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.
Masks are required from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m.
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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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.
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Join us for our free public events
We offer many special tours and events throughout the year.
History Express FREE Tour: From 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Every Saturday, museum staff holds a standing tour that provides an overview history of 150 plus years of the railroad. We will meet in front of the business car on the first floor.
Club Car Conversation: Wednesday, February 8, 5:30 p.m. central
Join the UP Museum each quarter for a virtual, casual chat about railroads, history, and popular culture over Zoom. This February, we will explore Union Pacific's history with the Sun Valley Ski Resort. Register HERE
Family Day: Saturday, February 11, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Join us to make take-home Valentine's Day themed crafts and challenge yourself to a self-guided Lincoln trivia scavenger hunt. Admission is free and open to the public!
Listening & Idea Session: Saturday, February 25, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Do you have an idea that you wish the Union Pacific Museum could make happen? Are you interested in hearing what others are thinking about this museum’s next chapter? Come share your thoughts in a drop-in listening and idea session. We would love to have your help!