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

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!

 

Download our app

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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  • POSTPONED: Learn more about historical architecture in Council Bluffs!

    The following event has been postponed until a later date. Check back soon!

    Join us for a screening of Historic Buildings of Iowa: Council Bluffs, courtesy of Iowa PBS!
    The screening will be followed by a Q&A with local site experts. Afterwards, tag along on our free Saturday History Express tour of the museum!
    No need to register, this event is free and open to the public.

     

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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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

    Donate or become a patron

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