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    Rail Explorers - Boone IA Division

    4.6 (25 reviews)

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    Michelle L.

    Been wanting to do this on one of my visits and finally got the chance to do this. Made reservations on Friday for the 12:30 pm Monday excursion. Really enjoyed the experience. Beautiful scenery throughout the about 12 mile round trip. The high bridge didnot seem as scary as I thought and it was cool crossing the DSM river. This bird nerd got to see some great birds on this trip , including bald eagles at the rest point. When moving the cars are a little noisy and not the most comfortable seat, but not horrible either. We hardly peddled on way out, but my strong nephew pedaled in the right seat on the way back as the guides stated. Would totally do this again.

    Kim C.

    We had a great time relaxing and connecting with nature. We booked this in April for an October date. So recommend booking early is you want the four seater.

    Mark D.

    We made advance reservations for four of us all on the same rail car. The ride along the Des Moines River, the fields and woods was really nice. Fantastic views especially from the bridges. I wasn't prepared for the noise level in the car, lots of clickety clack. Also get a strong person into the primary pedal seat. It's a bit downhill on the outbound, tougher on the return going uphill. We had a great time. Highly recommended.

    Breath taking view!

    We had so much fun! It was a beautiful day for a ride! The views are spectacular! We were supposed to leave at 10:45 but due to the group in front of us they were running 10 minutes late. The staff apologized several times. We enjoyed the area playing games and taking photos while we waited. Once we got our ride underway we had a great time! At the turn around location the staff had ice water for us, which was refreshing. Our ride back was not as fun. The ride in front of us was so slow. They kept slowing down so their child could reach flowers. Halfway to the end one of our pedals fell off. Luckily it wasn't the lead. All in all we enjoyed the Rail Explorers! We look forward to our next trip!

    Emily B.

    Omgsh we had so much fun! We did the 4 seater at sunset however we ended up getting rained on but the show still went on! They provided ponchos & umbrellas! It wasn't a downpour so it was still fun. Would definitely go again. The staff was sooo nice & educated us before & during the ride. Always available behind or in front if needed. They took pics for us too! Can't wait to go back to see the views during the day! They have 2 seater available as well.

    Mary V.

    A unique fun experience. We did the last tour of the day -- starts at 9 pm. We'll come back for a daytime tour next. The evening one starts after sunset so it was not as nice. I was hoping I'd hit sun set, would've been beautiful out there. The bikes itself are a bit loud but that's expected, not uncomfortably loud. It does have a motor so there's VERY LITTLE resistance. Don't be concerned about physical activity. The entire trip was about an hour and 1/2. But, the majority of it was spent waiting. You're on the route until a resting point where you get off, chill while they turn all the carts around then you head back. I wish the route had a turn around built in but still very fun! Bring drinks, snacks, and speakers.

    Biking is a whole new experience
    Bill B.

    If you are looking for a new experience, look no further. This is an outdoor pedaling cart along a railroad track. You go about 6 miles and over two bridges. If you have hight issues be aware of this and choose wisely. You do not need to be in great physical condition to do this adventure. The carts are electric assist, so minimal effort is needed on your part. There are 2 seater carts and 4 seater carts. You are buckled in and there is a basket to but any personal belongings in if you feel you will lose them. Many groups brought small coolers but it is probably not needed for the hour or so ride. The carts followed the train out and back so the track is strong enough to hold a full size train. I say this because it does feel a little rickety at times. It is also very loud from all the medal on medal banging. The staff we very friendly and helpful, carrying on conversations and also retrieving lost belongings (a couple hats) as they find them. You will need to book an appointment well in advance as I hear they are already book for the rest of the year. We plan to go again but this time at the late time slot where we can use the headlights and experience the evening ride.

    Bridge over water
    Lauren H.

    Great time! The staff was incredible!! I give the 4 stars only because as they encourage drinks/speakers etc, yet during the half way point there is no restroom, the bikes don't have cup holders and it is very loud over the tracks. Again, the staff was incredible, just a few callouts that were unexpected.

    Tandem rail car
    Julee W.

