Council Bluffs, IA
The Union Pacific Railroad Museum
4.7· 747 Google reviews
Trip at a Glance
- TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
- LocationCouncil Bluffs, IA
- Rating4.7 ★747 Google reviews
- UpcomingFri, Sep 25
About The Union Pacific Railroad Museum
Located in historic downtown Council Bluffs, Iowa, we're a great place for friends and family to come and learn about the Union Pacific Railroad.
Upcoming Events
Plan Your Visit
- ParkingPaid lot
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
- Good ForFamilies
- HoursMonday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday: ClosedThursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMSunday: Closed
Find the Depot
History
See full history
The Union Pacific Railroad Museum occupies the former Council Bluffs Free Public Library, a Carnegie library building at Pearl Street and Willow Avenue in historic downtown Council Bluffs, Iowa — one of three local museums commemorating the city's strong ties to the railroad industry. The setting is fitting: the original Union Pacific Rail Road was incorporated on July 1, 1862 under the Pacific Railroad Act, which President Abraham Lincoln had approved, and its track was built westward from Council Bluffs to meet the Central Pacific line coming east from Sacramento. The two railroads were joined at Promontory Summit, Utah on May 10, 1869, creating the first transcontinental railroad in North America, later known as the Overland Route. Over the following century Union Pacific absorbed the Missouri Pacific, Western Pacific, Missouri–Kansas–Texas, and Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific railroads, and today the Class I carrier it interprets is headquartered just across the Missouri River at the Union Pacific Center in Omaha.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Union Pacific Railroad Museum located?
The Union Pacific Railroad Museum is located in Council Bluffs, IA.
How do I get tickets to The Union Pacific Railroad Museum?
Tickets are sold through the railroad's official channels — check the upcoming events listed on this page for booking links.
When is the next event at The Union Pacific Railroad Museum?
The next scheduled event is "All Set for the West: Railroads and National Parks Virtual Presentation" on Friday, September 25, 2026. See the full upcoming-events list on this page.
