Eco Adventures on Rails: A Must-Stop EV Road Trip Experience in Boone, Iowa
Take a break from the highway and discover a hidden gem in Boone, Iowa—where your EV road trip meets pedal-powered rail biking adventure with Rail Explorers.
Rail Explorers Business Sign
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EV Road Trip to Rail Explorers: The Challenge
Planning an EV road trip through the Midwest? Make sure to add Boone, Iowa to your itinerary.
Nestled in the heart of the state, this charming town offers a unique and eco-friendly adventure: Rail Explorers.
With pedal-powered rail bikes and scenic views of the Des Moines River Valley, it’s the perfect blend of sustainability and fun.
EV Charging for Rail Explorers: How We Pulled It Off
One of the best parts about including Boone, Iowa in your EV road trip is how easy it is to stay charged and ready for adventure. Whether you're driving a Tesla or another electric vehicle, the region offers convenient charging options that make planning stress-free.
Charging Stations Nearby:
The closest high-speed charging is located in Ames, just 20–30 minutes east of Boone.
The Tesla Supercharger in Ames is a reliable stop with multiple stalls and nearby amenities.
Read our NACS to CCS1 adapter review
Across the street is a ChargePoint station hosted by a Kum & Go convenience store.
Helpful Apps for Planning:
PlugShare – Great for checking real-time charger availability and user reviews.
A Better Route Planner (ABRP) – Ideal for mapping out your entire EV route with charging stops.
SightSee EV - Use our road trip planning method to record usable charging stations.
While You Charge:
Ames offers plenty to do while your EV powers up. Grab a coffee, explore local shops, or take a short walk through the Iowa State University campus.
Amp’d Advice: Always use the PlugShare app to check charger status before arrival, especially in smaller towns. Having a backup station in mind can save time and reduce stress.
Rail Explorers Quad Pedal-Powered Bike
EV Sight See Rail Explorers: Peaceful Riding
Riding with Rail Explorers in Boone, Iowa is unlike any other outdoor adventure. You’ll hop aboard a custom-built, pedal-powered rail bike designed to glide smoothly along historic railroad tracks. These open-air vehicles are built for comfort and stability, and include electric assist, making them perfect for riders of all ages and fitness levels.
Amp’d Advice: Bringing the packable rain cover from your essential items may improve your day.
The Boone excursion takes you on a scenic journey through the Des Moines River Valley, offering breathtaking views of rolling hills, dense woodlands, and the iconic Bass Creek High Trestle—a towering bridge that delivers a thrilling perspective of the landscape below. The route is peaceful and immersive, with the rhythmic sound of the rails and the fresh Iowa air enhancing the experience.
Each ride is guided and timed, so you can enjoy the scenery while the tracks remove the need to steer or navigate. Whether you choose a tandem or quad bike, the pace is relaxed, and the ride is smooth. Safety is a top priority, with seat belts, hand brakes, and clear instructions provided before departure.
Amp’d Advice: The seats are a bit firm, so if you have a sensitive sitter, consider bringing a cushion—or grab one for $8 at the gift shop.
Expect the full experience to last about 90 minutes, including a turnaround break at the halfway point. It’s a perfect blend of light exercise, sightseeing, and family-friendly fun—all while staying true to your eco-conscious travel goals
EV Sight See Rail Explorers: Our Experience on the Rails
Riding the Rail Explorers pedal-bike across the Bass Creek high trestle bridge.
From the moment we arrived at the Rail Explorers station in Boone, we knew we were in for something special. The staff greeted us with friendly smiles and a quick safety briefing, and before long, we were pedaling down the historic tracks with nothing but open skies and tree-lined vistas ahead.
The ride itself was smooth and surprisingly relaxing. As we pedaled across the towering Bass Creek High Trestle, the view of the Des Moines River Valley was absolutely breathtaking—definitely a highlight of the ride. The clack of the rail beneath us and the fresh breeze made it easy to forget we were exercising at all.
One of the best parts? The mid-ride turnaround stop gave us a chance to stretch, snap some photos, and chat with fellow riders while enjoying some snacks and beverages we carried in our cooler from our standard road trip accessories. It felt like a shared adventure, even though each group had their own rail bike.
On the return trip, we relied on the electric assist more than we pedaled, soaking in the scenery and the satisfaction of trying something truly unique.
This wasn’t just a fun detour—it was a memorable moment that added character and charm to our EV road trip. If you’re looking for a way to break up the drive with something active, scenic, and totally out of the ordinary, Rail Explorers in Boone is a must.
Peddle car biking across the Des Moine River trestle bridge
Birds Eye Review: Boone, Iowa is a Great EV Destination
Boone, Iowa may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning an EV road trip—but that’s exactly what makes it so special. The Rail Explorers experience offers a rare blend of adventure, sustainability, and small-town charm that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Whether you’re a seasoned EV traveler or just starting to explore the open road in an electric vehicle, this stop is a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination. From the ease of charging in nearby Ames to the unforgettable ride through the Des Moines River Valley, Boone delivers a perfect mix of convenience and wonder.
So next time you're mapping out your route, leave room for the unexpected. You might just find your favorite memory waiting on the rails.
