Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum, Iowa
Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesRide days vary by season; check the schedule before you go
Run by the nonprofit Iowa Railroad Historical Society, the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad pairs train rides through the Des Moines River Valley with the James H. Andrew Railroad Museum, a 9,000 square foot home for Iowa's railroad history.
- Operated by a nonprofit historical society
- 9,000 sq ft railroad museum
- Steam, diesel and electric equipment
- Crosses a 156-foot high bridge
- Electric trolley rides
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum at a glance
- Hours
- Seasonal, check the railroad's website before you go
- Admission
- Fares vary by train; check the railroad's website
- Train rides
- Fraser Train excursions through the Des Moines River Valley, plus electric trolley rides; schedule and fares posted online
- Seasonal events
- Thomas the Tank Engine visit
- Best for
- Families who want a real train ride plus a museum stop
- Best ages
- Toddlers to age 10
Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.
Contact and directions
Look inside the book
Taking the kids to Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum? Bring Rally along.
In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Boone.
Rally Takes the Train
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See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $13.99 on Amazon.
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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
A historical society that runs its own railroad
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is a division of the Iowa Railroad Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that describes itself as an operating railroad museum. Rather than keeping its equipment behind ropes, the society runs it: steam, diesel and electric equipment all have a place in Boone, along with the James H. Andrew Railroad Museum, a 9,000 square foot building of rail artifacts and exhibits on Iowa's railroading heritage.
The railroad's main excursion, the Fraser Train, follows the former Fort Dodge, Des Moines & Southern route through the Des Moines River Valley. Along the way it crosses the 156-foot Bass Point Creek High Bridge and the Des Moines River Bridge. Trains leave from the society's depot in Boone.
Detailed history of the society's founding and the museum's namesake is not posted in the listings for the railroad, so the railroad's own website is the place to read more before a visit.
Depot, museum and the valley line
Plan around two parts: the James H. Andrew Railroad Museum, with historic artifacts and exhibits about railroading in Iowa, and a ride through the river valley on vintage equipment. The railroad also offers rides on a real electric trolley during at least some events. Confirm which trains are running on your date, since schedules change with the season.
Don’t miss
- Bass Point Creek High BridgeThe 156-foot crossing on the Fraser Train route is the high point of the ride, in every sense.
- James H. Andrew Railroad MuseumA 9,000 square foot museum focused on Iowa's railroad heritage, a good stop before or after your train.
- The electric trolleyThe railroad runs a real electric trolley, adding a third kind of equipment to its steam and diesel.
Thomas, trolleys and a big bridge
Families with young kids should watch for the railroad's Thomas the Tank Engine visits, when children can ride behind a full-sized Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt, ride the electric trolley and play games. The 2026 visit has already wrapped up, so check the railroad's site for future dates. On regular ride days, the high bridge crossings are what most kids remember.
Plan your visit: tips for Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum
- Check bsvrr.com for the current ride schedule and fares before driving to Boone.
- Directory listings give two different addresses; trust the address on the railroad's own site.
- Thomas the Tank Engine events sell out quickly at many railroads, so book early when dates are announced.
The railroad hosts Thomas the Tank Engine and Sir Topham Hatt for a visit in some years, with rides behind a full-sized Thomas, trolley rides, games and a stop at the museum. Watch the railroad's website for the next dates, and see our guide to Christmas train rides in Iowa for holiday ideas around the state.
The Iowa Railroad Historical Society
The railroad and museum are run by the Iowa Railroad Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Buying a ticket helps keep its steam, diesel and electric equipment running; ask the society about membership, volunteering or donations through its website or by phone.
More Iowa rail stops within a drive
The Rock Island Depot Museum in Iowa Falls is about 47 miles north, and the Iowa Trolley Park in Mason City, about 83 miles away, suits families who loved the trolley here. Browse all Iowa train museums to plan a longer trip.
- Rock Island Depot MuseumIowa Falls, IA · about 47 mi
- Iowa Trolley Park / Mason City historic electric railway exhibitsMason City, IA · about 83 mi
- Burlington Northern Depot MuseumRed Oak, IA · about 101 mi
- Union Pacific Railroad MuseumCouncil Bluffs, IA · about 116 mi
- RailsWest Railroad MuseumCouncil Bluffs, IA · about 116 mi
- Durham MuseumOmaha, NE · about 120 mi
Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive
Thomas visits here, and I can just see small kids lined up at the coach steps on a Thomas day, some of them needing a lift. That is exactly how it goes for Rally in our book. His corgi legs are too short for the big train stairs, so Dad scoops him up and gives him a boost. My mom dreamed up that moment, and I painted it for her. Our train books for toddlers list has more stories for little riders.
Free for train families
Print the Rally coloring pages before you go
Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.
Get the free coloring pages
A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)More for train families
- Train museums in Iowa: every museum by town, with a map
- Train museums in every state: search by town or near you
- Christmas train rides in Iowa
- Halloween train rides in Iowa
- Every Amtrak route with kids
Work or volunteer at Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum?
We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.
Sources
Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad: 20 questions riders ask
Where is the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and James H. Andrew Railroad Museum?
