1880's Train Ride From Hill City To Keystone

It a cool day for a train ride and 1880's train that is. Got to the train station about an hour early and there was already a huge line waiting for the train at 10 am wow. Got our tickets and of course since we are VIP pass holder we get the train ride for free we saved $56.00 who doesn't like free stuff lol...

The train has arrived and they have to disconnect the engine and go to the water tower and fill up it is a steam engine very very cool. All aboard who's going aboard so lets go...... We decided that we were going to ride on an open air train i think it is better for all the pictures. The car that we sat in happened to be a old caboose car that was converted into a passenger car.  They also have a car that is completely enclosed but the windows will open if you would like they have a car that you can roll down plastic window coverings

what's that I hear horn sounds and we are ready for take off this is exciting.

This is one of the steepest railroads in the US you do not really get up to a high speed it is a nice leisure ride through the hills it takes about an hour and there are no bathrooms on the train so make sure you use them at the train station. There is a lady that will walk through the train and take pictures of you and your party and super impose you in front on the  1880's train or Mount Rushmore we did not do it but we saw people getting them done a little pricey for me $20.00 a picture. The guides on the train give you information about the black hills and the sites that you will see along the way at one point you can get a really good picture of Harney Peak.

Wildlife is everywhere deer,beavers, chipmunks etc.... Also you get to feel like royalty for the day as you cross over the roads people will stop and wave and of course you wave back. Half way through the ride a concessions person came by and sold snacks, drinks and popcorn. I would personally buy your drink before getting on the train it's $1.50 for a can soda snacks and reasonably priced though.

We are about to pull into Keystone the last horn will sound and that is when you are safe to stand up get off and explore Keystone and if you are going right back to Hill City you will get a 15 bathroom break and back you go.