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Q: What activities can visitors enjoy in Boone, Iowa?
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A: The town of Boone in Iowa offers something for visitors no matter what the time of year may be when they visit. Travelers can hop aboard the dinner train on the Boone and Scenic Valley Road; go hiking, kayaking, or skiing among other outdoor recreational activities at Seven Oaks Recreation, sample local craft brews at the Boone Valley Brewing Company, and much more.
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Q: Are there any special events in Boone?
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A: Boone also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as the Ogden Fun Days and the Pufferbilly Days, which takes place in September in downtown Boone.
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1. Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad
© amenohi/stock.adobe.com
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What is the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad?
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What kind of experience does the train ride offer?
- A trip on one of the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s trains takes passengers back to
days gone by as they travel aboard a 1920s-era coach or in
one of the 1950s climate-controlled dining cars.
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What can visitors explore at the museum?
- Guests can explore the museum, one of the world’s few museums where visitors
can see electric, diesel, and steam railroad operations.
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Does the railroad host special events?
- Yes, the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad hosts special events throughout the year.
225 10th St, Boone, IA 50036, Phone: 800-626-0319
2. Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace
© Boone County Historical Society Iowa
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What is the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace?
- The Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace
is the restored historic home where Mamie Doud Eisenhower was born
and today houses many heirlooms of the Carlson and Eisenhower families.
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When was Mamie Doud Eisenhower born?
- Mamie Doud was born in Boone on November 14, 1896 and later became
the wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
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What other structures are located on the grounds?
- The site also includes a detached summer kitchen and a carriage house.
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What historic cars are displayed at the site?
- The carriage house contains:
- A Chrysler Windsor Sedan given by the Eisenhowers to the Carlsons in 1948.
- A 1962 Plymouth Valiant once owned by Mamie Doud Eisenhower.
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Did the Eisenhowers visit Boone regularly?
- Yes, the Eisenhowers visited Boone regularly between the 1940s and the 1960s.
709 Carroll St, Boone, IA 50036, Phone: 515-432-1896
3. Seven Oaks Recreation
© Seven Oaks Recreation
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What is Seven Oaks Recreation?
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Where is Seven Oaks Recreation located?
- It spans 160 acres just outside of Boone, Iowa.
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What winter activities are available?
- During the winter season, visitors can enjoy:
- Snow tubing
- Snowboarding
- Skiing
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Are the trails maintained and accessible at night?
- Yes, all of the trails and the tubing park are lighted,
and the trails are groomed daily.
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What activities are available in warmer months?
- During the rest of the year, Seven Oaks Recreation offers:
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Camping
- Paintball
- Canoeing
- Tubing
- Kayaking
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Can visitors rent equipment?
- Yes, visitors can rent equipment for both winter and summer activities.
1086 222nd Dr, Boone, IA 50036, Phone: 515-432-9457
4. Boone Valley Brewing Company
© Boone Valley Brewing Company
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What is Boone Valley Brewing Company?
- Boone Valley Brewing Company
is a family-owned and operated microbrewery located in downtown Boone,
dedicated to providing great beer and a unique experience for visitors.
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What kind of beer does the brewery offer?
- The tap room offers an assortment of handcrafted, award-winning specialty brews,
with a lineup that changes often.
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Is the tap room family-friendly?
- Yes, the tap room boasts a family-friendly environment and also serves
root beer for non-alcoholic options.
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Can guests bring or order food?
- Yes, guests can order food from local restaurants or bring their own with them.
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When is Boone Valley Brewing Company open?
- The brewery is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
816 7th St, Boone, IA 50036, Phone: 515-432-1232
5. Boone History Cente
© Boone County Historical Society Iowa
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What is the Boone History Center?
- The Boone History Center
shares the story of Boone’s past, from railroad adventures
to coal mining to local heroes and heroines.
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What types of exhibits are featured at the Boone History Center?
- The center is home to several different collections and featured exhibits.
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What is the Kate Shelley exhibit?
- One exhibit honors Kate Shelley, a railroad heroine of Boone.
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What is the Becoming Boone exhibit?
- The Becoming Boone exhibit features a collection of historic items
that helped shape the city, including Native American artifacts,
records of European immigrants, and objects from Boone’s early businesses.
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What is the CSM Marilyn Gabbard Gallery?
- The CSM Marilyn Gabbard Gallery showcases military artifacts
from Boone County’s past.
602 Story St, Boone, IA 50036, Phone: 515-432-1907
6. Kate Shelley High Bridge
© ETAJOE/stock.adobe.com
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What is the Kate Shelley High Bridge?
- Officially known as the Boone Viaduct when it was built between 1898 and 1901,
the Kate Shelley High Bridge
is one of the country’s longest and oldest double-track railroad bridges.
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Who was Kate Shelley?
- Kate Shelley was a 17-year-old heroine who risked her life during a
thunderstorm in 1881 to warn a passenger train of an upcoming bridge collapse.
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What heroic actions did Kate Shelley take?
- After realizing the train had already been stopped, Kate Shelley went on to
lead a rescue team to save two men who were stranded in the flooded Honey Creek near her home.
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Where is the Kate Shelley High Bridge located?
- The bridge is located about three miles outside of Boone, Iowa.
Boone, IA 50036
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Top Activities |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. |
Boulders Inn & Suites – A comfortable stay with great amenities. |
Explore Ledges State Park – Hike scenic trails with beautiful spring views. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor adventures. |
Baymont by Wyndham Boone – A budget-friendly option with a pool. |
Ride the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad – Enjoy a historic train excursion. |
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning autumn foliage. |
American Inn & Suites – A cozy and convenient stay. |
Attend the Pufferbilly Days Festival – Celebrate Boone’s railroad heritage with parades and events. |
Winter (December-February) – Cold but great for winter sports and holiday charm. |
Super 8 by Wyndham Boone – A simple and affordable option. |
Ski or snowboard at Seven Oaks Recreation – Enjoy winter activities in a scenic setting. |
Plan Your Trip
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