The closure was triggered in May, when World Choice Investments purchased Black Hills Central Railroad, which runs the popular 1880 Train between Hill City and Keystone.

In July, the new owner notified the South Dakota State Railroad Museum that its building lease in Hill City wouldn’t be renewed.

The museum plans to close to the public on October 16 and be out of the building no later than February 1, 2027, as the new owner changes the use of the building.

Plans call for many pieces from its collection to continue to be displayed at other sites.

That’s according to Lesta Turchen, the museum board’s president.

“We are not disbanding,” Turchen told KELOLAND News. “Although we will not operate a museum in a distinct facility, fulfilling our mission will continue through three endeavors.”

Earnings from the museum’s endowment will go to support other non-profits that are preserving and interpreting the history of South Dakota and its railroads.

The museum’s leadership is collaborating with other organizations to exhibit aspects of the collection.

And the museum’s library collection will transfer to the Dakota Rail History Association for preservation and expansion.