The Boone center point is about 12 miles west of Brunnier Art Museum and 12 miles west of Farm House Museum.
Boone is known for cold winters with average low temperatures well below freezing. The summers are more moderate, with average highs in the 80-degree range, so this time of year is more popular for tourists. You may be able to score lower hotel rates in the winter, but you'll need to pack plenty of warm clothing. The city receives an average of 38 inches of rainfall per year and 33 inches of snowfall annually.
Pufferbilly Days is the largest annual festival held in Boone. This event celebrates the city's railroad heritage and takes place the week after Labor Day each year. More than 30,000 people come into the area for the festival, so hotel rates are higher during this time. Boone also hosts the Farm Progress Show every other year, rotating with another location in Decatur, Illinois. This show draws an estimated crowd of 150,000 and takes place in late August.
Senior visitors can save when staying at Hilton Garden Inn Ames, which is about 11 miles from Boone. The location offers easy access to several nearby attractions. Amenities for guests include an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa tub, several areas to shop, and a business center. You can enjoy a meal at the American grill on the property or order room service, offered during limited hours. Every room comes outfitted with a 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels, complimentary toiletries, a separate workspace, a phone with free local calls, and free wired and wireless internet access.
For AAA members, discounted rates are offered at Grandstay Hotel & Suites. This cozy property has just 53 rooms, each of which has a full kitchen with a refrigerator and a stovetop, along with free wired and wireless internet access, a 39-inch flat-screen TV, a desk, and free weekday newspapers. On the property, you can take advantage of the indoor pool, spa tub, and fitness center. A convenience store offers a variety of snacks and drinks, while a hot and cold breakfast buffet is served each morning.
If you're a government employee or member of the military, you're eligible to save at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ames. Within the rooms, amenities include premium bedding and down comforters, flat-screen TVs with premium satellite programming, designer toiletries, microwaves, and refrigerators. Recreational amenities include a fitness center which is open 24 hours a day, along with an indoor pool and spa tub. You can enjoy the daily buffet breakfast each morning or grab a snack at the convenience store.
Baymont by Wyndham Boone is a property that delivers excellent value for guests. In-room amenities include tea and coffee makers, complimentary toiletries, free Wi-Fi, microwaves, refrigerators, and TVs with all your favorite cable channels. The property boasts an indoor swimming pool, a business center, a fitness center, and front desk staff available 24 hours a day. A complimentary continental breakfast is available each morning during your stay.
Enjoy a comfortable stay at Sleep Inn & Suites Ames Near ISU Campus. Throughout your stay, you can take advantage of amenities like a fitness center, free wireless internet access in the common areas and guest rooms, a business center, dry cleaning and laundry services, and free on-site self-parking. A complimentary continental breakfast with hot and cold options is served daily. In your room, you'll have a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an MP3 docking station, a refrigerator, a desk, a microwave, and complimentary toiletries.
Since Boone has a strong heritage tied to the railroad, it's no surprise that a top attraction in the area is the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. Visitors can take a train ride and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. The Boone History Center is a museum housed in a historic building that was once a Masonic temple. The facility dates back to 1907 and houses a variety of galleries and exhibits dedicated to some of the most famous residents. These include Mamie and Ike Eisenhower, Boone's First Family, and Kate Shelley.
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy visiting Ledges State Park, a beautiful natural area with access to a river and plenty of hiking and walking trails. Seven Oaks Recreation is also a site with many outdoor activities, available throughout the changing seasons. These activities include snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding, and floating the river. Honey Creek Golf Club is a spot for golfing, while McHose Park is a large outdoor expanse with baseball diamonds, picnic areas, a swimming pool, and playgrounds.
With so many fascinating historical sites and a welcoming atmosphere, Boone is an appealing small town to visit in the Midwest. You can find a number of hotel options in the city, offering comfortable amenities for a more relaxing stay.
Below are reviews of the city of Boone, IA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Visited the Train Museum and Diner Train. The primary reason for trip is the annual Amateur Radio Event. Found a nice chili feed at the airport.
We attended a wedding at the 1863 Farmhouse so saw small parts of Boone. Didn't have time to explore but it seems like a nice town.
The quaintness of it!
Beautiful drive thru Boone Ledges