I keep going between 3 and 4 stars, but decided to bump up to 4. For a train enthusiast, young or old this is a fun experience to get to ride the train in a historical setting. It is something different to do in the area and good for all ages.
I was expecting the seats and train cars to be very uncomfortable, but we had enough room to spread out and the seats were mostly comfortable. The windows open or close to your preference if you aren't in an open air car. We brought a foldable stroller that we had no problem putting under the seats or by the door of the train.
I know we passed through historical areas and there is info being shared about what you're seeing, but we could not hear anything over the speaker on the train so it was mostly just a slow, hot scenic train ride where we didn't know what we were seeing really. It lulled both of my kids and husband to sleep on the way back.
The Keystone depot is much smaller than Hill city but has bathrooms and a small gift shop and is right in the heart of downtown which makes walking somewhere quick and easy. We wish we would have taken the train right back from Hill city instead of having a three hour break there.
The rules about food on the train are a little confusing. The website when you bought tickets said no outside food that you didn't buy there but then when I got there, there were signs that said food is welcome on the train. They did sell popcorn and candy and drinks on the train which we did not purchase. My kids had a few snacks that we brought while on the train and there was nobody there to monitor it or say anything.
Again, our kids enjoyed it (although got a little bored toward the end) and it was a nice break from the area parks and active activities, but I don't think it's something we would repeat if we were in the area. read more