The Boone Railroad Society has been working hard the last 25 years keeping the railway spirit alive in western Iowa. Taking over the existing railroad infrastructure, the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad reintroduces train travel and the scenic countryside to Boone's visitors.
The society has put together a showcase of railroad history at the Iowa Railway Museum. This educational experience also includes outdoor displays, including the Canadian built steam locomotive, #17. The old #17 was actually the last 2-8-0 to roll out of the Canadian Locomotive Company's yard in 1940. This steam powered engine made its way from Roberval & Saquenay Mining Railroad, in northern Quebec, to the Illinois Crab Orchard & Egyptian Line in 1975. This quarter of a million pound work-horse, first used to move bauxite ore, found its resting spot here in Boone. Needing a major, cost prohibitive refurb, #17 is kept as a static display.