The Milwaukee Railroad first arrived in Dell Rapids on September 17th, 1880, at a cost to the city of $1000.00, and the occasion was celebrated with a parade, speakers, and ringing of church bells. For 100 years of service to the Dell Rapids community, it carried passengers, freight, and supplies to and from the city until 1980. In 1980, the D & I Railroad began freight service to Dell Rapids and the quarry.