Black Hills' Historic 1880 Train Acquired by Tennessee Entertainment Giant

HILL CITY, SD – May 08, 2026 – The unmistakable whistle of the 1880 Train, a sound that has echoed through the Black Hills for nearly seven decades, will now be guided by a new hand. Tennessee-based entertainment powerhouse World Choice Investments (WCI) announced its acquisition of the iconic Black Hills Central Railroad, famously known as the 1880 Train. The deal marks a significant expansion for WCI, a company renowned for its portfolio of dinner shows and attractions in tourist meccas like Pigeon Forge and Branson.

The announcement comes just a day before the vintage steam train embarks on its 2026 season, beginning May 9. The acquisition plants WCI's flag in a new state and a new tourism sector, diversifying its holdings with one of the most unique heritage attractions in the country. While the financial terms of the private deal were not disclosed, the move ensures the continued operation of a beloved regional landmark as the busy summer season gets underway.

“All of our shows and attractions provide great opportunities for families to enjoy unique experiences together, and we know that the 1880 Train does just that,” said World Choice Investments CEO Jack Lawrence in a statement. He described the purchase as a “win-win” for the company and for visitors to the popular South Dakota destination, adding that the train is an “ideal addition to our family of properties.”

A New Route for a Theatrical Powerhouse

Since its founding in 1988, World Choice Investments has built an empire on high-energy, family-friendly entertainment. Its properties—including Dolly Parton's Stampede, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, and the Titanic Museum Attraction—are staples of tourism corridors in Tennessee, Missouri, South Carolina, and Florida. These venues are known for their intricate productions, special effects, and immersive themes, attracting millions of visitors annually.

The acquisition of the 1880 Train represents a strategic pivot. It is the company's first major investment in a historic railway and its first attraction in South Dakota. This move signals a deliberate expansion beyond its traditional dinner-and-a-show model into the burgeoning market of heritage and experiential tourism. By acquiring an asset whose value is rooted in authenticity and history, WCI is tapping into a consumer demand for tangible, nostalgic experiences.

This isn't the company's first major acquisition; in 2019, it consolidated several major theaters in Pigeon Forge, demonstrating a pattern of purchasing established and successful attractions. However, unlike a theater which can be reprogrammed, the 1880 Train is a living piece of history. Its appeal lies in its authenticity—the rich hardwood interiors, the chug of a real steam engine, and the original mining rail spur it travels between Hill City and Keystone. The challenge and opportunity for WCI will be to leverage its marketing and operational prowess without diminishing the historical character that makes the train a treasured institution.

A Legacy Steaming into a New Era

The Black Hills Central Railroad is far more than a simple tourist ride. Launched in 1957 by William Heckman and Robert Freer, it is the oldest continuously operating standard gauge excursion train in the world. The founders sought to preserve the golden age of steam railroading, and the attraction has remained true to that vision. It operates on a 10-mile stretch of track originally laid in the early 1900s to serve the region's gold mining and lumber industries.

In 1990, the railroad was purchased by Robert and Jo Anne Warder, who, along with their daughter Meg, invested significantly in its restoration and preservation. Under their stewardship, the railroad's fleet was meticulously maintained and upgraded, including the restoration of Locomotive #110, a rare 2-6-6-2T articulated Mallet built in 1928. These efforts culminated in the railroad's addition to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, cementing its status as a national treasure.

For the Black Hills region, the 1880 Train is an economic and cultural anchor. Annually drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors, it serves as a gateway to other major landmarks like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial. The acquisition by a well-capitalized company like WCI is seen by many as a positive step, securing the financial future and operational stability of an attraction vital to the local tourism economy.

The Enduring Allure of Authentic Experiences

The deal highlights a broader trend in the travel industry: the rising value of authenticity. In an increasingly digital world, tourists are actively seeking out tangible, immersive experiences. The 1880 Train offers just that—a multi-sensory journey back in time. The smell of coal smoke, the rhythmic clatter of wheels on the track, and the stunning vistas of the Black Hills create a powerful sense of nostalgia and connection to the past.

This desire for authentic experiences is what makes a vintage railway in South Dakota an attractive asset for a national entertainment corporation. WCI is betting that the market for heritage tourism will continue to grow. By integrating the 1880 Train into its portfolio, the company gains access to a different demographic of traveler and diversifies its revenue streams.

As the 1880 Train prepares for its first journey under new ownership, WCI has indicated a commitment to continuity. The company's immediate focus appears to be on a smooth transition that honors the train's legacy. Potential future synergies could include enhanced marketing efforts, leveraging WCI's national customer database, and perhaps introducing new themed excursions that complement the historic nature of the ride. For now, as the steam engine builds pressure for the new season, visitors can expect the same classic journey that has delighted generations.