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!" |
-
Club Car Conversation
Leslie vs Jull: The Fight for the Snowplow that Dominates the Rails
On Tuesday, January 20th, at 5:30pm CST join us virtually as we travel back to 1890 and follow the competition between the Jull Snowplow and the Leslie Rotary Snowplow that determined which snowplow would dominate the rails for more than a century!
One of the biggest challenges that railroads face this time of year is keeping tracks clear of snow. Since the very beginning of the transcontinental railroad snow removal was a problem. In 1866 and 1867, Central Pacific workers experienced the worst winter in memory in the Sierra Nevada with forty-four snowstorms. From hand tools to snow sheds, to steam powered snowplows, the railroad uses many tools to fight back against the snow. When two competing snowplows were introduced in 1890, Union Pacific arranged a competition between them to see which one was best.
Club Car Conversations are casual visual chats about popular culture, history, and the railroad. They are free and open to the public, just RSVP HERE to get the link to join!
Can't make it but still want to learn? RSVP! Everyone registered will receive a recording of the Club Car Conversation that is available for 10 days after the chat.
-
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!
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
