day trip
Rails, Barbecue, and a Giant Bridge
Central Iowa offers a perfect combination of historic rails, world-class barbecue, and breathtaking modern engineering. This day trip takes you from the historic depot of Boone to the tiny town of Luther for award-winning pit barbecue, and finishes with a sunset stroll across the spectacular High Trestle Trail Bridge near Madrid. It is an ideal weekend itinerary for families, photographers, couples, and train enthusiasts who want to experience the scenic beauty of the Des Moines River Valley from multiple perspectives.
Central Iowa offers a perfect combination of historic rails, world-class barbecue, and breathtaking modern engineering. This day trip takes you from the historic depot of Boone to the tiny town of Luther for award-winning pit barbecue, and finishes with a sunset stroll across the spectacular High Trestle Trail Bridge near Madrid. It is an ideal weekend itinerary for families, photographers, couples, and train enthusiasts who want to experience the scenic beauty of the Des Moines River Valley from multiple perspectives.
At a glance
- Trip type: Day trip
- Best for: Families, train fans, photographers, and couples
- Area or route: Boone, Luther, and Madrid
- Time needed: 8 hours
- Best season: Late spring through fall (trains run Memorial Day weekend through October 31)
- Estimated budget: $40–$60 per person (includes train tickets, lunch, and trail parking)
- Total driving: 25 miles (roughly 35 minutes of total driving between stops)
- Accessibility notes: The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad has limited wheelchair-accessible seating options on standard excursion trains (reservations required). Whatcha Smokin BBQ has a flat, accessible entrance. The High Trestle Trail is fully paved and flat, but requires a 0.75-mile walk from the closest parking lot to reach the bridge.
- Reservations: Train tickets must be purchased in advance.
- Last verified: July 17, 2026
The itinerary
| Time | Stop | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 p.m. | Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Depot | Arrive early to pick up tickets, browse the museum, and board the train |
| 1:30 p.m. | Fraser Excursion Train Ride | Take a scenic 15-mile round-trip ride over the Bass Point Creek High Bridge |
| 3:30 p.m. | Drive to Whatcha Smokin BBQ | Drive 10 miles south to the town of Luther |
| 3:50 p.m. | Whatcha Smokin BBQ | Feast on Texas-style pit barbecue, sides, and local craft beers |
| 5:30 p.m. | Drive to QF Lane Trailhead | Drive 12 miles south to the Madrid trailhead |
| 6:00 p.m. | High Trestle Trail Walk | Park and enjoy a scenic 0.75-mile walk to the bridge before sunset |
| 6:30 p.m. | High Trestle Trail Bridge at Dusk | Watch the sunset and stay to see the blue LED arches light up |
Stop 1: Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
Start your adventure at the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Depot**, located at 225 Tenth Street in Boone. Excursion trains operate from Memorial Day weekend through October 31.
Board the Fraser Excursion Train for a standard 1:30 p.m. departure (available Sunday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). The 15-mile round-trip ride takes you through the beautiful Des Moines River Valley, crossing the spectacular Bass Point Creek High Bridge—a historic steel bridge standing 156 feet above the valley floor. Before or after your ride, spend time browsing the on-site museum's collection of historical railroad memorabilia, locomotives, and passenger cars.
- Address: 225 Tenth St, Boone, IA 50036
- What to do: Explore the railroad museum, ride the historic diesel or steam excursion train, and cross the high bridge.
- How long to allow: 3 hours (including museum exploration, check-in, and the 1-hour and 45-minute train ride)
- Practical advice: Tickets sell out quickly. You must arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure to pick up tickets at the depot.
Stop 2: Whatcha Smokin BBQ
After the train returns to the depot, drive 10 miles south on Highway 17 to the tiny town of Luther to visit Whatcha Smokin BBQ. Located at 403 Iowa Avenue, this award-winning destination barbecue spot is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (closed Mondays).
Whatcha Smokin serves authentic, slow-smoked pit barbecue, including brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and smoked turkey, alongside classic sides like mac and cheese, pit beans, and cornbread. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, featuring a spacious outdoor patio and a selection of local craft beers on tap.
- Address: 403 Iowa Ave, Luther, IA 50152
- What to do: Feast on pit-smoked meats, try the signature barbecue sauces, and relax on the outdoor patio.
- How long to allow: 1.5 hours
- Practical advice: Because they smoke their meats fresh daily, they frequently sell out of popular items (like brisket and ribs) before closing time. Arriving by 4:00 p.m. ensures the best selection.
Stop 3: High Trestle Trail Bridge
From Luther, continue south on Highway 17 for 12 miles to reach the QF Lane Trailhead near Madrid. This trailhead offers the closest public parking to the famous High Trestle Trail Bridge.
Step onto the flat, fully paved trail and enjoy a peaceful 0.75-mile walk through a tunnel of trees. As you emerge from the canopy, you will step onto the massive half-mile-long bridge spanning 13 stories above the Des Moines River Valley. Time your visit to arrive just before sunset to watch the sky turn brilliant shades of orange and purple. At dusk, the bridge's 43 sculptural blue steel hexagonal arches light up with vibrant LED lights, creating a magical tunnel effect.
- Location: High Trestle Trail Bridge (2335 QF Lane Trailhead, Madrid, IA 50156)
- What to do: Walk 0.75 miles to the bridge, take in the valley views, watch the sunset, and photograph the illuminated arches.
- How long to allow: 2 hours
- Practical advice: Bring a flashlight or use your phone light for the walk back to the parking lot after dark. The LED lights on the bridge remain on until midnight.
Map and driving order
The route follows Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad (Boone) → Whatcha Smokin BBQ (Luther) → QF Lane Trailhead (Madrid). The first drive takes about 12 minutes south. The second drive takes about 15 minutes south. Total driving distance is 22 miles.
Before you go
- Purchase train tickets online in advance to guarantee your seats.
- Whatcha Smokin BBQ is closed on Mondays; plan this trip for a Saturday or Sunday for the best train schedule options.
- The train does not operate in late autumn or winter, but the High Trestle Trail and Whatcha Smokin BBQ remain open year-round.
Plan another day out
Find more local itineraries, weekend ideas, and dining maps in our Iowa travel guides.
Make it your own
If you visit on a Saturday morning, you can book the 11:00 a.m. Lunch Train excursion instead of the afternoon train, allowing you to eat lunch on board the train and explore Boone's shops before heading south. For a more active day, rent bicycles in Madrid and ride the trail to the bridge instead of walking.