The railroad and museum are in Boone, Iowa. Business listings give the address as 225 10th St, Boone, IA 50036, which matches the 10th Street location many visitors search for. A downtown Boone directory lists 903 Story Street, so confirm the depot address on bsvrr.com before you set your GPS.
How do I buy Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad tickets?
Tickets and fares are handled through the railroad's website, bsvrr.com, where each excursion and event is listed. Prices are not posted in the directory listings, and they vary by train and event. You can also call (800) 626-0319 for pricing, hours and directions.
What is the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad?
It is an operating railroad museum run by the Iowa Railroad Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in Boone, Iowa. The society keeps diesel, steam and electric equipment and runs excursion trains, and it also operates the James H. Andrew Railroad Museum, a 9,000 square foot building of Iowa railroad history.
What route does the Boone & Scenic Valley train ride follow?
The main Fraser Train follows the former Fort Dodge, Des Moines & Southern route through the Des Moines River Valley. Along the way it crosses the 156-foot Bass Point Creek High Bridge and the Des Moines River Bridge. Trains leave from the society's depot in Boone.
What are the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad hours?
Ride days and museum hours are seasonal and are not posted in the directory listings for the railroad. Check the schedule on bsvrr.com before you go, or call (800) 626-0319. Plan around a specific train departure, since the museum and ride work best together.
What is in the James H. Andrew Railroad Museum?
The James H. Andrew Railroad Museum is a 9,000 square foot museum with historic rail artifacts and exhibits about Iowa's railroading heritage. It sits alongside the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, so most visitors pair it with a train ride. Check the railroad's site for current museum hours.
Are there photos of the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad online?
Yes, the railroad's website at bsvrr.com and travel listings such as Discover Ames show the trains, the depot and the valley scenery. For your own photos, the high bridge crossings are the scenes riders most want to capture, so have your camera ready as the train heads into the valley.
What do reviews say about the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad?
Travel guides describe it as a mix of history, scenic excursions and family-friendly experiences, with the museum and the river valley ride as the two main draws. For recent visitor comments, check review sites and the railroad's own pages, and look for reviews from the same season you plan to visit.
Does the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad have Thomas the Tank Engine?
Yes, Thomas the Tank Engine and Sir Topham Hatt have visited, with rides behind a full-sized Thomas, trolley rides, games and activities, and a visit to the museum. The 2026 visit has already wrapped up. Watch bsvrr.com for the next dates and buy tickets early.
Can you ride a trolley at the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad?
Yes, the railroad has a real electric trolley that families can ride, at least during events such as the Thomas visit. Electric equipment is part of the society's collection alongside steam and diesel. Check the schedule on bsvrr.com to see when the trolley is running.
Is the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad good for toddlers?
It can be a great outing for toddlers, especially on Thomas days with games and trolley rides. A full excursion may be long for very young children, so ask about trip length when you book. Call (800) 626-0319 to check what fits your family before buying tickets.
Does the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad run a Christmas train?
Holiday train details are not posted in the directory listings for the railroad. Check bsvrr.com in the fall for any holiday excursions and their dates, or call (800) 626-0319. Seasonal trains at many railroads sell out, so it helps to look early.
Is the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility details for the trains, depot and museum are not posted in the directory listings. Call the railroad at (800) 626-0319 before your visit to ask which cars and areas work for wheelchairs or strollers, so staff can help you plan.
Who runs the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad?
The Iowa Railroad Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, operates both the railroad and the James H. Andrew Railroad Museum. Ticket sales and support from members help keep its steam, diesel and electric equipment in service. Ask through bsvrr.com about ways to join or volunteer.
What kinds of locomotives does the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad have?
The society keeps diesel, steam and electric equipment, which is unusual for a single Iowa site. Which locomotive pulls a given train depends on the day and the event. Check bsvrr.com or call (800) 626-0319 if you are hoping to ride behind a particular engine.
How long should I plan at the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad?
Plan your day around the length of the train you book, plus time in the 9,000 square foot museum before or after. Trip lengths are listed with each excursion on bsvrr.com. Arriving early gives you time to park, pick up tickets and see the museum.
Where do I park for the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad?
Parking details are not posted in the directory listings for the railroad. Check bsvrr.com or call (800) 626-0319 for directions to the depot and parking advice, especially on busy event days such as a Thomas visit.
Can I book a group or party at the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad?
Group and birthday packages are not described in the directory listings. Call (800) 626-0319 or check bsvrr.com to ask about group rates, private cars or school visits. Booking well ahead is wise for large groups or event weekends.
Is there anything to do in downtown Boone near the railroad?
Yes, Downtown Boone hosts community events through the year, such as fall festivals, a Halloween parade and theater shows, listed on the Downtown Boone events calendar. These are separate from the railroad, but they can round out a day trip. Check dates before you plan.
What train museums are near the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad?
The Rock Island Depot Museum in Iowa Falls is about 47 miles away, and the Iowa Trolley Park in Mason City is about 83 miles. The Burlington Northern Depot Museum in Red Oak is about 101 miles, and the two Council Bluffs museums are about 116 miles away.
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