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.
Directions200 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Museum Information
Free, Self-Guided General Admission
The museum is open:
Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Planning your visit? Download our app, MuseumStars! Available in the App Store and Google Play Store!
Once downloaded, search 'Union Pacific Railroad Museum' to access our virtual tours and activities!
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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Summer Saturday Tours!
We are celebrating America's 250th anniversary all summer long with special tours on select Saturday's this summer! Each month will feature a new topic diving a little deeper into American history and the impact of the railroad.
Tours begin at 11am and are $15.00 per person.
Find the full Summer Saturday Tour schedule and reserve your spot here!
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Club Car Conversation
Music and Celebrations on the Railroad
Join us virtually, Tuesday, June 16 as we get ready to celebrate America's 250th by looking back at the past Union Pacific celebrations and the role of music on the railroad.
Music and celebrations have played important roles for Union Pacific and the Railroad. From the Golden Spike Ceremony to commemorate the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, to ceremonies to honor veteran railroad employees, celebrations have been an important part of railroad history. Using photographs from our collection, we are going to explore some of those celebrations and the music that accompanied them. Music was important for the railroad. Workers would often sing work songs to coordinate their actions during the construction of the railroad, while music about the railroad grew in popularity throughout the 20th century. Music also played an important role among Union Pacific employee clubs and organizations that would perform at ceremonies and celebrations along UP’s lines
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!
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Check out our new book!
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!
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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.
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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.
All donations support the Union Pacific Museum Association, a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit.
