In This Article

1. Ride the Rails Through Iowa’s Countryside on the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad

Ride the Rails Through Iowa’s Countryside on the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad

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  • What is the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad?
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. Step Into Presidential History at the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace

Step Into Presidential History at the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace

© Boone County Historical Society Iowa

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • What other structures are located on the grounds?
    • The site also includes a detached summer kitchen and a carriage house.
  • 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.
  • 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. Ski, Tube, or Paddle Your Way Through Adventure at Seven Oaks Recreation

Ski, Tube, or Paddle Your Way Through Adventure at Seven Oaks Recreation

© Seven Oaks Recreation

  • What is Seven Oaks Recreation?
  • Where is Seven Oaks Recreation located?
    • It spans 160 acres just outside of Boone, Iowa.
  • What winter activities are available?
    • During the winter season, visitors can enjoy:
      • Snow tubing
      • Snowboarding
      • Skiing
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

4. Sip Local Craft Brews at Boone Valley Brewing Company

Sip Local Craft Brews at Boone Valley Brewing Company

© Boone Valley Brewing Company

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Is the tap room family-friendly?
    • Yes, the tap room boasts a family-friendly environment and also serves root beer for non-alcoholic options.
  • Can guests bring or order food?
    • Yes, guests can order food from local restaurants or bring their own with them.
  • 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. Explore Local Lore and Artifacts at the Boone History Center

Explore Local Lore and Artifacts at the Boone History Center

© Boone County Historical Society Iowa

  • 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.
  • What types of exhibits are featured at the Boone History Center?
    • The center is home to several different collections and featured exhibits.
  • What is the Kate Shelley exhibit?
    • One exhibit honors Kate Shelley, a railroad heroine of Boone.
  • 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.
  • 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. Visit the Legendary Kate Shelley High Bridge and Learn Her Heroic Story

Visit the Legendary Kate Shelley High Bridge and Learn Her Heroic Story

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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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Where is the Kate Shelley High Bridge located?
    • The bridge is located about three miles outside of Boone, Iowa.

Boone, IA 50036

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