Boone, Iowa is a charming small town located in Central Iowa. With its historic downtown and scenic surroundings, it’s no wonder that Boone is often referred to as the “Jewel of the Prairies.” Visitors can explore some of the town’s unique attractions such as the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum, Mamie Eisenhower Birthplace and Memorial, and Ledges State Park. In addition to attractions, Boone also offers a variety of restaurants and shops for visitors to enjoy.
The reviews for this small town are overall very positive. Many people remark on how friendly and inviting the people of Boone are, with a special mention to how helpful locals can be when giving directions or advice. People also love the wide variety of outdoor activities that Boone has to offer, from camping at Ledges State Park to biking along its many trails. The museums provide both educational and entertaining experiences for all who visit. Finally, people cannot get enough of the unique restaurants in town that serve up delicious food made with locally sourced ingredients. All these factors make Boone a great place for anyone looking for an enjoyable getaway.
based on 6 ReviewsGet to know Boone with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Boone
Run...Don't walk! - 5/20/2013
As long as you grew up here, or have a relative who did, you will do just fine. Outsiders...they don't want them! Other than a railroad employee, or two, in 5 years, I never met anyone who either hadn't grown up there, or wasn't related to someone who did...your basic inbreeding! They definitely don't like change and unless it affects either their land, or their taxes, you won't see nor hear from them. The town has a definite, "From the Right Side of the Tracks" attitude which divides the town, not only north and south, but east and west. While it may appear Norman Rockwellesque - it is not. Didn't expect a central Iowa community of 12,600 to be dealing with as many social issues such as drug use and homelessness, and it has had its share of shootings (mostly by the cops). Lot's of "old" money in town that likes to control things; which explains the need/survival of 5 banks in a town that size, and a population that hasn't grown in 50+ years! And they must survive on pizza as there
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Run...Don't walk! - 5/7/2013
Lived there 5 years; other than a few railroad employees, everyone I ran into was related to someone in the community. Most are either resistant to change, or have a lot of apathy; which could explain why the community has had an almost stagnant population growth for the last 50 to 100 years! Basically a community of inbreds; struggling to survive and no plans, or hope to
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Run...Don't walk! - 5/7/2013
Lived there 5 years; other than a few railroad employees, everyone I ran into was related to someone in the community. Most are either resistant to change, or have a lot of apathy; which could explain why the community has had an almost stagnant population growth for the last 50 to 100 years! Basically a community of inbreds; struggling to survive and no plans, or hope to
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Boone, Iowa - 2/16/2009
Small town mid-western living at it's best is the way to describe Boone, Iowa. Centrally located in Iowa; Boone is just minutes from Ames, home to Iowa State University, and less than an hour north of Des Moines. Besides the ability to tap into the culture of these two Communities, you are also less than a 1/2-days drive to Kansas City, Omaha, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Chicago, St. Louis and Sioux Falls, SD.
The city still celebrates its railroad heritage with its annual Pufferbilly Days celebration. There are lots of area tourist attractions such as the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, Snus Hill Winery, The Iowa Arboritum, Ledges State Park, the Birthplace of Mamie Doud Eisenhower,Boone County Historical Museaum and Seven Oaks recreation. For hunters there is an abundane of public hunting land along the Des Moines River,and Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the city's parks, including McHose Park.
There is a nice mix of industry and many unique shops in the
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A Great Place To Live - 1/11/2006
Boone, Iowa is a great place to live. Low crime, clean air, good schools, no congestion are all part of the deal. Ames, Iowa (home of Iowa State university with a population of 54,000 is 15 minutes from Boone. Greater Des Moines, Iowa (population 300,000 plus) is 40 minutes from Boone. Boone has McHose Park, a great 250 Acre City Park. Ledges State Park, the state's most popular, is ten minutes away from Boone. The public high school is modern and well-equipped, and a brand-new middle school will be open by the end of 2006. Boone has two 18-hole golf courses, and many smaller city parks. Additionally, Boone has an excellent hospital and clinics, a full-time (not volunteer) fire department, great quality water supply and top-notch waste-water system. It is not Los Angeles or New York, nor is it meant to be, but is a great place to
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Sad Place - 9/28/2005
Such a sad, sad place! Relocated here, nothing at all to do. People are really behind and are so lacking....People are not accepting here of other cultures or for that matter accepting of any new transports. If you do not have children and are single or married, you will feel isolated and treated as if something is terribly wrong for not having them. This town totally caters to people with children, however, sadly, you would not know it. Read the papers, this town has the highest rate of meth labs in the State of Iowa and teenage pregnancies and one of the worst records for education. To look at this town, driving in you would think a lovely quaint "Norman Rockwell-esque" town. Furthermore, if you read the Sex Offender registry -there are quite a few predators that live here and strangely, every part of town has a school in it. Restaurants are only open until 10:00 pm, and the only main store at the edge of town is a Wal Mart. However, there is multiple banks, gas stations, convenient
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