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Rail Explorers Boone, Boone, IA
ToursOutdoor AdventureFamily Favorite

Rail Explorers Boone

· Boone, IA

Why you should go…

Rail Explorers operates railbike tours in Boone, Iowa, adjacent to the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum. Riders pedal motor-assisted railbikes on a roughly 12.5-mile round trip through the Des Moines River valley, crossing the 750-foot Bass Point Creek High Trestle. The company pioneered commercial railbike tourism in the United States in 2015 and also runs sunset and lantern rides, with private and group bookings available.

  • #rail bike
  • #scenic views
  • #family
  • #outdoor
  • #tour

Good to know

General tours guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Confirm the meeting point

    It is often a corner, a lobby, or a dock rather than the address you searched for. Check it the night before.

  • Small groups fill first

    In high season the intimate departures sell out well before the big-bus options do.

  • Ask how much is on foot

    Knowing how much of the route is walking, standing, or outdoors tells you what to wear and carry.

  • Read the weather policy

    Cancellation windows and rain rules vary by operator, and they are easier to find before you pay than after.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Rail Explorers Boone, ordered by straight-line distance.

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Living History Farms

    Under $25

    Ride a tractor cart between working farms of 1700, 1850 and 1900 and walk the shops of an 1876 prairie town.

    31 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Adventureland

    $50+

    Ride seven roller coasters, including the 101-degree drop of the Monster, and cool off at the Adventure Bay water park.

    35 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Date Night

    Pappajohn Sculpture Park

    Free

    Stroll 4.4 downtown acres of large outdoor sculpture, including Jaume Plensa's 27-foot figure made of letters.

    36 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Iowa State Capitol

    Free

    Tour a five-domed statehouse topped in 23-karat gold, with 29 kinds of marble and a law library ringed by four stories of balconies.

    36 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Madison County

    Free

    Iowa county famous for its historic covered bridges, made famous by The Bridges of Madison County.

    51 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    History Buff

    John Wayne Birthplace & Museum

    Under $25

    The restored 1907 birth home and museum of actor John Wayne, with film memorabilia and archives.

    51 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums