Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad

Boone grew up as a railroad town in the nineteenth century, a division point on a major transcontinental line where crews changed and trains were serviced. Rail work shaped the town's identity, and Boone claims a proud railroad heritage, including its connection to Kate Shelley, a teenage girl who in 1881 famously crawled across a storm-damaged bridge to warn an oncoming train and prevent disaster.

The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad grew out of that heritage, founded by railroad preservationists to keep vintage trains running on a scenic stretch of former interurban line. It has become one of central Iowa's most-loved attractions, drawing families and rail fans to ride the historic equipment and learn the region's deep ties to the railroad.

The excursion carries passengers out from the Boone depot through the Des Moines River valley, a green corridor of woods and farmland far removed from the interstate world. The centerpiece is the crossing of a tall steel trestle over Bass Point Creek, where the train rolls out high above the valley and riders can look straight down at the treetops and stream below.

Trains are pulled by restored locomotives, including on many days a working steam engine that fills the valley with the sound and smell of the steam era. Classic coaches and open cars let passengers take in the scenery, and the round trip offers a relaxed, old-fashioned way to see a beautiful and little-known corner of central Iowa.

The railroad runs a full calendar of special excursions that change with the seasons. Autumn brings fall-color rides when the valley's hardwoods turn gold and red, and the holiday season brings festive themed trains that are especially popular with families. Dinner trains and other special events round out the schedule.

These themed rides have made the railroad a tradition for many Iowa families, who return year after year for a particular seasonal outing. Because the popular excursions can sell out, especially around the holidays, it pays to plan ahead, but the payoff is a memorable ride through some of central Iowa's prettiest scenery.

The Des Moines River valley that the railroad crosses lies within the ancestral homelands of the Ioway, for whom the state is named, along with the Meskwaki and Sauk peoples who lived and traveled across central Iowa. Their descendants remain part of Iowa today, with the Meskwaki owning their Settlement to the east near Tama.

The valley's steep, wooded slopes stand in contrast to the open farmland around them, and just to the south lies Ledges State Park, where sandstone canyons and the river make one of the state's most scenic natural areas. Together the railroad and the park make Boone a rewarding base for a day among central Iowa's rivers, woods, and railroad history.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad, in the town of Boone in central Iowa, is a heritage tourist railroad that carries passengers on scenic excursions through the beautiful Des Moines River valley aboard vintage trains, including at times a steam locomotive. Riders enjoy the rolling countryside, wooded valley, and a crossing of a high railroad bridge over the river, all while experiencing the nostalgia of classic rail travel. The railroad also features a museum and special themed rides throughout the season. With its scenic valley excursions, historic trains, and river-bridge crossing, the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad offers a charming and nostalgic destination in central Iowa.

You can ride a scenic train excursion through the Des Moines River valley aboard vintage rail cars, sometimes pulled by a historic steam locomotive, enjoy the countryside and the crossing of a tall bridge high over the river, visit the railroad museum, and take part in special themed and seasonal rides such as dinner trains or holiday events. The nostalgic journey and the scenery are the highlights. It is a relaxing, family-friendly outing. With its scenic excursions, historic trains, and special events, the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad offers an enjoyable and nostalgic experience in Boone, central Iowa.

The railroad typically operates seasonally, generally from around late spring through fall, so those are the times for excursions, with summer offering pleasant weather and green valley scenery, and fall bringing spectacular autumn color that makes the ride especially beautiful, along with special holiday and themed trains at certain times of year. Because schedules and special events vary, checking current ride times and reservations before you go is wise. For the best scenery and fullest schedule, aim for summer and especially fall at the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad in central Iowa.

Yes, the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad is a wonderful family outing, offering an easy, relaxing scenic train ride that delights children and adults alike, with the excitement of a vintage or steam train, the crossing of a high bridge over the river, a museum to explore, and special family-friendly themed rides throughout the season. The gentle pace and scenery keep all ages engaged. Booking ahead for popular rides is wise. With its nostalgic trains, beautiful scenery, and special events, the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad makes a charming family destination in Boone, central Iowa.

The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad is in the town of Boone in central Iowa, near Ledges State Park with its scenic sandstone bluffs, within reach of the High Trestle Trail Bridge, the Mamie Doud Eisenhower birthplace in Boone, and the Des Moines metro with its Capitol and attractions. That makes the railroad a nostalgic stop to combine with Ledges State Park, the High Trestle Trail Bridge, and the other sights of central Iowa on a visit to the state.