Halloween in the Black Hills inspires creative events of all types, but there is one in the area that is truly unique. Many visitors know it as the 1880 Train out of Hill City, but each year around this time it makes the spooky transformation into the “Fright Train” for one special night.

The Fright Train event is a partnership between the folks at the 1880 Train and the Prairie Berry Winery. All of the train cars get decorated with eerie Halloween themes and passengers are encouraged to wear costumes for the ride.

The brave souls who take part in the ride will enjoy a night train ride from Hill City to the little known community of Oblivion and back. During the ride there will be scary entertainment both on the train and also in the surrounding forest.

I spoke with a staff member down at the train depot this morning and she wouldn’t say exactly what the scary entertainment will involve, but gave me enough of a hint to know that it is sure to be a good time. She definitely has my interest piqued and I’m hoping to make it to the Fright Train this year.

Since one of the other main features of the ride will be three special wine “potions” from Prairie Berry Winery, all riders must be at least 21 years old. The ride is on Saturday, October 31st and all riders are asked to be at the train depot in Hill City by 6:45.

The Fright Train can hold about 300 riders and the staff told me that they have already sold about 200 of those for this year’s ride. If you’re interested in experiencing this fun event for yourself, call or email the crew at the 1880 Train or check out their website and they’ll get you taken care of. Now, off to figure out my costume.