1. 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?
- The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad, a part of the Iowa Railroad Historical Society, offers train rides through the scenic Des Moines River Valley.
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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. Step Into Presidential History at the 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. Ski, Tube, or Paddle Your Way Through Adventure at Seven Oaks Recreation
© Seven Oaks Recreation
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What is Seven Oaks Recreation?
- Seven Oaks Recreation provides year-round outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all ages.
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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
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
4. Sip Local Craft Brews at 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. Explore Local Lore and Artifacts at the Boone History Center
© 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. 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.
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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
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