RAILROAD DAYS 2013: CELEBRATING THE LONG, COLORFUL HISTORY OF LAW & ORDER ON THE RAILROAD

On Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lauritzen Gardens, The Durham Museum, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, the RailsWest Railroad Museum, and the Historic General Dodge House are coming together to celebrate the long and colorful history of Law & Order on the Railroad at Railroad Days 2013.

Today, the Union Pacific Railroad Police Department is nationally recognized as one of the most efficient, best trained and innovative police agencies in the country. Its role has changed little since the days of Butch and Sundance - special agents still risk their lives to protect people and property all along the railroad. Learn all about these special agents and explore this region's rich railroad heritage.

Each participating venue will offer a variety of family-friendly activities in addition to the venues' ongoing programs and exhibits. A $15 family pass allows admission to and transportation between all five locations. A $5 pass is also available for one additional adult with the purchase of a family pass. Additional information is available here.

Railroad Days is made possible thanks to the generous support of Union Pacific Railroad and a grant provided by the Iowa West Foundation. Media support is provided by KETV. Printing support is provided by Elman & Co.

LAURITZEN GARDENS

At Lauritzen Gardens, experience a stunning collection of Mother Nature's finest in incredible, vivid, living color. Enjoy a variety of inspiring gardens - each a welcoming place of surprise and wonder that change with the seasons and evoke a sensory experience. During Railroad Days, botanical meets mechanical at Lauritzen Gardens.

Visit the model railroad garden to discover seven bridge-chugging, tunnel-zooming G-scale train lines winding through replicas of Omaha's favorite landmarks. Look closely - all bridges, trestles, and buildings are made of natural bark, twigs, acorns, and seeds. Amazing! Stop by the control shed to meet our friendly engineers.

Fun is just around the bend with free rides through the garden on board the popular Union Pacific miniature train, a scale model of a 900-series locomotive. Children can also enjoy complimentary rides on a classic 1949 King Amusement Company On-Track Train Ride as it chugs along tracks through the scenic festival garden patio.

THE DURHAM MUSEUM

Imagine Union Station in the 1930s, when the station was bustling with travelers and courageous special agents who kept law and order on the railroad. That is the setting in which you can do your own special agent investigation and help solve "The Mystery of the Boxcar Caper"! Before the next train can depart the station, an outlaw must be found. Colorful characters including, the Station Master, train Conductor, hobos and vibrant passengers will engage visitors, providing clues to where the train robber might be hiding. Help keep law and order on the railroad and come prepared to solve the caper!

Guests can also enjoy "Train Songs and Tales of the Westward Rails," an upbeat excursion featuring storytelling, banjo, harmonica, whistles, and sing-alongs. Visitors can explore an extensive train car exhibit with a steam engine, a Pullman car, Lounge cars, and a caboose. There is also an impressive 100-foot "O" gauge model train layout representing Union Pacific's double track main line during the 1950s. It is also a great time to see, A T. Rex Named Sue, created by Chicago's Field Museum.

UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD MUSEUM

Come and celebrate Union Pacific's Special Agents. Did you know that Union Pacific has had its own police force for the last 124 years? Come and meet Senior Special Agent Wade Isaacson and his K9 partner Ranger, get your picture taken with Special Agents right out of the Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid days and see more than ever before from UP's special collection. From badges to bad guys, there's something for everyone!

Housed in a historic Carnegie Library, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum features one of the oldest corporate collections in the nation. Here, you'll journey through more than 150 years of history in "Building America," the Museum's newest addition - experience the transcontinental railroad's construction like never before; the Lincoln collection features artifacts from President Lincoln's rail car and funeral; the "America Travels by Rail" exhibit celebrates the height of passenger travel; and "Working on the Railroad" showcases the technology and innovation that sustains Union Pacific as a railroad industry leader.

RAILSWEST RAILROAD MUSEUM

The RailsWest Railroad Museum, located in the historic Rock Island Depot, features displays and artifacts from the numerous rail lines that passed through Council Bluffs. The museum is home to an extensive H.O. scale model train layout operated by the Greater Omaha Society of Model Engineers that is a must see for rail fans of all ages. Outside in the train yard, visitors are invited to climb aboard the old steam engines and take a ride down memory lane or just sit back and relax in the Omaha Club car that ran between Chicago, IL and Lincoln, NE with a stop in Council Bluffs. Visitors can imagine themselves riding along behind the train in the 1918 cupola style caboose or in the 1967 bay window style caboose.

There is always plenty to see and do while visiting the RailsWest Railroad Museum. During Railroad Days visitors can sit and enjoy a delicious Boxer BBQ pulled meat sandwich or grab some ice cream. There will also be plenty of fun games and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

HISTORIC GENERAL DODGE HOUSE

Perhaps one of Council Bluffs' most famous residents, Gen. Grenville M. Dodge has been called "the greatest railroad builder of all time." A Civil War veteran, Dodge's involvement in political, financial, and military affairs made him an associate of many of the most influential Americans of his time and counsel to presidents, including Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. In 1869, Dodge built his handsome Victorian home at 605 Third Street at the cost of $35,000, a lavish sum for that day. The fourteen-room, three-story mansion stands on a high terrace overlooking the Missouri Valley. During Railroad Days, the Historic General Dodge House will unveil its newest exhibit "Beresheim Family Treasures." See many original Beresheim family items including an 1890 wedding dress and beaded leather shoes, dolls with their wardrobes and other toys, handpainted china, engraved silver flatware, books and Christmas ornaments. The Beresheims were friends, neighbors and business associates of General Dodge. Also new on display is a mounted elk head, reminiscent of an original elk that once graced the entrance hall, as well as a 1905 Surrey displayed in the General's Carriage House. Special guests for the weekend will be members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and other costumed characters strolling on site. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

 

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