The city of Boone, Iowa has a lot going for it. It’s home to several exciting attractions, as well as being close enough to Des Moines to include many of the happenings there. Boone is where Mamie Doud Eisenhower, wife of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, was born. She can enjoy a guided tour of the house while in Boone. It is home to Boone Speedway, where the Super Nationals racing series appears and the Iowa Municipal Band Festival is held annually. The weekend after Labor Day each year, you can experience Pufferbilly Days, which is a fantastic and fun-filled festival. One of the main attractions and one of the most exciting for railway fans is a trip aboard a steam train car.
Boone Railroad Historical Society
The Chicago and North Western Railroad purchased the area rail line in 1968 and decided not to use portions of it. A group of concerned citizens dedicated to the preservation of the track founded the Boone Railroad Historical Society (BRHS) in 1983 and the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum was born. The historical society purchased 11.3 miles of tracks and bridges to preserve the historic value and scenic beauty of this location.
Last commercially manufactured steam engine
The BRHS was responsible for purchasing the world’s last commercially manufactured steam engine in 1989. The beloved JS8419 was built in Datong, China, and now makes its home in Boone, Iowa. It is this steam engine that generates so much part of the care of the Boone and Scenic Valley Museum and Railroad (BSVRR). It is a formidable steam locomotive. Her beauty and her power are something to hold. If you’re a railway buff and love history, watching it progress will take your breath away.
A variety of train journeys
The historical society has been largely successful in its attempts to attract tourists to this one-of-a-kind attraction. They have also designed a variety of train adventures to delight the little ones. Just about every kid loves trains, and with the initiation of the Dessert Train, Picnic Train, Thomas the Tank Days, Pumpkin Express, Santa Express, and the Easter Bunny Express, each season brings a new reason to visit. The 1920s Excursion Train and Dinner Train are also great for adults.
The very popular steam engine operates the 1920s excursion train, weather permitting. Seasonal train rides and specific events are often powered by an equally formidable diesel locomotive.
boone, iowa
The city of Boone, Iowa has a population of nearly 13,000, while Boone County has just over 26,000 residents. It is centrally located in the state and close to Des Moines, Iowa, which brings a host of attractions of its own. Boone is conveniently located near Interstates 35 and 80, and not far from Des Moines International Airport.
