Today, the trains crisscrossing the United States are mostly associated with the two coasts, but Iowa has a rich rail history and still plays host to several long-distance rail lines. However, when most people ride the rails in the Hawkeye State today, they’re doing it for fun rather than business or travel. Iowa has several famous recreational railroads, but none more famous than the one in Boone. In this train-themed day trip in Iowa, you start by paying a visit to the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and follow it up with a stay in the state’s most unique hotel – the Hotel Pattee in Perry, built into a historic train depot. For train lovers, there is no better way to celebrate Iowa’s rail history and enjoy some stunning views, great food, and a luxurious night’s sleep.
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is the state’s best rail attraction, combining vintage trains with a rail history museum and gift shop.
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum/Facebook
On the short excursions, you’ll sail down restored tracks over some of Iowa’s best landscapes.
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum/Facebook
No matter the season, you’ll find amazing views - but many frequent visitors swear by the yearly fall foliage trips!
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum/Facebook
This is much more than a one-time trip, too - you can take your trip in an open-air car, or even attend an extended dinner train.
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum/Facebook
And of course, no ride on the train is more famous than the annual Santa Express trip to the North Pole - a huge hit with families.
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum/Facebook
From there, you’re less than half an hour away by car from Perry, where you’ll find the acclaimed Hotel Pattee.
MMM_and_MPM/TripAdvisor
This independent boutique hotel is built into an old train depot, and you can feel the old-school class in every room.
Twila F/TripAdvisor
Train decor is everywhere - including on the walls of the popular bistro-style restaurant.
Twila F/TripAdvisor
You’ll be sitting down to fine dining here, as the modern-American restaurant dishes out inventive preparations of hearty main courses along with lighter fare.
Hotel Pattee/Facebook
Then you’ll bed down in the luxurious, romantic rooms - the best night’s sleep anyone ever got in a train station!
Hotel Pattee/Facebook
Have you visited these attractions in Boone or Perry? Let us know about your experience on this train-themed day trip in Iowa in the comments section. To find out more about these unique rail attractions, you can visit the websites for the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and Hotel Pattee for everything you need to know. For more unique road trips in 2023, check out these twelve small towns.
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum/Facebook
MMM_and_MPM/TripAdvisor
Twila F/TripAdvisor
Hotel Pattee/Facebook
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Address: Hotel Pattee, 1112 Willis Ave suite a, Perry, IA 50220, USAAddress: Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad | James H. Andrew Railroad Museum, 225 10th St, Boone, IA 50036, USA
