Train Rides

[thenewguy]

First of all, feel free to merge if such a thread exists....

my boys love trains, and I know Fremont used to offer dinner trains and rides but it says they are not in operation this year. Does anyone know of any other railroads offering a similar type service near the Omaha metro? I just want to take them on a train ride without treveling a long distance....

[Brad]

The zoo?

Seriously though, Boone, IA is the closest one. It's totally worth the drive and I would highly recommend it to everyone.

Boone Valley and Scenic Railroad.

As sad as it is, the Fremont line will probably never run again.

[skinzfan23]

I have been to the Boone one before and second Brad, in saying it is totally worth the drive. I believe they even have events for kids like the Easter Bunny and other characters at different times of the year.

[Coyote]

I remember seeing a Groupon for this train trip not too long ago, you may want to see if there is still a valid one out there
.

[Coyote]

Found it:
Train Ride and Museum Visit for Two or Four at Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum (Up to 47% Off)

History museums show us how people used to live: in history museums with all their possessions behind glass display cases. Intrude on the past with this Groupon.

Choose Between Two Options
$30 for a Coach Class Excursion and museum passes for two (up to $56 value)
$59 for a Coach Class Excursion and museum passes for four (up to $112 value)
With a season beginning in May, engineers rev up the old-fashioned train engine of a 1920s-era train and transport up to 300 passengers in vintage coach cars from Boone to the old coal-mining town of Fraser. The train includes a concessions car where passengers can purchase hot dogs and drinks, an open-air car for stunning views of the Des Moines River Valley, and a classic red caboose. Trains depart at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday May 3, 10, and 17, then run daily Memorial Day weekend through October 31.

Guests can redeem museum passes while here or return to the campus to explore the history of local railways. The museum’s artifacts, photographs, and historical documents—including a library dedicated to the museum’s subjects—uncover the motives and aspirations of the workers and industry tycoons who laid the tracks.

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum’s campus features 9,000 square feet of exhibits, classrooms, and libraries dedicated to all eras of Iowa’s railway history. But the museum campus is one part of the organization’s attractions, since the it keeps actual 1920s-era coach cars coasting the tracks, chugging past sights and recreating the experience railway riders have enjoyed for nearly 100 years. The ancient engine follows the tracks in the Des Moines River Valley, taking visitors to old coal towns or allowing them to soak in scenic views. After their ride, travelers can return to the museum, where they can view track equipment, ogle dining car china, or learn why one has to wear coveralls to steer a train.

[Brad]

That groupon has been a staple for at least the past two seasons. I see it all the time. We bought one last year.