Home to the famous Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and the High Trestle Trail, Iowa's Boone County features a variety of historic mining towns that are today home to exciting attractions. Check out this itinerary for your Boone area inspiration!
Day One: Burn Some Energy
Do: High Trestle Trail
Start the weekend adventure with a visit to one of Iowa’s most famous attractions, the High Trestle Trail. Running for 25 miles through five towns and four counties, Boone County’s portion features the High Trestle Trail bridge near Madrid. Grab your bike or walking shoes and cross the bridge for some of Iowa’s best river valley views.
Do: Seven Oaks Recreation
For more outdoor adventures, head to Seven Oaks Recreation located just outside of Boone and enjoy their collection of summer activities. Sign up for a two-four hour river tubing or kayaking/canoeing expedition, or challenge your friends to an intense competition in the paintball field.
Eat: Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Dinner Train
For lunch or dinner, grab a reservation aboard one of the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s meal trains to enjoy a elegant dining on the rails and amazing views of the Des Moines River Valley.
Stay: Cobblestone Inn & Suites
To end the day’s adventures, check in at Boone’s Cobblestone Inn & Suites for a restful night and prepare for another day of fun.
Day Two: Relax in Nature
Eat: Van Hemert's Dutch Oven Bakery
Pop into family-owned and -operated Van Hemert's Dutch Oven Bakery for their famous Dutch letters, Dutch apple bread or any of their delicious pastries.
Do: Ledges State Park
Then, head to Ledges State Park to catch up on the day’s step goal. Home to some of the most unique and inspiring natural resources in the state, hop on the trails to admire the diverse vegetation and abundant wildlife.
Eat: The Lucky Pig
After enjoying a morning of activity, head to the Lucky Pig Pub & Grill in Ogden for lunch. Be sure to try their infamous pork tenderloin or indulge in a different selection from their extensive menu.
Do: Snus Hill Vineyard & Winery
Before you head home, stop by Snus Hill Vineyard and Winery and take home a piece of Iowa. This award-winning, family-owned winery not only features amazing rural views, but also a collection of delicious American and French-American wines, all to be enjoyed on their expansive decks and tree-shaded lawns.
