Visit the Union Pacific Museum
General Information
Hours: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Masks: Masks are strongly encouraged when the community level is elevated.
Learn more about: School tours, bus tours, or adult tours
Download our app
Explore the Union Pacific Museum using our interactive mobile app.
Available in English and Spanish, the app offers:
- Extra details about key exhibits
- Free self-guided audio tours
- A floorplan map of the museum
- Fun trivia challenges
Accessibility
- All of the museum is wheelchair accessible
- 2 handicap parking spots in staff lot on south side of building, metered parking directly in front of building
- Stairs and ramp at entrance
- 2 wheelchairs available at entrance at no cost
- Stairs and elevator inside (lower level, first floor, second floor)
When You Arrive
The museum is located at
200 Pearl Street
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
We are housed in the historic Council Bluffs Carnegie Library building which was built in 1904.
All parking around the museum is metered street parking. Meters cost $0.50 per hour from 8:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday. Meters are free on Saturdays and Sundays. Meters can be paid with quarters, dimes, or nickels. They can also be paid online or by using the Passport Parking app or the Park Omaha app
Enter the building on the lower level, right below the grand staircase. You can take the short staircase (7 steps) or the wheelchair accessible ramp.
On the lower level where you have entered you will find the museum gift shop and the only bathrooms in the building. You will also find a staircase and the elevator that will take you to the exhibits on the first and second levels.
On the first level, you will find the Lincoln Collection and the Building America exhibit which chronicles the history of the transcontinental railroad and railroad operations during the 19th century.
On the second level, you will find the America Travels by Rail and Working on the Railroad exhibits. America Travels by Rail covers the golden age of American passenger travel in the early-mid 20th century. Working on the Railroad explores the modern railroad and features our popular train simulator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book a "Group Self-Guide?"
If you are visiting alone, with your family, or with some friends, you can just walk in. If you are visiting with a formal organization, for example, a club, school, care facility, or scout group, please book through "Group Self Guide." The cost is free to self guide, but we will reserve parking for buses and vans and ensure you have a smooth visit.
I have historic objects or archives I want to donate to the museum, can I just drop them off?
No, please call (402-501-3841) or email first. Only the UP curator is authorized to accept artifacts into the Union Pacific collection and she is not always available during open hours. Please read over this info sheet about donating to the UP collection for more information.
Where should I park if I have an RV?
You are welcome to use metered parking. It's $0.50 an hour on weekdays and free on weekends. There are also several non-metered parking lots a few blocks away from the museum. Meters can be paid with quarters, dimes, or nickels. They can also be paid online or by using the Passport Parking app or the Park Omaha app
Any questions or concerns not answered here? Give us a call at 712-329-8307 or send us an email
