Boone County - 7 Attractions You Must Visit

The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad (reporting mark BSVY) is a heritage railroad that operates freight and passenger excursions in Boone County, Iowa. The heritage and excursion railroad was begun in 1983 by a group of volunteers who wanted to preserve a scenic section of the former Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Southern Railroad (FDDMS). The original track was built in the 1890s and electrified in 1907.

Nestled in the heart of Boone County, Iowa, the Boone County Historical Center stands as a guardian of the region's vibrant past. This cultural institution invites visitors to embark on a journey through time, exploring the tales of pioneers, the evolution of communities, and the enduring spirit that has shaped the county.

Boone Speedway is a well-known dirt track racing facility located in Boone, Iowa. It is primarily known for hosting dirt track racing events. Dirt track racing involves high-speed competition on an oval-shaped track covered with dirt or clay. It's a popular form of auto racing that attracts both local and regional racers, as well as racing enthusiasts.

High Trestle Trail is a rail trail running from Ankeny to Woodward in central Iowa. The recreation trail opened on April 30, 2011. It is a paved recreational trail that runs through the Polk, Story, Boone, and Dallas counties. The trail's name is derived from a former 1913 bridge that spanned the Des Moines River between the towns of Madrid and Woodward.

The Iowa Arboretum is a nonprofit arboretum located in Madrid, Iowa that encompasses 378 acres (153 ha). The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset.The arboretum was organized in 1966 by the Iowa State Horticultural Society on the society's 100th anniversary. Its mission is to grow, display, identify and study plants for education, research, conservation, aesthetics, and for personal enjoyment and recreation.

Ledges State Park is a popular outdoor destination located in central Iowa, offering visitors a scenic and natural environment for recreation and exploration. It is renowned for its distinctive sandstone formations and cliffs that rise above the Des Moines River. The park's name is derived from these sandstone "ledges" or rock formations.

Pilot Mound State Forest is located in Boone County, Iowa, about 1 mile (1.6 km) southeast of Pilot Mound and 8 miles (13 km) northwest of Boone. The forest sits atop a 70-foot (21 m) glacial mound of the same name.The land that would become Pilot Mound State Forest was donated to the state of Iowa in 1939 by B. P. Holst. The mound of the same name within the forest was once used as a natural water tower for the city of Pilot Mound. The land is used for study and research of forest growth.