operated on the Black Hills Central Railroad. Veteran Burlington engineer Earl Coupens piloted the Klondike Casey and its two open-air coaches away from the Burlington's vintage1890 Hill City depot, up the four-percent grade of Tin Mill Hill and on to Oblivion. The route was nicknamed the 1880 Train, as it was likened by Heckman to riding a train in the 1880s. While not quite historically accurate (Heckman was never a rigorous advocate of historic accuracy), the dating of the operation stuck, and if nothing else, captured an illusion of the railroad history.
Robert and JoAnna Warder bought the Black Hills Central Railroad in 1990. As a result, the railroad experienced a rebirth. The existing operational locomotives (#7 and #104) were restored to prime condition, as were a number of the pieces of rolling stock. A new stall and machine shop were added to the Hill City Engine House for maintenance and restoration of locomotives, passenger cars and other rolling stock on a year-long basis. Railroad facilities were cleaned up and upgraded. In 2001, the link between Hill City and Keystone was restored, and trains were able to travel the steep grade in between the two depots, providing a vintage steam experience for thousands of tourists who visit the Black Hills on an annual basis.
Fifty years after its inception, the Black Hills Central Railroad is still providing what Heckman envisioned–a place where new generations experience a steam locomotive and a way to commemorate the vital role that railroads played in the development of this country.
Black Hills, South Dakota - 1880 Train / Black Hills Central Railroad at Hill City, SD (2019)
The Black Hills Central Railroad is a heritage railroad that operates in South Dakota, United States.
It currently operates the 1880 Train on the former Keystone Branch of the Burlington Northern Railroad (BN) between Hill City, South Dakota, and Keystone, South Dakota. This railroad line was originally built by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad as a mining railroad for gold in the Black Hills. It reached Keystone on January 20, 1900, and was later used to haul equipment for carving nearby Mount Rushmore.
In 1957, William Heckman and Robert Freer started the Black Hills Central Railroad which began operating a tourist passenger excursion train service on this line. In 1972, the Black Hills flood destroyed the last mile of the Burlington Northern/Black Hills Central line in Keystone, which was later restored in 2001.
The Black Hills Central Railroad restores early twentieth century-era locomotives and train cars and has been featured on television shows such as the Gunsmoke episode Snow Train, General Hospital, and the TNT mini-series Into the West. It also appeared in the movie Orphan Train.
Trains operate between early May and early October over the scenic 10-mile (16 km) line.
Preserved equipment:
The BHCR operates rare, well-preserved, and operational steam locomotives:
# 7, Baldwin 2-6-2, built 1919 as P&NW #7.
#103, Baldwin 2-6-2T, built 1922 as Silver Falls Timber Company (S.F.T.Co.) #103 before being sold to the BHCR in 1965.
#104, Baldwin 2-6-2T tank locomotive (pictured), built 1926 as S.F.T.Co. #104 before being sold to the BHCR in 1965
108, Baldwin 2-6-6-2T, built 1926 as Potlatch Lumber Company #24. Acquired by Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie, Washington. Sold to the BHCR in 2016.
#110, Baldwin 2-6-6-2T, built 1928 as Weyerhauser Timber Company #110.
The Black Hills Central Railroad also has two diesel locomotives on its engine roster:
#63, EMD GP9, formerly Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) #6178.
#6657, Whitcomb 80 Tonner, built 1943 as US Army #7379.
Black Hills Central Railroad Steam Train
Visit the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota for a look at a steam railroad! The Black Hills Central Railroad is the oldest continuously operating tourist railroad in the united states, opening for business in the 1950's. The railroad hauls passengers on an hour long trip between the towns of Hill City and Keystone, just a few miles from famed Mount Rushmore. Ride the train from Hill City to Keystone and back. All aboard!
Ride the 1880's train on your next trip! Visit 1880train.com
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Black Hills, South Dakota - 1880 Train / Black Hills Central Railroad at Keystone, SD (2019)
The Black Hills Central Railroad is a heritage railroad that operates in South Dakota, United States.
It currently operates the 1880 Train on the former Keystone Branch of the Burlington Northern Railroad (BN) between Hill City, South Dakota, and Keystone, South Dakota. This railroad line was originally built by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad as a mining railroad for gold in the Black Hills. It reached Keystone on January 20, 1900, and was later used to haul equipment for carving nearby Mount Rushmore.
In 1957, William Heckman and Robert Freer started the Black Hills Central Railroad which began operating a tourist passenger excursion train service on this line. In 1972, the Black Hills flood destroyed the last mile of the Burlington Northern/Black Hills Central line in Keystone, which was later restored in 2001.
The Black Hills Central Railroad restores early twentieth century-era locomotives and train cars and has been featured on television shows such as the Gunsmoke episode Snow Train, General Hospital, and the TNT mini-series Into the West. It also appeared in the movie Orphan Train.
Trains operate between early May and early October over the scenic 10-mile (16 km) line.
Preserved equipment:
The BHCR operates rare, well-preserved, and operational steam locomotives:
# 7, Baldwin 2-6-2, built 1919 as P&NW #7.
#103, Baldwin 2-6-2T, built 1922 as Silver Falls Timber Company (S.F.T.Co.) #103 before being sold to the BHCR in 1965.
#104, Baldwin 2-6-2T tank locomotive (pictured), built 1926 as S.F.T.Co. #104 before being sold to the BHCR in 1965
108, Baldwin 2-6-6-2T, built 1926 as Potlatch Lumber Company #24. Acquired by Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie, Washington. Sold to the BHCR in 2016.
#110, Baldwin 2-6-6-2T, built 1928 as Weyerhauser Timber Company #110.
The Black Hills Central Railroad also has two diesel locomotives on its engine roster:
#63, EMD GP9, formerly Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) #6178.
#6657, Whitcomb 80 Tonner, built 1943 as US Army #7379.
Black Hills, South Dakota - 1880 Train / Black Hills Central Railroad Departing Hill City, SD (2019)
The Black Hills Central Railroad is a heritage railroad that operates in South Dakota, United States.
It currently operates the 1880 Train on the former Keystone Branch of the Burlington Northern Railroad (BN) between Hill City, South Dakota, and Keystone, South Dakota. This railroad line was originally built by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad as a mining railroad for gold in the Black Hills. It reached Keystone on January 20, 1900, and was later used to haul equipment for carving nearby Mount Rushmore.
In 1957, William Heckman and Robert Freer started the Black Hills Central Railroad which began operating a tourist passenger excursion train service on this line. In 1972, the Black Hills flood destroyed the last mile of the Burlington Northern/Black Hills Central line in Keystone, which was later restored in 2001.
The Black Hills Central Railroad restores early twentieth century-era locomotives and train cars and has been featured on television shows such as the Gunsmoke episode Snow Train, General Hospital, and the TNT mini-series Into the West. It also appeared in the movie Orphan Train.
Trains operate between early May and early October over the scenic 10-mile (16 km) line.
Preserved equipment:
The BHCR operates rare, well-preserved, and operational steam locomotives:
# 7, Baldwin 2-6-2, built 1919 as P&NW #7.
#103, Baldwin 2-6-2T, built 1922 as Silver Falls Timber Company (S.F.T.Co.) #103 before being sold to the BHCR in 1965.
#104, Baldwin 2-6-2T tank locomotive (pictured), built 1926 as S.F.T.Co. #104 before being sold to the BHCR in 1965
108, Baldwin 2-6-6-2T, built 1926 as Potlatch Lumber Company #24. Acquired by Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie, Washington. Sold to the BHCR in 2016.
#110, Baldwin 2-6-6-2T, built 1928 as Weyerhauser Timber Company #110.
The Black Hills Central Railroad also has two diesel locomotives on its engine roster:
#63, EMD GP9, formerly Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) #6178.
#6657, Whitcomb 80 Tonner, built 1943 as US Army #7379.
1880 Train
A scenic train ride through the Black Hills National Forest of South Dakota.
Ride the Black Hills Central Railroad - Hill City, South Dakota
All ABOARD the historic 1880 train running ten miles between Hill City and Keystone, South Dakota. This railroad line was originally built as a mining railroad for gold in the Black Hills. It reached Keystone on January 20, 1900 and was later used to haul equipment for carving nearby Mount Rushmore. The Baldwin 2-6-2T #104 locomotive and train cars and have been featured on television shows, such as the Gunsmoke episode Snow Train, General Hospital, and the TNT mini-series, Into the West. It also appeared in the movie, Orphan Train. Keep your head and arms in the train at all times since hot embers shower those who don't!
Related video:
1880 Train - Black Hills Central RR, Round trip Hill City to Keystone
Round trip from Hill City South Dakota to Keystone South Dakota on the Black Hill Central Railroad 1880 Train. the video begins with a few short clips of the train leaving Hill City then the remainder of the video is from inside the train capturing the beauty of the Black Hills and the thrill of riding the train.
1880 Train Black Hills Central
All Aboard the 1880 Train: Black Hills Central Railroad
Jon Olson, a Black Hills native, gives a behind the scenes tour of the 1880 Train in beautiful Hill City, South Dakota. Imagine yourself immersed in the staggering beauty of the Black Hills of Western South Dakota! Imagine you're gliding over the rugged landscape aboard a vintage steam train, like those that helped settle the Great American West!
1880 Train | Black Hills, South Dakota
See the Black Hills of South Dakota by vintage steam train. Experience this two-hour, relaxing 20-mile round trip ride between Hill City and Keystone.
See more info at
Things you must Do, Things to Do, Things to See in the Black Hills, Hill City, Keystone, South Dakota, near Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse.
Riding the 1880's Train
A historic, family fun activity, the 1880 Train travels from Hill City to Keystone daily and is a great way to see the countryside from a different perspective. The train ride is fun for all ages!
As you steam through the countryside, you learn about area history, see beautiful scenery, and sometimes see wildlife, such as deer and turkey. The train has been in operation since 1957 and follows an old railroad track that was laid in the late 1880's. All of the passenger cars are historic and have been beautifully restored and maintained.
If you go, be sure to also stop by the South Dakota State Railroad Museum on site in Hill City.
For more information, visit 1880train.com
1880 Train Quick Trip In South Dakota
Sorry for the window frame from the train car in the picture. This was a real steam engine pulling restored passenger cars from years passed. Trip was from Hull City Station South Dakota to Keystone Station South Dakota. Rail fans will like the ticket price. Total American history on the rails.
1880 Train, Riding on the Steam Train in the Black Hills
I took the round trip from Hill City SD to Keystone SD. 10 miles one way going about 10mph. Very cool to see what is was like to travel 130 years ago. If you would like to support this channel please visit
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Taking A Ride On The 1880 Train From Hill City, SD To Keystone, SD, And Back Again
We rode the 1880 train from Hill City, SD to Keystone, SD, and back for my mom's birthday. It was a blast. I've never ridden on a steam train before so it was definitely a great experience.
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1880 Train in Keystone, South Dakota
I took this video of the 1880 Train on August 27, 2019 while staying at the K Bar S Lodge in Keystone, South Dakota. The Black Hills Central Railroad operates the 1880 Train excursion between Keystone, SD and Hill City, SD. It is a 2-hour, narrated 20-mile round trip.
A Ride in the Hills
A ride on the 1880 Train from Hill City to Keystone SD and back. May 26, 2015.