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.

Directions

200 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Museum Information

General Admission is free 

Currently Closed Due to COVID-19 

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

Visitor Reviews

"Great place to go on a winter's day. Very educational!"

"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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  • Order your 2021 Union Pacific Calendar today! 

    The 2021 Union Pacific Calendars are now available to purchase!
  • Small | Virtual school program transcon photo

    Register for FREE Virtual School Program: Legacy of the Transcontinental Railroad

    Available for grades 3-6, 7-9, and 10-12.

    Start your history investigation! What does the transcontinental railroad mean in American history? Analyze the clues, consider different perspectives, and draw your own conclusion.

     

    Register here

  • Virtual Adult Programs

    Join us on Zoom for a variety of historical presentations. These programs are totally free, you just need to register.

     

    November 21, 5:30pm (central): Show and Tell - Steam into Saturday Virtual Happy Hour
    We'll share some of our favorite items from the historical collection, and we invite you to bring your own pieces of railroad history or memorabilia to show off. (The museum cannot offer appraisals of items. This is just for fun) Register Here

     

    December 5, 5:30pm (central): Wartime Railroad Advertising - Steam into Saturday Virtual Happy Hour
    How did the railroad advertise its support for wartime mobilization? Join us for an exploration of Union Pacific's wartime posters. Register Here

     

    December 8, 2:00pm (central): Wheels of War - Virtual Presentation

    Railroads have played a part in every U.S. war since 1860. During the Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Gulf War, and even today, railroads transported soldiers and everything they need, from tanks to uniforms. Learn more about this exciting history through this webinar. Register Here

  • Museum Reopening Update

    While we are eager to welcome you into the museum again, our primary concern is the health and safety of all visitors, volunteers and staff. We are closely monitoring local COVID-19 reporting and following CDC recommendations.

     

    For the museum to reopen safely the surrounding community needs to have a 14 day decline in new COVID-19 cases and a stable or decreasing positivity rate of 5%. This standard has not yet been met.

     

    Until that benchmark occurs, the museum is closed to protect our guests, volunteers and staff.


    In the meantime, we will continue to host virtual events. Stay tuned to our Facebook page and website for information about virtual events.

  • Public Access Temporarily Suspended

    Due to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 virus, in the best interest of our visitors and staff, the Union Pacific Museum will suspend public access starting March 14, 2020. All programs and tours have been cancelled until further notice. We are committed to the health, safety, and well-being of our visitors, volunteers and staff. We look forward to seeing you when the danger has passed.
  • Small | Union Pacific Museum at Night

    SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE - FREE First Friday Night at the Museum Every Month

    Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, First Friday Night at the Museum is suspended until it is once again safe to gather in person.