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 strongly encouraged when the community level is elevated.
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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Railroad Days 2024
Counting down the days until Railroad Days 2024! Join us September 21st from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate CB's railroad heritage!
Kids will be excited to ride the trolley that transports participants to the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, RailsWest Railroad Museum, Historic General Dodge House, and the Historic 100 Block of West Broadway to take part in numerous hands-on activities with interactive technology and exhibits that explore the vast world of the railroad! The 712 Initiative will host activities in Bayliss Park, such as pony rides and a barrel train!
Get tickets and find out more information at gorailroaddays.com
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'W.R. McKeen and Union Pacific Motor Cars' presented by James Ehernberger
Railroad historian James Ehernberger, will be joining the UP Museum on October 4 to present ‘W.R. McKeen and Union Pacific Motor Cars.’
Throughout his railroading career, Jim became a prolific photographer, and his photographs were published in many national magazines and books. He co-authored his first book, Smoke Across the Prairie (which covered the Nebraska division of Union Pacific), in 1964. Since, Jim has authored or contributed to over 70 books and magazines.
Most recently, Ehernberger received the Senior Achievement Award for a lifetime of significant contribution in the writing, preservation and interpretation of North America’s railroading history, from The Railway & Locomotive Historical Society.
This event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum on October 4. This presentation is free and open to the public, but attendees must RSVP to reserve a seat.RSVP HERE
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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.
