Black Hills Central Sold

elueck · **Posted:** Mon May 11, 2026 12:45 am

In an announcement today the Warder Family, operators of the Black Hills Central in South Dakota, have announced that they are retiring, and have sold the railroad to DCI, which is Dollywood.

https://www.kotatv.com/2026/05/10/new-o ... cz-SrMVM0A

Crescent-Zephyr · **Joined:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 1:15 pm **Posts:** 1800

I've only visited once several years ago but it's a really great operation with an impressive grade and some really unique scenery. Plus mallet tank engine!

I hope the new owners are as commited to steam.

*The article says WCI and partner ZMC, I'm not sure who they are but that isn't Dollywood, Dollywood is Herschend.

linkthebutler · **Joined:** Mon Jul 13, 2020 12:29 am **Posts:** 267

Press release

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/ ... nt-Company

WCI = World Choice Investments
An entertainment holding Company.

Emmo213 · **Posted:** Tue May 12, 2026 9:41 am

Glad they plan to keep operating, especially since we have tickets for an upcoming trip.

jayrod · **Posted:** Tue May 12, 2026 6:56 pm

WCI is a partner in Parton's dinner theaters, not Dollywood.