Rail Explorers in Boone, Iowa: A Fun Time

We are always looking for new and fun things to try and thankfully, the Midwest is FULL of these types of things! One of the most recent and best additions to Midwest fun is Rail Explorers in Boone, Iowa! Check out why!

Boone, Iowa – Rich in Railroad History

Boone, Iowa, is a community that has a rich history in the railroad dating back to 1893. Since then there has always been a railroad in the community. There is still an active cargo rail through town but also the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum was originally constructed in 1984 using a lot of interior materials from a historic depot in Rockwell City. The first dinner train ran along the rail in 1999. Its been offering entertaining train rides ever since!

The Railroad Now in Boone

The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad now brings hundreds of visitors each week to Boone to enjoy a dinner train, picnic trail, electric trolley rides, and more! They also offer special events through the year like a visit from Thomas the Train, and more!

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Rail Explorers in Boone

Rail Explorers USA has routes all over the the United States and Boone is their newest addition. The explorers are pedal powered rail bikes that utilize a train track. The Boone route takes you 12.5 miles through farmland, bluffs, and over the Bass Point Creek and Des Moines River. We recently took off on a Sunday afternoon to explore and try out this fun adventure.

Our Rail Explorers Adventure

Getting ready for our trip with Rail Explorers in Boone began by booking our tickets online. It was super easy to make our reservation. Their follow-up after booking is very good. Ours happened to include a slight change to departure time, the mandatory waivers, and a reminder of our trip! Upon arrival, visitors are greeted promptly in their check-in building and given a brief run-down of the day. We did experience a small wait a little bit before we could get started, but they offer bottled water for purchase, bathrooms, and plenty of seating in the shade while you wait.

The staff begins your adventure by explaining the safety procedures, the plan for the ride, and other important information. The staff is beyond friendly and helpful from check-in to the people who accompany you on the ride!

Once it is time to ride, getting started is super easy thanks to the staff. They offer thorough explanations and assistance! At that point, enjoyment is the #1 priority! Sit back and enjoy the view and the ride! Peddling itself is actually very easy thanks to electric assist, which makes the ride even more enjoyable and perfect for riders of all skill level.

After completing our ride, we have a couple items that are important to know to make your ride the best it can be!

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Important Things to Know for Your Rail Explorers Adventure

• Each rail car has a basket that can store a cooler, jackets, etc. We highly recommend bringing a cooler with beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic is your choice, but both are acceptable).
• The only bathrooms on-site are a very nice trailer porta-potty style. They are incredibly clean and comfortable, but just be aware that they are not traditional bathrooms. This is the only bathroom you will have access to for the duration of your adventure.
• The ride takes about 2 hours to complete. Plan your snacks, beverages, and potty breaks accordingly.
• Dress warmer than you think! The ride itself is rather breezy, but atop the bridges, it’s even breezier!
• They do offer umbrellas for rain or shade, if necessary!
• Souvenirs are available for purchase, if you so choose along with water and a few snacks!

Take a Ride with Rail Explorers in Boone, Iowa

There are so many great things to do in Iowa and Rail Explorers is newest adventure. We highly recommend making a reservation and taking the trip to Boone to ride the rails! For a bonus, stop by Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ in Luther afterwards for a delicious meal! This fun experience is a great way to spend a day in Iowa! Happy riding!