Is there anything to do in DesMoines ?

[Anonymous]

Gentlemen,

I am going to be spending several days in DesMoines later this summer. Can anyone recommend any good train shops in the area or even full size train activities or museums (automobile museums would be welcome also) ?

Thanks,
Jeff

[Anonymous]

Jeff, it's been a number of years since I lived in Iowa (grew up in Bettendorf, which is 3 hours east of Des Moines). I am not sure of rail or car museums. I believe that there are at least a couple of hobby shops. There is a nice amusement park outside of Des Moines (called Adventureland), on Interstate 80, just east of Des Moines.

[Anonymous]

Thier is a great hobby shop in Boone, Iowa. Just north of Des Moines. It is called Boone Hobbies. I have not been their yet, but I have bought several items from them at train shows and by mail. I hope to make a trip their this summer.

[Chris F]

Hobby shop: Hobby Haven in Urbandale (NW metro area), I-80/35 Exit #129, 2 mi. South (2575 86th Street). This is a new store and I haven't been there since they moved. The old store was great, so this one should be better.

Layout: Trainland U.S.A., Colfax, IA. I-80 Exit 155 (IA 117) north about 2 mi. on west side of road. This is a large postwar-style layout representing many different areas of the country. It was featured in one of Tom McComas' videos. Say hi to Red for me!

FWIW, the UP main (former C&NW) runs through Boone, which also is home to the Boone and Scenic Valley tourist railroad, located just west of the downtown area. The B&SV runs a Chinese steam locomotive some weekends.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Jeff, if you are traveling from the east, the Illinois Railroad Museum is supposed to be something special. After living in Iowa, 25 years ago, I haven't been back because the only thing I did while there was work, play golf, drink, eat and sleep.