Wolf Train Day Trip No. 2

We know many of you were disappointed to learn earlier this summer that our September 15th day trip to Boone Scenic Valley to ride the Wolf luncheon train was sold out, but are pleased to announce that the Club was able to charter the Wolf train for an additional excursion date of Monday, October 4th! We have cleared our waitlist for this popular day trip and have space for at least 20 more Club members to register.

You’ll enjoy lunch on the rails as you travel through the beautiful Des Moines River Valley in climate-controlled comfort aboard the historic “City of San Francisco” or “City of Los Angeles” cars. The Wolf train crosses the 156’ tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge, the highest single-track interurban railroad bridge in the United States, as well as the Des Moines River, on its journey through the scenic Des Moines River Valley. After passing through the old coal-mining town of Fraser, the lunch train climbs its way back out of the river valley on an impressive grade. You will make your way across some of Iowa’s rich farmland, eventually making your way to the end of the line at the unincorporated town of Wolf before returning to Boone, Iowa.

In 1989, railroad steam operations returned to the state of Iowa with the Iowa Railroad Historical Society’s purchase of the world’s last commercially produced steam locomotive, the JS8419. The locomotive, constructed in Datong, China, was purchased for $350,000. However, our excursion will be diesel-powered.

You’ll have time to browse the on-site James H. Andrew Railroad Museum, a beautiful 9,000 sq. ft. facility housing more than 4,000 rare and unusual railroad artifacts, featuring a research library, theater, and memorabilia from all eras of railroading in Iowa. With extensive collections of track equipment, toy trains, dining car china, passenger train timetables, lanterns and more, there is something to interest everyone.

The cost of the trip remains at $115 per person which includes motorcoach transportation, Wolf train ride with on-board lunch and admission to the railroad museum. Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the cars, they are not handicapped accessible.

The lunch menu consists of a choice of smoked pulled pork sandwich; BBQ grilled chicken, bacon & cheddar sandwich; prime sliced French dip sandwich; or Mac & Cheese. Sandwich side dishes include hickory house baked beans and cheesy potatoes. Mac & cheese sides include garlic breadsticks and Catalina vegetables. Dessert is chef’s choice of the day, usually cookies or bars.

To register, Click HERE to view and print the trip registration form, make your check payable to Quad-City Plus 60 Club, and mail to Plus 60 Boone Train Trip, PO Box 455, Bettendorf, IA 52722-0008. If you have questions, please call or send a text message to John at 309-738-6826. Reservations are accepted in postmark date order. The postmark deadline for mailed registrations is August 31.