A Vacation Trip to Hill City, South Dakota
Travel Back in Time A Black Hills Vacation Ride the 1880 Train
Jun 12, 2009
Hill City, South Dakota, is located in the scenic Black Hills,. This historic town is also referred to as the “Heart of the Hills,” because it is almost in the very center.
Hill City Began With the Gold Rush
Hill City, South Dakota began in the late 1800 during the gold rush. Major General George Armstrong Custer led his army through the Black Hills on an expedition. He took along civilian prospector, Horatio N. Ross. In 1874, Horatio discovered gold in the French Creek, 13 miles south of Hill City. Miners settled in Hill City also which they called Hilyo, in 1876 this was the second American settlement in the Black hills.
When gold was discovered further north, Hill City almost became a ghost town. Then in 1883, they made another discovery. This time it was and the town began to flourish once again. The Harney Peak Tin Mining, Milling and Manufacturing Company set up its office. Back then, the town had 15 saloons on Main Street. It was a wild town and the people dubbed it as “a town with a church on each end and a mile of hell in between.
Historic, Old Buildings
One of the original buildings, the Harney Peak Hotel remained in operation until 1934. Toda, with the building restored it is renamed, The Alpine Inn. This building made the list on The Registered Historic places in South Dakota. In 1992, the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research opened and it has an excavation and display of dinosaur and other fossils.
The 1880 Train
Also in the town, you can find the Black Hills Central Railroad. Here is the infamous 1880 Train and it is the old time steam locomotive that still works. The 1880 Train and location has been on an episode of Gunsmoke, titled Snow Train. It was on the daytime soap, General Hospital, the Orphan Train movie and the TV mini-series Into the West produced by TNT.
Back in the 1880, this train would take supplies to the mining camp, today it takes passengers to Keystone, South Dakota then back again to Hill City. Along the route, you can see the old mining camp, unspoiled nature and artifacts. Even Deer and wild turkeys often make an unscheduled appearance along the train tracks. There is an excellent view of Harney Peak, the highest point in South Dakota. Round trip lasts approximately 2 hours, and it is 10 miles of track one way. It runs on a regular schedule 4 times a day. Be sure to check out the 1880 Train - Train Schedule for times.
The cost of tickets as of 2009: Round Trip: Adult $22.00. Child 3-12, $12.00. Age 2 and under travel free.
Special events on the 1880 Train
According to an article From True West Magazine here are some of the holiday events planned.
Evening Train Ride and BBQ with Teddy Roosevelt on 07/05/09. At 5:15 P.M. Guests will enjoy a BBQ dinner and live music. Afterwards they will leave on the train for a one-hour journey. Cost is $28.00.
Fireworks Express on 07/03/09 at 7:30. Guests will ride the train to a location where they can see the Mt. Rushmore Memorials fireworks display. Enjoy a glass of Champagne or soda while on the train. Once at the viewing area, a deluxe picnic box will be given to everyone. Cost $35.00.
Wine Express into the West on 9/19/09 at 1:30 p.m. Enjoy a wonderful meal served with Prairie Berry wines, served in a keepsake wine glass during the train ride. Everyone must be 21 to participate. Cost is $62.00.
Fright Train on 10/31/ 09 at 7:30. This trip is for people 21 and older. During the train ride, guests will receive three glasses of wine served in a keepsake glass and a snack. Since it's Halloween, be prepared for a scarily good time. Cost is $45.00.
Holiday Express. Take a journey with Santa. Each child gets to meet jolly St. Nick and will receive a small Christmas gift. Dates are November 27th and 28, December 12th, 19th, and 23. Times are 4:15 p.m. And 6:00 p.m.
 |
