Railroads have long had an impact on South Dakota and our entire nation. Now, South Dakota’s unique railroad history and its influences on the region and its people are showcased in Hill City.

The South Dakota State Railroad Museum (SDSRM) , on the grounds of the venerable 1880 TRAIN, draws on the wealth of its unique collections and staff experience in order to educate, entertain, and provide visitors of all ages with an understanding of their relationship with railroads and their history, and the current role of railroads in everyday life.

Our philosophy is to provide an accurate presentation of the purpose and story of the railroads and their employees. We are committed to preserving and interpreting of genuine, original artifacts and memorabilia in the presentation of the museum's exhibits and displays. So much of our collective history and culture as South Dakotans is tied to railroads – good and bad; we all have been influenced by trains, and that continues even today. Visitors will experience how, when, and why the railroads have influenced the residents, cultures, and environment of the state and region.

Three remarkable features of the Museum include an indoor dual gauge (standard and narrow gauges) rail line for display of full-size rail equipment, a 75-foot timeline/mural entitled “TimeRail”, and a reference library which consists of books, documents, and other forms of media related to South Dakota railroads for the purposes of education, preservation, genealogical research, reference, and documentation.

One of the Museum’s main goals is to provide comprehensive railroad and history programming for all ages and interest levels in South Dakota by partnering with and promoting other railroad museums and related sites around the region through displays, special presentations, research, and related education.

We are all about the People, Places, and Trains!