Scenic Train Ride

This past weekend, hubby and I took his parents out for their anniversary gift. We gave them a Groupon that included four tickets on a two hour scenic train ride and entrance to the railroad history museum. It was a nice day trip to Ames/Boone, Iowa and we were able to eat lunch at the famed Iowa restaurant, Hickory Park.

I’ll share a few pictures from the experience with you! We started with the museum, which was interesting because we live near where a railroad once ran and hubby grew up close to the railroad.

This is some service type vehicle that was used back in the day. The servicemen would pedal it along the tracks. Wouldn’t that be fun exercise? With no trains, of course.

And then we hopped on the train. We sat in the open air train. It was a beautiful and cool day.

The entire excursion was run by volunteers, just to keep the train going due to lack of funds.

Part of the ride included crossing a railroad trestle that is 156 ft. high. It was a little eerie, but a beautiful view! We stopped on the bridge and the locomotive let out steam to bring out a rainbow.

Can you see the little boy poking his head out the window? So cute.

I’m always taking photos of scenery. I just can’t resist nature against the backdrop of a beautiful blue sky. It’s breath taking.

This is Iowa. I have grown to love the wide open spaces and the sense of freedom felt when standing in the middle of it all.

Yet another excursion, thanks to Groupon! What’s next?!