244 crosses our 156′ tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge 
1003 winds its way through the Des Moines River Valley 
The view from below as a train crosses the bridge 
Climate controlled coach 
Open air Valley View car 
Rock Island cupola caboose
The Fraser Train is our classic excursion train, operating Thursday through Sunday from Memorial Day Weekend through October 31. Travel from Boone to the old coal mining town of Fraser (and return) in 1920’s era coach cars, experience what it was like to ride the rails in a caboose, get an unparalleled view of the river valley from our popular open-air car, or enjoy the view in the climate controlled comfort of our Chicago and North Western bi-level commuter coach.
COVID-19: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks are required in the depot, museum, and common areas aboard the train.
Schedule and Prices
- Operates Memorial Day Weekend through October 31
- Thursday, Friday, and Sunday at 1:30 PM only
- Saturday at 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM
| Level of Service | Adults | Children | |
| Classic Coach Class |  | $22 | $9 |
| Climate Controlled Coach |  | $30 | $16 |
| Valley View Open Air Car |  | $35 | $18 |
| Caboose |  | $30 | $15 |
Concession Car 
Concession Car 
Lift on our Fraser Trains Call to confirm availability Classic Coach Class 
Climate Controlled Coach 
Fraser Train crossing our Bass Point Creek on a beautiful Saturday in the fall 
Fraser Train at the Des Moines Y-Camp 
Fraser Train crosses the Bass Point Creek High Bridge 
Fraser Train at the depot
The Fraser Train FAQs
When do we need to arrive at the depot?
Plan to arrive one hour before departure time. Keep in mind that in excess 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. Reservation or not, trains will not be held for late passengers.
Will my tickets be mailed to me?
Train tickets are held at the depot ticket office, and are to be picked-up at the ticket window upon your arrival.
Is there a ticket convenience fee?
- Internet ticket orders incur a 12%, non-refundable handling fee.
- Phone orders incur a non-refundable handling fee of 25 cents per ticket.
Where does The Fraser Train go?
Trains depart from our depot located at 225 10th Street in Boone, Iowa, and travel to Fraser, Iowa. Fraser, once a booming mining town, was the headquarters for the Boone Valley Coal and Railroad Company, a predecessor of the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad.
Is museum admission included?
Yes
Is the train climate controlled?
Only Climate Controlled Coach Class is air conditioned
I have reservations for the open-air car, but now it’s raining. Can I get a refund?
When making reservations for the open-air car, please keep in mind that you will be exposed to the elements. If there is inclement weather on the day of your trip, no refunds or adjustments will be made. You may, however, ride in our Classic Coach Class accommodations.
Is seating assigned?
At this time, all trains utilize assigned seating.
Are restrooms available on the train?
RV-type chemical toilets are available on board the train. It is recommended that you use the depot or museum restrooms prior to your trip.
Will we get off of the train?
No. Once the end of the line is reached, the train will stop, then begin the return trip to Boone.
How long is the ride?
Rides on our basic excursion train are approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in duration. Rides on dinner, dessert and picnic trains range from 2 hours and 10 minutes to 2 hours and 20 minutes. All rides are round trip excursions.
How fast will we be going?
Trains travel at approximately 10 miles per hour.
Are all of the train cars handicap accessible?
Only Classic Coach Class service on The Fraser Train is handicap accessible. Please call 1-515-432-4249 to confirm availability.
Are strollers or car seats allowed?
Strollers or car seats are not allowed onboard. Stroller or car seat storage is available in the ticket office.
Will we cross the Kate Shelley High Bridge?
No. The Kate Shelley Memorial High Bridge is located on Union Pacific’s mainline across Iowa, which is unrelated to our line. We will cross the Bass Point Creek High Bridge, which, at 156′ tall, is the tallest single-track interurban railroad bridge in the United States.
There is rain in the forecast. Will the train still run?
Trains operate rain or shine.
Is smoking allowed anywhere on the train?
Smoking is not allowed on any of the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s trains or property.
Are pets allowed?
Only service animals are allowed on Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad trains or property.
Are reservations required?
Reservations are required for all trains.