The Dakota Southern RR was completed from Souix City, Iowa to Vermillion in 1872. The state that once boosted of having over 4000 miles of track, today it has less than half that amount. And where the Black Hills were once home to a large network of mine branches,  just a few have survived. Today you can travel by rail excursion through the Black Hills and experience all the beauty that the landscape has to offer.
Your best bet is the Black Hills Central RR for an all around historic scenic train ride.

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The 1880 Train ride recreates the experience of an 1880's mountain railroad. Located near Mount Rushmore,  experience this old time  train ride behind the power of the  vintage  Baldwin 2-6-2, the historic #7 steam engine built in 1919, as it makes it's 2hour, 20-mile round trip scenic train ride between Keystone and Hill City, running through the rugged and historic landscape of the Black Hills.  Several daily trains run between May and October. Don't forget to check out the last operating Mallet in the US, #110 . A  2-6-6-2T, that Baldwin built in 1928,  can operate on grades of better than 4%. Also check schedule for a Day out with Thomas train rides.
Directions

MADISON

PRAIRIE VILLAGE

Village museum has a collection of rail equipment, restored building and preserved farm machinery. Collection includes several steam and diesel locomotives as well as several cabooses. Buildings include a 3 stall roundhouse. A 2 mile train ride around the village runs on Sundays. Directions.

MILBANK
WHETSTONE VALLEY EXPRESS

605-432-9229 or 605-432-6817