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.

Per Federal Railroad Administration regulations, masks are required at all times.

The Fraser Train Schedule and Prices

Operates Thursday through Sunday – Memorial Day Weekend through October 31

Thursday, Friday, and Sunday at 1:30 PM only

Saturday at 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM

The Fraser Train FAQs

Tickets and Reservations

Q. Are reservations required?

A. Prepaid reservations are required. Reserve at bsvrr.com/tickets or by calling (515) 432-4249.

Q. Can I pay with cash when I get there?

A. Prepaid reservations are required. We accept Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. Reserve at bsvrr.com/tickets or by calling (515) 432-4249.

Q. How far ahead do I need to make reservations?

A. The sooner, the better. Generally, we recommend booking your trip a minimum one month in advance. For the months of September through November, we strongly recommend booking at least three months in advance. Trains for the 2021 season seem to be selling out much more quickly. Again, the sooner, the better.

Q. Is there a ticket processing fee?

Internet ticket orders incur a 12%, non-refundable handling fee. Phone orders incur a non-refundable handling fee of 25 cents per ticket.

Q. When will my credit card be charged?

A. Your credit card will be charged at the time you make your reservation.

Q. Will my tickets be mailed to me?

A. No. Train tickets are held at the depot ticket office, and are to be picked-up at the ticket window upon your arrival. You will receive a confirmation e-mail.

Q. What if I need to cancel my reservation?

A. Any changes or cancellations must be made a minimum of 7 business days prior to the day of your departure.

Q. Is seating assigned?

A. The Fraser Train utilizes assigned seating. When ordering, indicate if you would like to be seated with a specific party.

Q. Is museum admission included?

A. Yes

Q. With my tickets, will I be able to sit in other cars of the train?

A. No. Aside from trips to the concession car, you must stay in the car you are assigned.

Before You Board

Q. When do we need to arrive at the depot?

A. 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.

Q. Are all of the train cars ADA accessible?

A. No. Only Classic Coach Class service on The Fraser Train is ADA accessible. Please call (515) 432-4249 to confirm availability.

Q. May I bring my pet on board?

A. No. Only service animals are allowed on our trains and in buildings.

Q. Are strollers or car seats allowed?

A. No. Stroller or car seat storage is available in the ticket office.

Q. May we bring food and drink on board?

FRASER TRAIN: Food and non-alcoholic beverages may be brought on board the Fraser Train. However, coolers, backpacks, or other large bags are not allowed. What you bring on board must be held in your lap – aisles must be kept clear.

Q. Will we cross the Kate Shelley High Bridge?

A. The Kate Shelley 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.

On Board

Q. Are restrooms available on the train?

A. 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.

Q. Is smoking allowed?

A. All Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad trains, buildings, and grounds are smoke-free.

Q. Are the coach cars heated and air conditioned?

A. Only Climate Controlled Coach Class is heated or cooled. Classic Coach Class is not.

Q. How fast does the train go?

A. Trains travel at approximately 10 miles per hour.

Q. How long is the ride?

A. Rides on our basic excursion train are approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in duration.

Q. Where will the train be going?

A. Trains depart from our depot located at 225 10th Street in Boone, Iowa, wind their way through the Des Moines River Valley, before ending up near 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.

Q. Are we allowed off of the train during the trip?

A. No. Once the end of the line is reached, the train will stop, then begin the return trip to Boone.

Weather

Q. What if inclement weather is predicted on the day of my trip?

A. Our trains operate rain, snow, or shine. The decision to run is based on weather conditions at the railroad. If the train runs, no refunds will be made. If a train is cancelled, a gift card will be issued – no cash refunds will be made. When making reservations for the Valley View 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.