South Dakota State Railroad Museum
- Date Visited: September 10, 2020
- Address: 222 Railroad Ave Building A, Hill City, SD 57745
- Phone: 605-574-9000
- Website
- Price: $7 per ticket or $5 for 1880 Train passengers, Kids 10 and under free
The South Dakota State Railroad Museum is located next to the 1880 Train Depot in the town of Hill City.
This small museum is full of railroad equipment, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits. A very informative 70-foot “TimeRail” mural graces the walls depicting the history of the South Dakota and American railroad.
An entire train caboose is located in the middle of the museum that you can walk in and a replica of half a train depot has been constructed in the building.
They had some items I had never seen before and a great collection of old gas lanterns that I fell in love with.
While the caboose is pretty cool the giant model train display is another major museum highlight. With a push of a button, a train travels the rails through the South Dakota landscape.
I would have been happier if the price tag was like 5 bucks though because this museum is a bit on the small side. For its size, there are a number of cool exhibits presented and a wealth of information provided.
If you’re a railroad fan you will totally dig this place.
You can also ride the 1880 Train next door, but we thought it was a little expensive so decided to skip it.
