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South Dakota Short Line Railroads: A Complete Guide

Published: April 4, 2025

By: Adam Burns

D&I Railroad (reporting mark, DAIR):  Also known as the Dakota & Iowa Railroad this system is owned by L.G. Everist, Inc.  The short line operates between Sioux City, Iowa and Dell Rapids, South Dakota with a branch to Beresford, South Dakota via Hawarden, Iowa. 

The property was all former Milwaukee Road trackage acquired by both states in 1981 to preserve rail service.  The D&I operates a total of 138 miles and handles aggregate, distillers grain, ethanol, agriculture, cement, fertilizer, and other general freight.

Dakota, Missouri Valley & Western Railroad (reporting mark, DMVW):   The Dakota, Missouri Valley & Western is a regional system operating primarily in North Dakota, with portions extending into South Dakota and Montana.

Established in 1990, DMVW took over operations from the Soo Line, which had divested some of its less profitable branch lines. The company specializes in transporting agricultural commodities, serving a critical role in connecting rural areas to major rail networks. It moves a variety of products including grain, corn, soybeans, and ethanol, essential to the region’s strong agrarian economy.

Headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota, DMVW operates over 500 miles of track and is known for its reliable service and adaptability to customer needs. With a focus on efficient operations and safety, it contributes significantly to the local economy by facilitating the movement of goods necessary for commerce and trade. A key partner for many of the region's businesses, DMVW delivers goods to larger connecting railroads, providing vital links to national and international markets.

Dakota Southern Railway (reporting mark, DSRC)  (Defunct):  This short line began service in 1985 when it acquired 190 miles of the former Milwaukee Road between between Marquette, Iowa and Rapid City, South Dakota.  It primarily handled agriculture and grain products.  The road was acquired by Watco in 2021, and renamed Ringneck & Western Railroad.

Ellis & Eastern Railroad (reporting mark, EE):  This short line operates between Brandon, South Dakota, through Sioux Falls to Ellis.  It is former Chicago & North Western trackage acquired in 1989 by the Sweetman Construction Company, which still owns the railroad.  Its traffic consists of aggregates and construction materials.

Sisseton-Milbank Railroad (reporting mark, SMRR):  This company is owned by the Twin Cities & Western (since 2012) operating between Milbank and Sisseton on property that was once part of the Milwaukee Road.  Its traffic consists of wheat, corn, soybeans and plastic.

Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad (reporting mark, RCPE):  The Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad is a large regional operating across South Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, and Nebraska. Established in 2014, RCPE was the result of Genesee & Wyoming's acquisition of rail lines from Canadian Pacific. Stretching approximately 670 miles, the RCPE plays a crucial role in connecting the agricultural and industrial sectors of the Great Plains with larger national and international markets.

The railroad primarily transports grain, ethanol, bentonite clay, cement, and other industrial products, supporting regional farmers and businesses. 

Headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota, the RCPE benefits from strategic connections with other larger railroads, such as BNSF Railway and Union Pacific, enabling seamless freight movement. This connectivity allows businesses in the region to extend their reach across North America and beyond.

Ringneck & Western Railroad (reporting mark, RWRR): Launched in 2021 after Watco acquired the Dakota Southern Railway, the Ringneck & Western plans to reopen the entire 285-mile line between Mitchell and Rapid City.

Sunflour Railroad (reporting mark, SNR):  This short line, which operates only on occasion today, owns 19 miles of a former Soo Line branch between Rosholt and Claire City.  The former provides interchange with Canadian Pacific.

Twin Cities & Western Railroad (reporting mark, TCWR):  The Twin Cities & Western is a successful short line primarily operating in the states of Minnesota and South Dakota. Established in 1991, TCWR was formed from portions of the former Milwaukee Road and Soo Line tracks.

It is headquartered in the small city of Glencoe, Minnesota, and provides crucial freight services that connect rural communities with larger networks.

The railroad's primary commodities include agricultural products like corn, soybeans, and ethanol, as well as other merchandise such as food products and building materials. This focus supports the vibrant agricultural sector of the Midwest, facilitating both regional economic growth and broader market access.

The TCWR plays a vital role in not only local logistics but also extends its reach by interchanging with major rail lines like the Canadian Pacific and BNSF Railway.