Large city park, picnic shelters, trails, play, sports, fishing, and disc golf

J.B. McHose Park & Shelter

About 3.0 road miles and eight minutes from the railroad before traffic

Add a flexible outdoor stop at Boone's largest city park, with shelters, trails, six playgrounds, sports, fishing, equestrian space, disc golf, and a pool area.

The place

About J.B. McHose Park & Shelter

J.B. McHose Park & Shelter is the City of Boone's largest park on the south side. The official facility page lists two enclosed rental shelters and additional open shelters alongside three ball fields, six tennis courts, sand volleyball, basketball, and six playgrounds.

The park also supports lower-key outdoor time with a nature trail, bike trail, fishing pond, equestrian area, disc golf, restrooms, and the Teddy Roosevelt statue and kiosk. Boone Municipal Pool is within McHose Park, but its separate operating calendar and admission should be checked before relying on a swim.

The facility page gives 1215 Francis Mason Drive as the physical address. The park and railroad are independently operated: a Boone & Scenic Valley ticket does not reserve a shelter, guarantee pool access, or control park-area availability. Check the City before building a day around a reserved facility or seasonal amenity.

What stands out

Choose a simple reset

Use the nature trail, bike trail, or fishing pond after the structured train schedule.

Give children room to play

Choose among six playgrounds for a flexible family stop before or after the ride.

Plan a picnic

Use open shelters casually or verify the process before relying on either enclosed rental shelter.

Add active recreation

Pick tennis, basketball, volleyball, ball fields, equestrian space, or disc golf based on your group.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad trip

The checked route from the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad depot to J.B. McHose Park is about 3.0 road miles and eight minutes before traffic. Use it as a flexible pre-ride picnic, post-ride play stop, or separate walk; railroad admission does not include any city facility.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • SheltersTwo enclosed rental shelters plus open shelters
  • PlaySix playgrounds
  • TrailsNature trail and bike trail
  • CourtsSix tennis courts, basketball, and sand volleyball
  • FieldsThree ball fields
  • Outdoor recreationFishing pond, equestrian area, and disc golf
  • PoolBoone Municipal Pool is within the park; check its separate season and fees
  • From railroadAbout 3.0 road miles and eight minutes before traffic

Return to the railroad guide

Add Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad

Use the railroad guide for the current season, Fraser excursion, museum, accessibility, and verified event dates.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Where is J.B. McHose Park?

The City facility page gives 1215 Francis Mason Drive, Boone, Iowa 50036.

Are there picnic shelters?

Yes. The City lists two enclosed rental shelters and additional open shelters.

How many playgrounds are there?

The official facility page lists six playgrounds.

Are there walking or biking options?

Yes. The City lists a nature trail and bike trail.

What sports are available?

The listed amenities include ball fields, six tennis courts, sand volleyball, basketball, and disc golf.

Can I fish at the park?

A fishing pond is listed among the official amenities.

Is the municipal pool in the park?

Yes, but pool dates, hours, and admission are separate and should be checked before visiting.

How far is the park from the railroad?

The checked baseline is about 3.0 road miles and eight minutes before live traffic.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-23. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.