1880 Train - Keystone Depot — Attraction in Keystone

The trip was fine, save that the crew didn't have the forsight to close the doors and air vents in the cars before the trip. The temperatures were somewhere in the 50's before the train was moving, which made the first stretch to Hill City long and uncomfortable. When we reached Hill City, I asked other patrons if they would mind if I closed the vents for the return stretch, which they all excitedly welcomed. Then, when the return trip started, I asked the crew if one door could be closed to stop the draft through the length of the car which, again, other patrons welcomed. The crews and event were terrific, save for this one oversight.

*"Response from the owner Thank you for the review and for spending time with us on the 1880 Train. It's a good idea when riding the train in the fall to wear layers due to the ever changing weather of the Black Hills."

An addition due to the vendors response: I am from the Nebraska, were a 60 degree temperature swing in a day, or wind chill temperatures of -21 below are not uncommon. So, when someone who is used to this type of midwest variance, who is wearing a long sleeve shirt under a button-up, and has a insulated two-layer motorcycle riding jacket (with the armor inserts for just that extra touch of insulation) thinks it's a good idea to (and stick with me on this radical idea) CLOSE...THE...DOOR when traveling along in a moving vehicle, maybe consider that suggestion instead of assuming they showed up in a t-shirt and shorts. (Rick types as he adjusts his 4...

A fantastic experience! Rode roundtrip from Keystone to Hill City. Stayed an extra 3 hours in Hill City before the return trip which was worth it to have time to shop and explore there. Ate at the station and they do have good food, just limited. Recommend pulled pork or croissant sandwich. Reserve seats on opposite sides so you get both views on the round trip. Open cars were nice with better opportunities to take pictures and enjoy the breeze and smells of the woods. However, seats were wood which is somewhat uncomfortable. It is a tight fit if two large people want to share a seat. Better to get one seat per person if you want space to move around for pictures. Closed cars had more comfortable looking seats (padded) and you could open the windows, just smaller views. Snacks are sold onboard after the train leaves the station, but they only go around once. You can eat and drink on the train. Recommend making reservations online, just be careful to get the right seating. Middle or back of the car seems preferable if you want to get shots of the engine in action. No bathrooms on the train so use the facilities at the station. Train museum at Hill City is okay, but I've seen better. Highly recommend this 1880...

A real steam engine with cars from the 19th century. The history, views, and staff were amazing. I recommend making a reservation in advance. We went on a Tuesday at 12:45 and it was packed both ways, in addition to the trip before and the trip after.

We rode Keystone to Hill City. The “window” cars have windows that slide open, the “open” cars have a roof, but completely open sides.

It was hot, but the train was moving, the wind was blowing and the kids were sleeping by the end of the first trip! Trains are so relaxing…

Pro tip-we were on Battle Creek which had padded seats. Some of the cars had park-bench seats, others had padded. Make sure you get what you want (long trip to sit on wood slats). The seats flip, so no matter which way you go, you will be facing forward.

They sell drinks/snacks on the train (cash only). If you go keystone to hill city, sit up front by the engine. It does a “steam off” as its pulling into hill city which look awesome! Then, while they are filling up the steam engine, walk a block to the west and get an ice cream...