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.
HOLIDAY HOURS
The museum will be closed 11/27 and 11/28 in observance of the Thanksgiving.
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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Club Car Conversation: Dave Mrsny and House of Trains!
Join us on December 9th at 5:30pm CST as we welcome Dave Mrsny from House of Trains for December’s Club Car Conversation to answer all of your questions about model trains!
RSVP to receive the link to join the virtual conversation here.David Mrsny is the current operator of House of Trains in Omaha, Nebraska, which was opened by his grandfather, Leonard Mrsny, in May 1936 as the Kenwood Model Railroad Supply store. Since then, the store has expanded as a full line hobby shop with model trains, airplanes, rockets, slot cars, scenery, plastic kits, and accessories. Join us on Tuesday December 9th for our Q&A with Dave Mrsny where he can answer all your questions about model trains, from starting a layout, to choosing a scale, scenery buildings, construction, detailing and painting.
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2025 Book Sale
đŸ“–Starting November 29, find a hidden treasure at our winter book sale! There is something for every train lover in your life. Help support the museum, add to your collection, and take home some history! đŸ“–
Book sale is held during our regular open hours... Thursday - Saturday from 10am to 6pm. -
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.
