Overview
Boone is a city in Central Iowa.
3 things to do
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Boone
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
Ledges State Park
A popular park centered around a wooded canyon with sandstone bluffs rising above a tributary of the Des Moines River. A winding one-way road (which regularly closes due to flooding) runs through the canyon, crossing the…
High Trestle Trail
Rural area with lengthy walking, biking and hiking trails highlighted by the High Trestle Trail Bridge, a 1/2-mile, 13-story high bridge offering scenic views of the Des Moines River valley. A popular Iowa tourist attrac…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 10°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Ames)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- FOD Fort Dodge Regional Airport, Fort Dodge — 37 mi away. Directions
- DSM Des Moines International Airport, Des Moines — 38 mi away (major hub). Directions
Interstate highways I-35 and I-80.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, Ledges State Park
- Afternoon High Trestle Trail
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Boone is the birthplace of Mamie Eisenhower, former First Lady of the United States (1953-1961). It is also home to the IMCA Super Nationals.
Nearby communities include the cities Boone (pop. 12,811), Madrid (pop. 2,211), and Ogden (pop. 2,011).
Get in
Interstate highways I-35 and I-80.
By plane
Do
Do Ledges State Park
A popular park centered around a wooded canyon with sandstone bluffs rising above a tributary of the Des Moines River. A winding one-way road (which regularly closes due to flooding) runs through the canyon, crossing the stream at several points. The park features 13 miles of hiking trails along with fishing and canoeing on the Des Monies River, 95 campsites, and some lovely picnic spots.
Do High Trestle Trail
Rural area with lengthy walking, biking and hiking trails highlighted by the High Trestle Trail Bridge, a 1/2-mile, 13-story high bridge offering scenic views of the Des Moines River valley. A popular Iowa tourist attraction, the bridge is framed by a unique, inverted steel frame design that lights up after dark.
- Farm Progress Shows
- Iowa Municipal Band Festival
- Play a challenging game of disc golf at McHose Park.
Go next
Ames, about 20 miles away, is a college town with some attractions.
Nearby
Ames
City / town · 26 listings · 13 mi away
Ankeny
City / town · 8 listings · 27 mi away
Fort Dodge
City / town · 4 listings · 34 mi away
West Des Moines
City / town · 7 listings · 35 mi away
Des Moines
City / town · 131 listings · 35 mi away
Carlisle
City / town · 5 listings · 44 mi away
Marshalltown
City / town · 3 listings · 50 mi away
Newton
City / town · 13 listings · 50 mi away
My experience
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