Scenic Train Rides of the Upper Midwest

Many Upper Midwest railway lines have been terminated, but the wail of the train whistle has not been totally lost. Some former railroad communities are taking advantage of their scenic surroundings, still existent railroad track, and restored locomotives and passenger cars to offer train rides to vacationing families. All aboard for a look at three scenic train rides of the Upper Midwest.

South Dakota's 1880 Train
While vacationing in the Black Hills area of the Upper Midwest, the entire family will enjoy a scenic train ride aboard the 1880 train. This train winds its way from Hill City just north of the Crazy Horse Memorial to Keystone, a city northeast of Mount Rushmore National Monument. Beautiful scenery along the way includes wildlife, meadows, old abandoned buildings, long-deserted mines, and, of course, the famous Black Hills. On the way, you will learn quite a bit about the area and the train itself through the train staff guide. The distance one way is twenty miles and takes one hour. After a fifteen minute layover, the train returns to Hill City via the same scenic route.

The Black Hills Central Railroad has run both diesel and steam powered locomotives with restored period passenger cars on this train track since 1957. Round trip rates for the 2008 tourist season were $21 for anyone 13 years old and above and $12 for children ages 3 to 12. One way tickets sold for $17 and $10. Special group rates are available.

Special event trains run on Mother's and Father's Day as well as the Fourth of July (the Fireworks Express). The Mother's Day, Fourth of July, and Wine Train rides include a shootout robbery reenactment to entertain you while you enjoy the scenic ride. In October, there is a Fright Train with spooky entertainment and costumes. A Holiday Express operates from the end of November to just before Christmas Day complete with a visit to Santa Claus. Web reservations may be made no less than 24 hours in advance of the planned scenic train ride of your choice. Tickets are not mailed out, so you must be sure to arrive 45 minutes early to check in and purchase tickets.