    Day 2 of being opened. We had a great time on this tour. Each car has a motor that engages on the trip back to the station. It's about a 5,5 mile tour in each direction. There's a short break in between as they turn the cars around. Bring a cooler with water and snacks and don't forget the sunscreen. It's about 2 hours from start to finish. Note, if on the way back you are working harder to move your car on the tracks, your motor may not be engaged. Happened to us but we didn't mind because we were getting a decent workout. Once engaged, it moved with little effort. Highly recommend for all ages!!

    Jessica C.

    We traveled a ways to check out Rail Explorers for a birthday outing and were not disappointed. Staff was great! We had a slight hiccup but the staff went above and beyond to fix it. Would recommend trying this, easy and enjoyable for all ages.

    View from parking lot.
    Terri M.

    Fun fun fun! A must do. Gonna do it again in October! Staff was friendly and the ride was a breeze. Loved the nature ride.

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    Ask the Community - Rail Explorers - Boone IA Division

    Review Highlights - Rail Explorers - Boone IA Division

    2 miles but I didn't even sweat because the rail car does most of the work for you.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Tour Des Moines - "Nomade," in the Pappajohn Sculpture Park

    Tour Des Moines

    5.0(1 review)
    36.1 mi

    We enjoyed a great tour of the East Village on a beautiful June day. Four unique dining venues…read morealong with a dose of history was included in the tour. Our guide, Angie, was a knowledgeable and gracious host. A perfect experience for residents or visitors to the area. Plan to spend 2 and half to 3 hours on the tour.

    From the owner: Tour Des Moines offers fun, informational, and tasty tours of Iowa's capital city. Join us for a…read morewalking food tour of the city's original entertainment district -- Court Avenue -- or of our eclectic and funky East Village neighborhood. If you'd rather explore Des Moines in a city tour, we can do that, too! From the Pappajohn Sculpture Park to the Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines has much to explore. It's a city as exciting as it is accessible. Des Moines is the darling of national ranking lists, finding itself on lists such as "Hippest Mid-Size City in America" and "Best Up-and-Coming City for Foodies," as well as being the fastest growing metro in the Midwest. We have unique and delicious dining experiences, from casual to classy upscale. Our walking food tours will allow you to sample from a variety of culinary experiences while learning about Des Moines' past and present. In the East Village, you'll also have the opportunity for shopping in the eclectic and charming stores. Tour Des Moines offers scheduled tours, or we're happy to discuss a private tour for your family, friends, organization or business.

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    Tour Des Moines
    Tour Des Moines
    Tour Des Moines - Mural at Exile Brewing

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    Mural at Exile Brewing

    EMC Overlook At MacRae Park

    EMC Overlook At MacRae Park

    4.6(5 reviews)
    37.2 mi

    The EMC Overlook at MacRae Park is a beautiful little spot right in the heart of the metro…read more Constructed as a picturesque spot looking out on downtown. It's a heckuva view! We really do have a nice downtown skyline...! Take the time to explore the adjacent MacRae Park itself too. This spacious park is one of the prettiest parks in the metro with rolling hills, mature trees, and a pond. I moved to Des Moines in 1992 and it's funny how much we take the spots we see every day for granted. I still do now and then too. We look for something more spectacular and exciting... And further away. I think it's really important to recognize the beauty we have right here in our own backyard. Take some time... Look around... Enjoy the mundane. Stop and smell the roses...so to speak.

    MacRae Park is a memorable one, I know I've only been there twice now. I decided to stop by on a…read morenice winter day and go up to see the EMC Overlook that was added last fall. The EMC Overlook has fantastic views of Downtown Des Moines, the Capitol building and the Racoon River. It is a must see and would be a great thing to show out of town visitors or add to a tour of downtown. Very nice place to snap some pics with a gorgeous background. The overlook faces to the North and East and I'd love to see it at sunrise. I believe it is also lit at night. One thing to be aware of, the road up the overlook is UP! Steep and curved, I would be very cautious about going there in icy weather. The bike/pedestrian trail goes up there as well, but it's also not an easy ride. Believe me, my first trip up into the park was on a bike.

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    EMC Overlook At MacRae Park
    EMC Overlook At MacRae Park
    EMC Overlook At MacRae Park - Picnic area

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    Picnic area

    Rail Explorers - Boone IA Division - tours - Updated May 2026

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