All Aboard This Historic Train in Iowa Where You Can Soak up the Scenery

There's something about a train ride in the autumn, isn't there? Rail tracks often pass through places that cars can't reach, and a cruise on the tracks offers a sense of seeing scenery that's truly special and that can't be enjoyed in any other way. This is precisely why I love the excursions offered by The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad, which runs out of (unsurprisingly) Boone, Iowa—especially in the fall.

The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad offers regularly scheduled excursions on its Fraser Train from May through the end of October. Over the 1-hour and 45-minute round trip, the train will traverse the beautiful, forested valleys of the Des Moines River and its tributaries.

The Fraser Train excursions begin and end at the platform at the BVSR depot and railroad museum in Boone. You can choose from a variety of seating options for your trip, including seats in classic rail coaches, in the caboose, or even on an open-air flat car.

Because the route passes through wide swaths of undeveloped forests and valleys along the way, it can be absolutely stunning in the autumn. Along the way, the train will cross two high rail trestles, the Bass Point Creek High Bridge and the Des Moines River Rail Bridge.

The Bass Point Creek High Bridge rises more than 150 feet above the valley floor, opening the train up to sweeping vistas. These high vantage points offer stunning views of the forests and valleys below.

I think the views are at their most spectacular in autumn. This is especially true if you're able to time your excursion to coincide with peak fall foliage in Iowa.

Be sure to set aside enough time to explore the James H. Andrew Railroad Museum before or after your excursion. The museum is so full of rail history, in fact, that it's a worthy destination in its own right, even if you don't hop aboard for a train ride.

In addition to its regularly scheduled excursions and fall color specials, Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad offers many more options for rides and special events. These include holiday trips, like the Pumpkin Express around Halloween and the Santa Express trains during the holiday season. Lunch and dinner excursions are also scheduled throughout the BSVR's operating season.

I don't think there's a better way to see all the beauty there is to see in central Iowa than a ride on one of BSVR's scenic trains—do you agree? We'd love to hear about your favorite ways to get out and explore Iowa in the autumn. Visit Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad at its website for a full schedule, ticket information, and to reserve your seats. Check out the railroad's Facebook page for photos and updates.

If you're feeling inspired to get out and explore the Hawkeye State this fall, try planning your autumnal Iowa adventures using Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.