Do you have a love of trains and railroad history and feel a tinge of excitement every time you hear the sound of a locomotive? If you answered yes, you live in the right place, as South Dakota is rich in railroad history and train-related attractions! If you are a true railroad fan, however, we want you to prove it by checking off everything on this South Dakota train bucket list:
1. 1880 Train (Hill City)
You cannot begin a bucket list of South Dakota trains without mentioning THE 1880 Train! Located along a historic train line, the 1880 Train takes you from Hill City to Keystone (and back) via a stunning Black Hills route that you have never seen. All aboard!
Address: 222 Railroad Avenue, Hill City, SD 57745
2. South Dakota State Railroad Museum (Hill City)
If you take a ride on the 1880 Train, you have to also see the South Dakota State Railroad Museum, not only because it's fascinating but because it is located right next door to the train station! Featuring numerous hands-on exhibits, timelines, and old-time replicas, the South Dakota State Railroad Museum is a must for any bucket list.
Address: 222 Railroad Avenue, Hill City, SD 57745
3. The Depot (Mitchell)
You may be getting hungry after all your time in Hill City, so it is time to head to Mitchell for a delicious meal in an exquisite setting: an old Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad Depot! Whether you opt for a juicy steak, a tasty sandwich, or just a cold drink, you are sure to find something to love at The Depot.
Address: 210 South Main Street, Mitchell, SD 57301
4. '50s Train Diner (Midland)
Like The Depot, the '50s Train Diner is a once-working train car that is now the setting of an unforgettable restaurant. Nestled away in the nostalgic 1880 Town, the '50s Train Diner is a Santa Fe Train car-turned-diner that serves everything from burgers and fries to biscuits and gravy to killer milkshakes.
Address: 24280 SD Highway 63, Midland, SD 57552
5. Model Train (Deadwood)
Whether you are a kid or a kid at heart, you are going to love the Deadwood Model Train, an impressive replica of 1880s Deadwood that boasts moving trains, iconic buildings to size, and other fun surprises.
Address: Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732
6. Sioux Valley Model Engineers Society (Sioux Falls)
Last but not least on our train enthusiast bucket list is the Sioux Valley Model Engineers Society: a group of model train enthusiasts and engineers who come together to build the best models in the state! While this is not a permanent exhibit, the Engineers do hold periodic open houses, so please visit their
website for upcoming events.
Address: 100 Lyon Boulevard, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
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