Through Chloe's Blue Eyes: 1880's Train

July 25, 2025

Custer's Gulch RV Park

Custer, SD

You're beginning to make a habit of this zipping out the door as soon as breakfast is done. Oh, you didn't want to miss the train.

So you boarded in Keystone

on an 1880's train pulled by a steam engine.

The train ride was a tad noisy....and that's not because the train whistle blew at 14 train crossing as we zig zagged with the road. It was because of a couple of families traveling together who acted like they were the only ones around and rudely gabbed in loud voices the whole trip without giving anyone a chance to hear any announcements or commentary that was being broadcast over a speaker system.

a picture taken from the train window of the train cars rounding a bend

the conductor receiving the 'all aboard' announcement

The train stopped at the depot in Hill City in just under an hour where lunch was enjoyed at Alpine Inn followed by some shopping. Check out this T shirt.

Someone has a sense of humor.

The train trip back to Keystone was a pleasant trip. Everyone could hear the commentary as well as the sound of the train riding on the tracks. Very courteous train riders on this trip.

All the train employees were super friendly, helpful, and seemed to enjoy their jobs.

Dad said he was glad our train car had padded seats for a more comfortable ride.

I had a nice LONG nap while they were gone. And no sooner did they return and Pam and Momma went buffalo hunting on the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park. Dad decided to keep me company and let me chase my ball a bit.

The gals had a successful trip. Hunter Pam took Momma off the paved road, onto a dirt road, and they had an up close encounter with buffalos. Momma, I can't use all these pictures. There are just too many. Everywhere you look there were buffalo...some close by and others in the grassland area...babies as well as adults.