The Union Pacific Railroad Museum

The Union Pacific Railroad Museum houses one of the oldest corporate collections in the nation. It includes artifacts, photographs, and documents that trace the development of the transcontinental railroad and the American West. The Union Pacific Collection dates to the mid-1800s, featuring original editions of reports from survey teams that searched for the best land route to join the nation, east to west. Surveying equipment, early rail equipment, and artifacts from the construction of the nation's first transcontinental railroad tell the story of one of the world's construction marvels.

The completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 by Union Pacific and its constituent railroads shaped the landscape and geography of the American West. Council Bluffs, the eastern terminus of that landmark railroad, represented the starting point for tens of thousands of westward-bound pioneers.

The Union Pacific Collection features promotional materials that helped attract emigrants to the American West, along with a sampling of the precious possessions they brought with them. Visitors to the museum can trace the settlement of the West on an interactive map table that highlights the towns that grew along the railroad's route. The museum also features displays about the heyday of passenger travel and the rail industry's efforts to promote the nation's first national parks.

The story of the American rail industry is a living tale and the museum features exhibits on the past, present, and future of America's largest railroad. The Union Pacific Railroad Museum takes visitors on a journey through 140 years of American history, from the 1800s to the 21st century. Innovations and technology in the modern rail business are featured, with displays on modern track laying equipment, the railroad's use of global positioning satellite technology, and the nation's largest privately-owned communication network. Interactive exhibits help explain the role of Union Pacific in the nation's economy and the railroad industry's contribution to modern technology.

The City of Council Bluffs

The restoration of the historic Carnegie Library and the development of the Union Pacific Railroad Museum create a tourist destination in the heart of the Council Bluffs historic district and preserve an important part of the city's rich heritage.

The Union Pacific Railroad Museum complements other local rail attractions, including the Historic General Dodge House, the RailsWest Museum, the Golden Spike monument, the Durham Museum, and it expands on the story of pioneer migration depicted at the Western Historic Trails Center. Together, these attractions make Council Bluffs and Omaha a destination attraction for railroad fans and history lovers from across the country and throughout the world.