Take This Fall Foliage Train Ride Through Iowa For A One-Of-A-Kind Experience
What better way to view the beautiful autumn leaves as they change color than from the unique vantage point of a train ride? You’ll be able to take in scenic vistas full of rich fall colors as the landscape rolls by your window. The Boone & Scenic Railroad offers plenty of different train excursions through the end of October, including a weekend excursion lasting 2 ¼ hours and covering 22 miles, regular 1 ¾ hour excursions on weekdays, and a Pumpkin Express that’s great for kids.
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad travels along a former stretch of original Chicago & Northwestern tracks, and it features varied and unique views, from the bird’s-eye vantage point of a high trestle bridge, to rivers, to beautiful rolling farmland.
The railroad is based in Boone, Iowa, where there is a museum as well as the operating railroad. Their fleet consists of trains that are pulled by both steam and diesel locomotives. They also have a restored trolley car.
While there are no specified fall foliage trips, you will be sure to see plenty of beautiful autumn colors if you book an excursion starting in early October. Train trips leave the depot at 225 10th Street in Boone and follow different routes, depending on the train ride you decide to book.
There is a special event that runs on Saturdays from October 8th through the 21st. The Pumpkin Train is a great train ride for families with kids. This excursion is 1 ½ hours to the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s pumpkin patch, where children can choose a pumpkin to take back with them on the return trip.
A highlight of the trip is when the train crosses the Bass Point Creek High Bridge, a 156-foot-tall bridge that is the highest single-track interurban railroad bridge in the United States. Imagine the view of all of the fall foliage from that vantage point!
Regular excursions can be booked online at Boone & Scenic Valley’s website, but if you want to book tickets for the dinner, dessert or picnic train, you need to call to make reservations at 800-626-0319.
You can book tickets, and find out more about the different train rides that are available here.
