Iowa Railroad Historical Society | Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum | Dinner Train | Preserving Iowa's railroad history in Boone, Iowa

Welcome to the home of the Iowa Railroad Historical Society and Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad

DINNER TRAIN
Experience elegant railroad dining as it was in the 1950's. This relaxing two hour and thirty minute scenic ride through the Des Moines River Valley features historic 1950's railcars which were used on the Union Pacific Railroad's "City" trains. This train utilizes the same route as our 1920's excursion trains, crossing the 156' tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge on its way through the valley.

Tickets: $55.00 per person (all ages)

Payment: Prepaid reservations are required. Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted.

Departure dates and times:
See our "Schedule" page.

Video: Click below to watch a video of our dinner train.

Dinner train crossing the Bass Point Creek High Bridge on a cold late fall day.

You will begin your journey with Shrimp Cocktail and a Caesar Salad. Substitutions may be available. Call for additional information.

Your Choice of Entrees:

Prime Rib
A generous cut of prime rib, prepared medium-well.
Served with a baked potato.

Roast Pork Loin
Quick-seared pork loin, baked, and served with a peppercorn
sauce. Served with a baked potato.

Chicken Marsala
Quick-seared chicken breast, baked with a butter and garlic marinade. Topped with marsala sauce and mushrooms.
Served with rice pilaf.

Marinated Salmon Steak
Generous serving of baked salmon, prepared with a lemon-herb sauce.
Served with rice pilaf.

Five Cheese Lasagna
This delicious, meatless lasagna features cottage cheese, ricotta, parmesan, and romano chesses, topped with mozzarella.

All meals are served with seasonal

vegetables, rolls, a beverage (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, milk, coffee, or tea) and the Chef's scrumptious dessert of the evening.

Menu subject to change.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are reservations required?
Advance, prepaid reservations are required. Seating is limited. Call early to avoid disappointment. Generally, we recommend booking your trip at least one month in advance. During the months of September through December, we strongly recommend booking at least three months in advance.

Can I pay with cash when I get there?
Unfortunately, no. Prepaid reservations are required. We accept Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.

When will my credit card be charged?
Your credit card will be charged at the time you make your reservation.

Will I receive my tickets in the mail?
All dinner train tickets are held at the depot ticket window for pick-up on the evening of your trip. You will be mailed, or e-mailed, a confirmation letter, which you will need to present that evening at the ticket window.

When do you need to know which meals I would like?
You must provide us with your meal choices at least seven days prior to your trip.

Seating
Dinner train passengers are seated at tables of four people. For those wishing to have a more intimate dining experience, a private compartment may be available ($25 fee). Only two compartments are available on any given train. Be sure to inquire at the time you make your reservation!

Is there a strict dress code?
Although many men choose to wear a suit or sport coat, they are not required. We do request a "Nice Casual" attire, such as Dockers and a nice shirt or sweater for the men and slacks and top or casual dress for the ladies. This is your evening to relax and enjoy yourself, but it should also be special.

When do we need to be there?
Plan to arrive by 5:00, as we will begin to board the train shortly thereafter. The train will depart promptly at 5:30 PM. Arriving on time will allow you time to pick-up your tickets, and give us a chance to review important trip information with you. Also, keep in mind that upwards of 60 freight trains pass through Boone on any given day. This frequently leads to travel delays for our customers. Your punctual arrival helps to ensure you won't be caught on the wrong side of the tracks as your train departs our depot.

Is smoking allowed on the train?
Smoking is not allowed. All Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad trains, buildings, and grounds are smoke-free.

May I bring wine?
Although the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum and our caterer are not licensed to sell liquor on the train, each couple may bring one (1) bottle of wine to enjoy with their meal. A corking fee of $5.00 per bottle will be applied to your order. This is a requirement of our insurance company. Corking fees need to be paid prior to the date of your ride. Please "check" your wine at the ticket window upon arrival at the depot. Other alcoholic beverages will not be permitted. Our own "Scenic Valley Red" and "Whistle White" are available from our gift shop. For more information, call 1-800-626-0319.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?
Cancellation notifications and date change requests must be received at our office at least seven (7) days prior to the ride. Cancellation policies are strictly enforced.

What if snow is predicted on the day of my trip?
Our trains operate rain or shine. The decision to run is based on actual weather conditions at the railroad. If the train runs, no refunds or adjustments are made. If a train is cancelled due to bad weather, a gift card will be issued – no cash refunds.

Are the cars air conditioned?
Yes, the cars are completely enclosed, heated and air conditioned.

Is the train handicap accessible?
Unfortunately, stairs, narrow hallways and other limitations make these cars inaccessible to persons utilizing wheelchairs, motorized scooters, etc.

How much do tickets cost?
Tickets are $55 per person, regardless of age.

Will we cross the Kate Shelley High Bridge?
Actually, the Kate Shelley Memorial High Bridge is located on the Union Pacific Railroad's mainline across Iowa, which is unrelated to our line. However, we do cross the 156' tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge, which is the highest single-track interurban railroad bridge in the United States.