All aboard! It’s time to see Iowa in a way that you’ve never seen it before – from the inside of a train! While train travel is somewhat of a novel thing nowadays, we Iowans are lucky enough to still have several passenger train trips from Iowa – from Creston in the west to Burlington in the east. Next time you’re looking to take a scenic, relaxing trip, check out these incredible scenic train rides in Iowa.

1. Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum, 225 10th St, Boone, IA 50036, USA
Jerry Huddleston/Flickr
Boone is a great place to start your train adventure. If you don't want to commit to a lengthy train ride around Iowa, this is just the thing for you. Boone & Scenic Valley offers leisurely train rides around the Des Moines River Valley in Boone. One of the most beautiful spots on the trip is the scenic High Bridge, shown above. To learn more, visit the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad website.
Matt/Flickr
A normal ride typically lasts around two hours, and a dinner train, dessert train, or picnic train will typically run about three hours. They also offer a 30-minute trolley ride to downtown Boone.
Dustin Oliver/Flickr
For the kids, they offer a "Thomas The Train" ride, which goes out on select days in September, for roughly 25 minutes.
2. California Zephyr through Creston
Creston, IA 50801, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flcikr
There are several different Amtrak stops in Iowa. If you live in the western part of the state, the station in Creston is a great place to start your railroad trip. Hop on the California Zephyr at Creston Station and make your way to the next destination - Osceola.

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3. California Zephyr through Osceola
Loco Steve/Flickr
From Creston, it's approximately 35 minutes by train to Osceola, the next stop. Compared to that same trip by car, the train will save you 4 minutes, but provide you with all the relaxation of not having to deal with driving.
4. California Zephyr through Ottumwa
Loco Steve/Flickr
From Osceola Station to Ottumwa, it's approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by train. Depending on which road you take, this route can save you 23 minutes compared to car travel.
5. California Zephyr through Mount Pleasant
Loco Steve/Flickr
From Ottumwa Station to Mount Pleasant, it's a 45-minute train ride. By car, the fastest route would be a 52-minute long drive on US-34 E or a 1 hour and 17 minute trek along IA-16 E.
6. California Zephyr through Burlington
Loco Steve/Flickr
From Mount Pleasant Station to Burlington, it's 42 minutes. We'll give it to the highway engineers on this one - taking US 34 E would save trip-goers 10 minutes if they were taking a car, but they would lose out on all the amazing views to be had from the inside of a passenger train.
7. Southwest Chief through Fort Madison
Burlington Station, 300 S Main St, Burlington, IA 52601, USA
Adam Moss/Flickr
From Burlington Station to the final stop, Fort Madison, it's about an hour-long train ride. Although the trip by car is only 24 minutes, think about how much relaxation you will get done sitting back on the plush seats of the Southwest Chief as you chug your way along to Fort Madison!

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More to Explore

Fun Things To Do In Iowa

Elisa Regulski | September 09, 2022

What are the best day trips in Iowa?

 

If you want to take a step back in time, head over to the Amana Colonies. Comprised of seven picturesque villages, these areas are full of charm. German Pietists first settled in this region after escaping persecution in their home country. It’s a great place to experience their rich German culture and explore the lovely surroundings. If you love looking at beautiful works of art, pay a visit to the Sioux City Art Center. You can even take classes and learn how to create art, yourself! For more fun ideas, check out our list of the best day trips in Iowa. 

What are the best outdoor activities in Iowa?

There are so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors. For starters:

  • Head over to Pillsbury Point State Park. Even though it’s the smallest state park in Iowa, there is so much to see and do. Enjoy the glistening lake and devour a tasty picnic under a shady tree. This is one peaceful place you’ll want to visit again and again. 
  • For more lovely views, walk among wildflowers at the Hillview Recreation Area. The Green Trail is a 4-mile walkway that’s full of stunning sites. This easy-to-follow pathway isn’t very steep and it is great for even young hikers. You’ll walk under gorgeous trees and near crystal-clear lakes. It’s definitely one of the best hiking trails in Iowa! 

 

Which hidden gems in Iowa should I visit?

Journey off the beaten path and explore some hidden gems in Iowa:

  • Devonian Fossil Gorge, located in Iowa City, is one of the best hidden gems in the state. Here, you can stare in awe at the 375 million-year-old fossils. It’s fascinating – both for kids and adults!
  • For more fun, explore the Wabash Trace Nature Trail in Council Bluffs. This 63-mile trail is jam-packed with extraordinary views. Need more ideas?

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