The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad operates over an 11-mile section of the former Fort Dodge, Des Moines & Southern Railroad, between Boone and Wolf, Iowa, a former junction with the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway. The scenic highlight of the trip is the Bass Point Creek High Bridge, a 156-foot-tall steel bridge spanning Bass Point Creek. For a shorter trip, visitors can ride on the East End Electric Traction Company, an overhead-wire trolley to downtown Boone, and return. The James H. Andrew Railroad Museum is a must-see, the nine thousand square foot museum houses artifacts, china, railroad uniforms, and model railroad layouts.
Choices
Several classes of tickets are available, classic coach class, bench seating in a coach with operating windows; ride an open-air former C&NW transfer caboose — the Valley View; climate-controlled coach, a former Chicago & North Western bi-level commuter car; or ride aboard a caboose.
When to go
Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad operating season run from Thursday through Sunday from Memorial Day through the end of October.
Good to know
The train departs from a 1985 replica depot. The FDDM&S system was purchased by the Chicago & North Western in 1968, which shortly afterward began abandoning portions of the line. A former C&NW transfer caboose, the Valley View, is the best way to enjoy an open-air ride over the line.
Worth doing
Iowa Arboretum and Snus Hill Winery, both in nearby Madrid, Iowa.
Don’t miss
A Chinese-built steam locomotive, No. 8419, is back in service after a 1,472 boiler inspection. A former Lake Superior & Ishpeming Alco RS1 has been repainted in classic Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway colors. The Charles City & Western Railway trolley car No. X50 operates from the depot east to downtown Boone, a 20-minute round trip.
Getting there
The railroad is in central Iowa, an hour’s drive northwest of Des Moines. Take Interstate 35 to Ames and travel west on U.S. Highway 30 to Boone. Go north on Story Street through the business district to 10th Street and then go west six blocks to the depot.
Location: 225 10th Street, Boone, IA
Phone: 515-432-4249
Website: bsvrr.com
E-mail: info@bsvrr.com
See more Midwest tourist railroads you must visit.
