After an incredible visit to Badlands National Park, our South Dakota road trip continued with a stop at 1880 Town, located just off I-90 near Murdo, South Dakota. This charming Old West attraction was the perfect place to stretch our legs and immerse ourselves in a bit of history before continuing on to Sioux Falls for the night. From there, we planned to head to Wisconsin to visit family—but this stop turned out to be a memorable highlight of our journey. Here is our review of 1880 Town with kids!
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1880 Town Location
Location: 24280 SD Hwy 63, I-90 Exit 170, Midland, SD 57552
Season: 1880 Town is open seasonally from May 1st to October 31st and closed from November 1st to April 30th.
Authentic Old West Charm
1880 Town isn’t your typical roadside attraction. It’s a carefully curated collection of over 30 authentic buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Each structure has been relocated here and filled with period-appropriate artifacts, creating an immersive experience that feels like stepping into the pages of a history book. From the saloon to the schoolhouse, every detail is thoughtfully preserved to give visitors a glimpse of life in a real frontier town.
Starting at the 14-Sided Barn
We began our visit at the unique 14-sided barn, an iconic structure that sets the tone for the experience ahead. Here, we picked up our tickets and explored an exhibit upstairs featuring movie props from Dances With Wolves. Although Jamie and I have never seen the movie, it was fascinating to see these items up close, especially given my career in film and video production. This initial stop gave us a glimpse into the effort that goes into preserving both film history and Old West culture.
1880 Town With Kids: Fun for the Whole Family
Our kids loved pretending they were cowboys as they explored the dusty streets and wooden boardwalks. The old jail was a favorite stop—they had fun imagining they were lawmen bringing outlaws to justice! Each building offered something new to discover, and it was easy to picture how life might have been for the pioneers who lived during this time.
A Trek to the Old Homestead
One of the most memorable parts of our visit was the trek up to the old homestead. This nice little hike took us away from the bustling town and offered a peaceful moment to enjoy the surrounding scenery. Along the way, we said hello to the friendly horses, which was a highlight for the kids. They were also thrilled to see the Longhorn Ranch and watch the chickens roaming freely around the area. It was a fun mix of farm life and history that added a unique touch to our experience.
Refreshing Root Beer at the Saloon
No trip to 1880 Town is complete without a visit to the saloon, which was by far our favorite building. The staff and bartender here were exceptionally friendly and made us feel right at home. They were great hosts and incredibly helpful when we had questions about the town. We cooled off with ice-cold root beer, served in a setting that felt like a scene from a classic Western. The atmosphere made it easy to slow down and enjoy the moment, taking in the charm of this unique place.
More Unique Highlights
Other standout areas included the impressive Wells Fargo Coaches collection and the beautifully restored train station. Both offered a deeper dive into transportation during the Old West era and added to the rich storytelling of the town.
Admission and Hours
As of 2024, ticket prices for 1880 Town are as follows:
- Adults: $12
- Seniors: $11
- Children (ages 6-12): $6
- Children under 5: Free
The town is open daily from May 1st to October 31st. Be sure to check their website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information.
A Must-Visit Stop on Your South Dakota Journey: 1880 Town With Kids
We spent over two hours exploring 1880 Town, so be sure to leave plenty of time on your road trip to fully enjoy it. It offered a mix of history, fun, and a chance to let the kids’ imaginations run wild. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a family-friendly detour, this spot is well worth the visit.
As we continued our road trip east toward Wisconsin, we couldn’t stop talking about our time here. If you’re planning a South Dakota adventure, we’d highly recommend adding 1880 Town to your itinerary. It’s a slice of history that’s both educational and entertaining, making it a great addition to any family road trip.
