I found this adventure quite by accident. We had been on our Iowa tour just a few days when I was reading my news feed on my phone and it figured out my location. A news article about Rail Explorers popped up and it looked like a lot of fun. I went to the website and managed to sign up for a Sunday afternoon trip. Not too long after I signed up I noticed that all the time slots were filled for the whole weekend. Turns out this was the first full week of operation in Boone.
We knew exactly where this was located because we were scheduled for the Boone Railroad dinner train ride for that Saturday. So before we left on the dinner train, we scoped out where we were to meet the next day. The cars and the waiting area are located west of the museum.
Sunday, we got there early and checked in. Right at 4:00, they called each group’s name and we got seated on our car and were given instructions. These cars are battery assisted by pedal. Once we got started it took very little effort to hit 10 mph. And the faster we pedaled, the faster we went. Even though we learned later that the speed was limited, we hit 15 mph on a slight grade. But really it’s just as fun taking it easy, enjoying the view. Once you are moving, the cars pretty much maintain their own speed so about anyone can just enjoy the ride.
We rode for about 40 minutes until we got to the turn-around spot. They had chairs and tables and we sat down and enjoyed the view of the Des Moines River. Once all the other cars arrived and everyone had a short rest, the staff used a turntable in the middle of the tracks to lift and spin the cars around to head back.
Just as we started back the car in front of us had a battery glitch and would not go on it’s own. Now I suppose the couple could have pedaled back to the station without the battery assist, but it would have taken a lot longer and would have delayed those behind them – including us. The staff knew exactly what to do. They coupled the broken car right to our car, then flipped a switch on our car allowing full power and we were off, pushing the car. We easily got up to 15 mph and enjoyed the ride back.
If you are going to be around the Boone, Iowa area, I highly recommend this excursion. It’s just a few miles west of Ames and only an hour from Des Moines. The tours start up again once the weather warms. From what’s on the website, it looks like they’ve expanded the tours to longer distances as well as sunset rides.
Book a ride soon!
Going over the bridge would freak me out I think.
They made us slow down when we went over the two bridges. It was very interesting being able to look right over the edge. And the track actually felt smoother on the trestle.
No FREAKING way! That was too high!!!@!