My Local Guide

Rails, River Valleys, and Room to Explore

Boone County, Iowa

Boone County blends central Iowa farm country with dramatic river-valley scenery, railroad heritage, active small towns, and easy outdoor escapes. Boone anchors the county as its seat and largest community, while Madrid and Ogden add their own history and local character. Visitors can ride a heritage train, hike sandstone ledges, cross a landmark trail bridge, explore gardens, shop downtown districts, and enjoy year-round community events.

Boone County at a Glance

Population26,799 (2025 estimate)
County SeatBoone
Largest CityBoone
Established1846
ZIP Codes11 commonly assigned ZIP Codes
Total Area574 sq mi
Major RoutesUS 30, US 169, IA 17, IA 144, IA 210
Area Code515
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Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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Greenfield County courthouse
Discover Boone County

Boone County

Established in 1846, Boone County grew from prairie and river-valley settlements into a central Iowa county shaped by agriculture, rail transportation, coal-era communities, and regional trade. Boone became the county seat and a major railroad center, while Madrid developed a distinct mining and immigrant history. Today the county’s identity still connects working landscapes with historic downtowns, heritage rail, the Des Moines River, and enduring community institutions.

Boone County is easy to explore in layers. Spend a morning in downtown Boone, ride the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, then head south toward Ledges State Park or the High Trestle Trail near Madrid. Ogden offers a classic small-town stop and access to county recreation areas. Across the county, parks, libraries, museums, restaurants, seasonal festivals, farms, and outdoor recreation give visitors plenty of reasons to slow down and stay awhile.

What Shapes Us

Rail Heritage

Boone’s railroad history remains visible through heritage excursions, historic structures, museums, and the transportation story that helped shape the county.

River & Prairie

The Des Moines River valley, sandstone ledges, farm fields, parks, and trails give Boone County a landscape that feels both productive and adventurous.

Small-Town Energy

Boone, Madrid, Ogden, and smaller communities support active downtowns, schools, libraries, events, recreation, and a strong sense of local connection.

Where rail heritage, river country, and communities connect
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Boone County

Our County - Our Stories
Boone County Wire

Boone County Wire

Local Stories - DailyPhoto Credits
Radio Iowa

Iowa Business Council survey shows postive outlook on state’s economy

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has released its third quarter Economic Outlook Survey that gauges the outlook for…

Read the Story Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Around Boone County

Stories from every corner of Boone County.

Iowa Business Council survey shows postive outlook on state’s economy

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has released its third quarter Economic Outlook Survey that gauges the outlook for…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Horror film fest is highlight of Ottumwa’s Halloweenapalooza

The leaves are starting to change color, pumpkins are appearing on porches, and a scare is in the…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Names of northeast Iowa boaters who died in Mississippi River accident released

The Iowa DNR has identified two northeast Iowa men who drowned after their fishing boat hit a submerged…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Iowa farmers didn’t get much field time last week waiting for drier conditions

The harvest didn’t advance much last week as farmers waited for fields to dry out. The lastest U.S.D.A.…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Celebrating Iowa 4H from calves and canning to astronomy and robots

This is National 4H Week, recognizing the accomplishments of the program that reaches more than 120,000 young people…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
BOONE COUNTY WEATHER
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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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Boone County Resources

Everything You Need. All in One Place.

Find practical Boone County links for government, schools, health care, public safety, parks, trails, utilities, libraries, courts, transportation, veterans services, and employment.

Government

Boone County Government
County departments, meetings, services, notices, and public information.
Official Website
Phone: 515-433-0500

Boone County Board of Supervisors
County legislative and administrative oversight, agendas, and meetings.
Official Website

Boone County Auditor
Elections, county financial records, real estate transfer records, and related services.
Official Website

Boone County Treasurer
Property tax, motor vehicle, and driver’s license services.
Official Website
Phone: 515-433-0510

City of Boone
Municipal services and city government for the county seat.
Official Website

City of Madrid
Municipal information, city services, library, parks, and community notices.
Official Website
Phone: 515-795-3930

City of Ogden
Municipal services, departments, library, parks, and local government information.
Official Website
Phone: 515-275-2917

We’re Here To Help.

Straight answers for exploring, visiting, and living in Boone County.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a visit or looking for local details? Start with answers built around Boone County’s attractions, outdoor recreation, transportation, history, and communities.

Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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Find Something Fun

Top Picks for Every Kind of Day

From scenic trails and train rides to local food, shopping, museums, and family stops, Boone County gives you plenty of ways to build a day.

Kids’ Fun

  1. Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
  2. Rail Explorers
  3. Iowa Arboretum & Gardens
  4. Seven Oaks Recreation

Restaurants

  1. Van Hemert’s Dutch Oven Bakery
  2. Saints Avenue Cafe
  3. The Lucky Pig
  4. Whatcha Smokin BBQ & Brew
  5. Jimmy’s Bar-B-Que Pit

Shopping & Retail

  1. Shops on Story
  2. The Book Shoppe
  3. Ema’s Elegance
  4. Made to Gaze Hometown Merch

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Jodi’s Hometown Boutique
  2. Modern Dress
  3. 4 Pawd Creations
  4. Ema’s Elegance

Outdoor Fun

  1. Ledges State Park
  2. High Trestle Trail
  3. Don Williams Recreation Area
  4. Seven Oaks Recreation
  5. Iowa Arboretum & Gardens

Free Things To Do

  1. High Trestle Trail Bridge
  2. Des Moines River Water Trail
  3. Ericson Public Library
  4. Madrid Public Library
  5. Leonard A. Good Community Library
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.
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