RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – After 36 years of ownership, the Warder family announced Friday they are transitioning stewardship of the 1880 Train to WCI and partner ZMC.

In a statement, the family thanked the Black Hills community, employees and visitors for supporting the historic railroad over nearly four decades.

“For the past 36 years, this train has been far more than a business to our family, it has been part of our lives, our community, and our legacy,” said Meg Warder. “We are deeply grateful to the employees, passengers, local businesses, and communities of the Black Hills who supported us through the years and helped preserve this incredible piece of South Dakota history.”

The family said they are confident WCI will continue preserving the railroad’s heritage and role in Black Hills tourism. Since taking ownership in the late 1980s, the Warders helped grow the attraction into one of the region’s best-known historic experiences, welcoming visitors from around the world while supporting local jobs and railroad preservation efforts.

The statement also recognized the railroad’s employees, past and present, saying the success of the train has always depended on the people who kept it operating.

Although the transition marks the end of the Warder family’s ownership, they said they look forward to seeing the 1880 Train remain an important part of the Black Hills experience for years to come.

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