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South Dakota Fall Foliage Train Rides

Published: September 8, 2025

By: Adam Burns

South Dakota doesn’t get the same leaf-peeping headlines as New England, but when autumn settles over the Black Hills and prairies, the state glows with a quieter kind of color: golden aspen groves, cottonwoods along creeks, and russet prairie grasses beneath endless sky. If you’re looking for fall foliage train rides in South Dakota, you won’t find a long list, but you will find a memorable one.

The Black Hills Central Railroad—better known as the 1880 Train—offers the state’s signature heritage rail experience, and timing your trip for late September into early October adds a seasonal layer of magic. Pair that ride with nearby scenic drives and small-town festivals, and you’ve got a weekend that feels tailor-made for autumn.

Locations

The 1880 Train

The Black Hills Central Railroad runs between Hill City and Keystone, two historic mining towns about 30 minutes from Rapid City. The line threads roughly 10 miles each way through ponderosa pine forests, past granite outcrops, meadows, and creek bottoms where aspens and cottonwoods ignite in yellow and gold.

It’s a two-hour round trip at an unhurried pace, with vintage coaches pulled by restored steam locomotives on many departures and by diesel on others. While the Black Hills is dominated by evergreens, the pockets of deciduous trees blaze in contrast, and the angled light of autumn afternoons makes the rock and forest textures pop.

What you’ll see

Black Hills granite: Needle-like outcrops and rounded boulders frame the line, especially as you approach Keystone. Autumn light adds depth and warmth to these formations.

Mixed woodland color: Expect golden aspen stands, yellow cottonwoods near water, and occasional sumac reds. The contrast with dark pine is striking on clear days.

History along the rails: Remnants of the mining era—trestles, cuts, historic rights-of-way—add charm to the scenery without feeling like a museum lecture.
- Wildlife: Deer, wild turkey, and raptors are common. Early morning and late afternoon are best for sightings.

When to go

Fall color in the Black Hills typically peaks from the last week of September into the first week or two of October. Higher elevations turn a bit earlier; sheltered canyons hang on a few days longer. Weather and moisture shift timing each year, so watch local reports from Hill City, Custer State Park, and Spearfish Canyon in the lead-up to your trip.

The 1880 Train’s regular season generally runs through late September with additional departures into October, especially on weekends. Special themed runs sometimes coincide with fall weekends. Schedules change annually; check the railroad’s official calendar for current dates and times.

Practicalities on board

The 1880 Train runs vintage coaches with modern safety standards. Restrooms are typically available at stations, and some trains have limited onboard amenities; plan snacks and water accordingly.

Autumn in the Black Hills can swing from 70s and sunny to crisp and breezy on the same day. Wear layers, bring a light jacket, and pack sun protection—high-country sun can be strong even when it’s cool.

If you need wheelchair access or other accommodations, contact the railroad before booking to confirm current options; equipment and procedures can change.

Make a weekend of it

Because South Dakota has just a handful of tourist rail options, the best fall foliage itinerary combines the 1880 Train with iconic drives and short hikes.

Custer State Park and the Needles: After a morning or early afternoon train, drive the Needles Highway (SD 87) and Iron Mountain Road. Both are spectacular in autumn, with pigtail bridges, tunnels that frame Mount Rushmore, and patches of golden aspen. The Wildlife Loop adds bison, pronghorn, and prairie vistas dusted with amber grasses.

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (US 14A): A must in late September, this limestone canyon is the state’s marquee fall show. Bridal Veil and Roughlock Falls sit amid gold and orange foliage, and the canyon’s microclimates extend color a bit later than uplands.

Hill City and Keystone: Explore galleries, Black Hills wineries and breweries, and small-town fall events. Look for harvest-themed markets and local Oktoberfest celebrations in the region.

Mount Rushmore at golden hour: The granite faces glow in late-day light, and surrounding trees show their seasonal palette.

Family-friendly notes

The 1880 Train is great for kids: short enough to hold attention, slow enough to take in details, and full of vintage charm. Bring a light blanket and snacks for younger riders on cool days.

Use station time for bathroom breaks and photos with the locomotive. If you’re traveling with seniors, the gentle pace and comfortable seating make this a low-stress outing; just be sure to confirm boarding assistance if needed.

Fall By Rail

A train ride slows you down and reframes familiar landscapes. In the Black Hills, that means seeing autumn color in context: not as a solid wall of red and orange, but as luminous stripes of gold against evergreen, granite, and blue sky.

The 1880 Train delivers that perspective with a sense of history and a rhythm that suits the season. With just a bit of planning around peak color and schedules, you’ll come away with photos—and memories—that feel distinctly South Dakotan.