1880 Town

Yesterday we went to 1880 town.  I didn't really know what to expect but had read it was a unique place.  I mean anyplace that has a man walking a dinosaur has got to be good right?

You can see this from the highway.. Too funny!

So down the exit we went to relive life in the fast.. I mean slow lane.  When we got to the town we were a little hungry so we actually ate at the diner there.  It's your basic cafeteria fair.  Salad, soup, burgers (was really good) and pies (also very good and homemade!) .  The most unique feature of the diner though is that it is a TRAIN!  That's right we got to eat on an old train.  They had removed the regular seats and placed the dining chairs and tables inside.  The original curtains and shades and such were still in it though and they had train memorabilia on display as well.  It was a really unique experience!

Hallway when you first come in.  Kitchen is on other side. 

It was possibly the longest Diner I have ever eaten at!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interior of Train.

After filling our bellies we went to step into the past.  1880 town.  For nine bucks you can go spend some time in this rather cool place.   Most of the buildings are genuine buildings from the 1880's .  They have geniune antiques appropriate to the building.. I.e. School desks and heater are as they would be in the 1880's . 

 

 

 

C'mon Ya'll know I had to include a school!

Another sighting of Barf Vader!

The first building we came into had lots of rodeo memorabilia, fossils etc.  There was just a variety of stuff that we were able to look at.  It's all jumbled up so your eyes never land on just one thing.  Of course as we were leaving that building mom said, " I like the detail on that squirrel! ".. Barf Vader Squirrel strikes again! Aunt Ruthie ~ I think you may be right!


Anywho I took a picture of the street to show you what you see when you come in .

Looks like an old prairie town huh?

 The funny thing is that 1880 town has some of the props used in Dances With Wolves.  Imagine that!
The other pretty cool thing is that for a fee of 5 dollars you can dress as they did in the old times.  We saw several little boys and girls living it up in chaps, spurs and bonnets as they explored the town.  They even provided the guns used to rob the bank  sand the saloon.  One little boy came into the Saloon and demanded the bartender give him all his money.  The bartender acted astonished and said, "Why should I give you all my money?".  The little boy responded without missing a beat, "Because I have a gun!" and drew his fake gun on the bartender.   The man threw his hands in the air and then handed over a sack full of "gold" to the little boy who ran screaming with delight out of the saloon! ( It's probably not politically correct to encourage little boys to be robbers - but what a memory that made.  Especially when Dad was dressed up too! )  My family was boring --they flat out refused to dress up and of course I would look ridiculous if I was the only one to be dressed up!

Anyhow, the saloon is fixed up and the McNasty brothers do a cute little show there.  Music and comedy, it was really fun!  Tommy loved it!  The guy told Tommy, "0h Good, I won't be the ugliest guy here now." when he walked in and Tommy thought it was hysterical. 

The McNasty brothers performing in the old Saloon!

 Overall we spent several hours here.  I thought we would spend maybe an hour and move on but it was just so interesting.  Oh and I should mention they even had a "cat house" complete with ummm... cats:) Of course you know I had to look and sure enough.  There was a cat door and enough food to feed the army of cats roaming around. They also had a little house inside the house for the cats to climb on.  In addition to those critters they have mules and buggy rides, a camel, horses and several steer.  It was a great visit. 

I should mention here we dressed for the South Dakota heat.... it only got up to 69.. what?