Something exciting is coming right down the tracks! If you visit the museum in the next couple of weeks, you might notice some big changes! Starting March 19th, we will begin our next BIG project!

If you stop by, don’t be alarmed by some exhibits being closed and the clearing of a few spaces... we are making room for what's coming next! We are still open to the public as usual, and there is still plenty to see!

Join us virtually on Tuesday, April 21st at 5:30pm CDT to explore a discussion of Women Working on the Railroad with our curatorial intern, Em Cassons!

Move over sir! When the railroad allowed the American public to move westward, it not only opened up possibilities for men seeking their fortunes, but for women seeking opportunities outside of the home. In the late 1830s and 40s, telegraph lines expanded alongside new railroad tracks creating new professional opportunities for women, despite continuing social norms discouraging women working outside of the home and interacting with the public. Since then, the roles for Women in the Railroad have expanded from nurse/stewardesses in the late 1930s to Bonnie Leake & Edwina Justus who became Union Pacific’s first female engineers in 1974 and 1976. Join us on Tuesday April 21st as our Curatorial Intern Em Casson uses photographs from our collection to lead us in a discussion of women working on the railroad.

Club Car Conversations are casual virtual conversations about railroads, history, and pop culture. They are free and open to the public! Just RSVP here to receive the link to join!

Can't make it, but want to listen in? Still register! All registered receive a recording of the zoom that is available for 10 days! 

Looking for some throwback recipes? Check out our new UP Commissary cook book! For more than a century, UP employees delivered high-quality meals and service to the public traveling on their iconic trains. This mid-20th century Dining Car Service Manual from the UP collection has been reproduced for you to enjoy! 

Get a behind-the-scenes look into what it took to deliver world-class service in a moving restaurant. Recreate some of your favorites or try something new! 

The Union Pacific Dining Car Cook Book and Service Instructions (replica edition) is available for purchase now!

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

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.

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.