Explore Railroad
History!

Located in historic downtown Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the Missouri River, we're a great place for friends and family to come and learn about the Union Pacific Railroad.

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Museum Information

Free, Self-Guided General Admission

The museum is open: 

Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Masks are strongly encouraged when the community level is elevated.

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Visitor Reviews

"Keep up the good work. It was fun learning about trains. It's an amazing museum!"

"This museum has fantastic displays! Love the demonstration of what made America great: hard working American spirit!"

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  • Upcoming Virtual Program!

    We are excited to host author of The Railroad Photography of Phil Hastings, Tony Reevy, at our next Club Car Conversation! 

    The Railroad Photography of Phil Hastings explores the life and influential work of Dr. Philip R. "Phil" Hastings (1925–1987). Along with his contemporaries, Hastings changed the way we look at the North American railroad. Influenced by the photojournalistic movement that developed during their childhoods, these visionaries expanded their work from traditional locomotive roster and action shots into a holistic view of the railroad environment.

    Tony Reevy will speak on his book on Zoom on March 26th at 5:30 p.m.

    This program is free to attend, but you must RSVP to receive the link to join. Register here!

  • Coming Soon!

    “Firearms of the West: From the Well-Known to Where’d It Come From?”

    The Union Pacific Railroad Museum is excited to host Danny Michael, curator of the Cody Firearms Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, WY! Danny will expand on the collection of historic firearms and photographs from both the Union Pacific Railroad Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum to showcase the firearms of the American West.

    From the more recognizable frontier guns to the oddities used by outlaws, lawmen, and everyone in between, attendees will discover how the technological advances and innovations of firearms influenced the American Frontier!

    This event is in person from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on April 4th. Register here!

  • Check out our new temporary exhibit!

    Law and Order on the Railroad:Learn about the evolution of railroad law enforcement from the beginning of the railroad until today!

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  • Join us for our free public events

    History Express FREE Tour: Saturdays starting at 1:30 p.m.

    Experience a standing tour that explores the overview history of 150 plus years of the railroad. No reservation needed. We will meet in front of the business car on the first floor.

  • Our mission is to share American History through the lens of the railroad, connecting generations who have been impacted by Union Pacific

    The museum is housed in a historic Carnegie Library building in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

    Visitors can explore an extensive compilation of items from 150 years of our nation's western history, including artifacts, photographs, documents and equipment.

    Donate or become a patron

    All donations support the Union Pacific Museum Association, a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit.