Boone, IA Summary

The seat of Boone County, Boone (population 12,000) was named as a tribute to both frontiersman Daniel Boone and his son, Colonel Nathan Boone of the US Dragoons. Colonel Boone was one of the first to explore this region and give an account of its natural resources.

It became the county seat in 1887.

Agriculture, railroads, and light manufacturing sustain the city’s economy today. Boone has a host of city parks, including the 1,200-acre Ledges State Park, one of Iowa’s oldest.

The wife of President Dwight Eisenhower, Mamie Doud Eisenhower, was born here. The home has been completely restored with original family furniture, and there is a museum plus a library featuring exhibits from the Eisenhower era. It is one of only two US First Lady birthplaces open to visitors. The home is open daily from June to October.

A beautiful trip along the Des Moines River Valley can be had on The Iowan, a steam locomotive that runs on weekends and holidays.

The 2-hour ride takes visitors across a 156-foot-high bridge offering superb views.