boone and scenic valley railroad

Trip wasn't a total disaster, as we made the best of a poor situation. Went on the Valentines train, was not informed we would be sharing a table with another couple, but they were nice and we had a little fun. There was absolutely no heat in the train the entire trip (literally freezing), scenery was mostly Rural Iowa trailers and such, and the food was poor. The best part of our meal was when we got a hot baked potato which we used to warm our hands with. Might go again, but would pack a lunch and wear a snowsuit.

I took a trip in the fall and it was a fun, slow-paced experience. It's not something to do by yourself but the people running this train obviously love what they do, and it's a real joy to go through the woods, by the river, and over the High Trestle Trail Bridge in a slow moving train. The scenery is beautiful. The museum there is also fascinating if you are into trains, I really enjoyed looking at their artifacts. I recommend this for people who like life at a slower pace and want to relax.

My wife and I took the steam engine train on a Saturday. The engine was acquired from China and is the last steam engine produced by the factory there in Datong, China. The route is a round-trip lasting about an hour and three-quarters. The price for us was $20 apiece. A fun ride.

We went on the Santa express. My girls had a very magical time. I highly recommend taking your kids on this ride.

The dinner train is a perfect couples event to enjoy the historical significance of trains and the history of the area. The staff is very informative and open to all questions. It is the perfect length of trip to see amazing views and of course take in the bridge! The meal was delicious and the serve staff was very friendly and helpful. We had a great time in every way.

We came there this last weekend and did the Santa Express. Our kids really enjoyed themselves even our one year old didn't get too antsy.. Riding the train was neat. The scenery was amazing I'm sure it would look better summer/fall time. All I can say is unlock more doors for better access of entering and exiting the building.

We were a little early for fall leaves, but even so we enjoyed this ride in an old-fashioned rail car. The Saturday trains are pulled by a steam locomotive, which 'blows off steam' at the trestle bridge - treating us to a nice rainbow! I wouldn't dare take a teen on this ride - they'd miss the point. But young 'uns will like the noise, rattles and steam whistle (and that it's not an all-day affair - they won't tire) and us older folks will be nostalgic for simpler times... Not a long ride, but they've done a great job of fundraising to save this old track and to buy the cars and locomotives. The volunteers who act as conductors love the train - it comes across. Cute little museum, as well, with some interesting pieces. We coupled a trip to Boone with a stay in Des Moines and a return through the Bridges of Madison County - all in all, a laid-back, relaxing weekend.

This is a unique attraction. I choose the First Class Bi-Level Car and sat on the upper level. The view over the bridges and river is amazing.Leaves are changing and the pics came out great. The crew was friendly but they need to be more organized. Boarding is a little confusing as to your car choice.

My wife and I celebrated our anniversary with the dinner train. There were only two views. Going over the bridge and river. The rest of the time you spend looking at overgrown brush and dirt enbankment. The train creeps along at 10mph. The cars sway horribly left and right to the point where you can't stand and your drink glasses vibrate off the table. Food was catered by HyVee. It was like they heated some TV dinners and threw it on a plate. We won't be back. Going through the drive through at McDonalds and eating it in your car while driving would be a better experience. Save your money and go to a real resurant.

Took this train ride many times great scenic route. Friendly crew.. The dinner train is wonderful.. the train ride takes you over the valley and the river......

This nostalgic train ride reminds everyone of what travel was like at the turn of the century. The rails run along the river and through wooded areas from Boone to different small towns depending upon the day and purpose. The day we rode the snack car was not open but the ride was a short one and we chose to ride the open car anyway. I would love to try the dinner train in the future. I think this would be an excellent way to spend and autumn afternoon if you want to see the fall color.

My two year old is hooked on Thomas so when grampa saw a commercial for this event he took care of it. Us 3 boys went up to Boone and had a good afternoon. The main attraction was a train ride on a train where the engine was made up just like Thomas. The ride itself was slow and only went about a mile then came back. There was also a restored 1915 trolley that went through town. The view was not impressive at all, the back of building/homes that are on a rail line, but the trolley itself had lots of character. There were some other activities like a toy train station, a magician, story time, and pics with Sir Thoppam Hat. The gift shop was WAY overpriced on everything, so we got a shirt to add to Brit Alcroft's retirement fund. There were also some state fair style food vendors, but there's plenty of restaurants in town to patron. The adults were not overly impressed with the setup but the little guy just loved it.

For the past 3 years, we have been coming to Boone IA with our grandson(s), to spend "A Day Out With Thomas". Every year, they look forward to this, and all of the fun things to do. They have the wooden trains, and the battery operated trains for the kids to play with, a magician that the comes out every year, a jump and slide, a train car that everyone can go in to listen to someone read them a story of Thomas the Train, the children have pictures taken with Sir Topham Hatt, and of course, their favorite, to ride in the train. There is also a trolley that adults and children ride (electric street train car). This trolley will be 100 years old next year. It was put away for many years, then brought out again, reconditioned. (Just like quite a few trains on Thomas and Friends shows. Yes, Thomas is a real engine, that pulls all the cars, on a real train ride. Thomas takes you on a 25 minute ride, that is a lot of fun. They added a new feature to Thomas this year. He really does talk, and his lips really do move when he talks. There are a lot of souvenirs to look at, and buy. But you have to get there the first weekend, or you may not get what you want. They are there in September every year, last weekend was the first weekend, the second weekend starts tomorrow. If you have little ones, go have some fun!! They have a ticket booth that you can buy tickets on sight.

Our 8 year old grandson saw the ad on TV, took him on the Sunday of Labor day weekend. The museum was very nice, he was quite impressed with things. Staff was very friendly. The train ride itself was nice, we were in the open air car, enjoyed that. The gentleman was informative about different things. But it was definitely not very scenic, except at the trestle bridge. That was pretty. But there was so much tree/bush coverage that you didn't see much else. Our grandson had wanted to get a whistle from the gift shop, I told him we would get it when we got back from the ride. We were almost at the end of the first 1/2 of the trip, the brakes gave out on the train. We sat for almost an hour for an engine to come "rescue" us. Luckily it wasn't too hot. They were apologetic. By the time we got back, the gift shop was closed- one disappointed little boy. We called Tuesday morning to see if we could get the $3 whistle sent to us. Yes, they would send us one, at the cost of $6 to ship, plus the $3 for the whistle. NOT GOOD PR!

For one the tickets in my opinion were high. We choose the 24 doller each ticket and sat on the open car. While being outside was nice it started to show some problems. We all could stand up while it was moving, but we all noticed black stuff all over our butt and back. Found out later it was soot from the diesel engine. They need to label things on the train. This little boy saw a wheel and start to turn it. Little did anyone know that was the ebrake. Luckily one of the staff members stopped it. The ride was 90 percent trees and 5 percent great views. The other 5 was sitting still while the engine turned around and hooked back up to us. Like I said. Once was enough. Oh don't bother buying a ticket for the museum.