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.

Directions

200 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Museum Information

General Admission is free 

Starting Friday, July 2, 2021, the
museum will be open:

 Friday and Saturday from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. You must register online before you visit.

Reserve your time

All donations support the Union Pacific Museum Association, a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit.

Visitor Reviews

"Great place to go on a winter's day. Very educational!"

"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!"

Read more on Facebook...

 

  • Museum Reopening Update

    Welcome back, we’ve missed you!

     

    The Union Pacific Museum is now open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. It's still free to visit, but you must register online at least 2 hours before your visit and wear a face mask in the building.

     

    To visit the Union Pacific Museum, you will need to: 

     

    - Come in groups of 10 or less
    - Wear a facemask or face covering if you are over 2 years old
    - Come to the north side museum entrance, which is on the lowest level, at your appointed time. If you arrive early, you will have to wait outside. If you arrive late, you will not be able to enter unless there is an empty slot.
    - Follow all posted directional signage and information

     

    If you are feeling unwell, please wait to visit! We encourage everyone to please get vaccinated before traveling or visiting.

     

    Make a reservation here 

  • Free Virtual Adult Programs

    Join us on Zoom for a variety of historical presentations. These programs are totally free, you just need to register. Find the full slate of virtual adult programs here 

     

    Saturday, August 28: A Bathroom History of the Railroad - Steam into Saturday Virtual Happy Hour

     

    5:30pm Central Time

     

    The questions we all have but were too afraid to ask: join us for a history of the dirty business of "doing your business" on the railroad

     

    Register here 

     

    Saturday, September 11: EXTRA! EXTRA! 1920s Railroad Newsreel - Steam into Saturday Virtual Happy Hour

     

    5:30pm Central Time

     

    Extra! Extra! What were the hot topics of the past? The UP Collection includes an archive of company and news publications going back more than 100 years. We'll take a peek at the headlines, features, and news coverage that concerned the railroad a century ago.

     

    Register here

     

    Saturday, September 25: Virtual Pub Quiz - Steam into Saturday Virtual Happy Hour

     

    5:30 Central Time

     

    Join us for fun and challenging train themed trivia covering pop culture, history, and the trains themselves. All knowledge levels welcome - we'll have something for everyone. No need to form a team beforehand, we'll sort all participants into teams on zoom. Just have your pen and paper ready for keeping track of your answers.

     

    Register here
  • Small | Union Pacific Museum at Night

    SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE - FREE First Friday Night at the Museum Every Month

    Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, First Friday Night at the Museum is suspended until it is once again safe to gather in person.