Council Bluffs, IA
The Union Pacific Railroad Museum
4.7· 747 Google reviews
At a Glance
- TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
- LocationCouncil Bluffs, IA
- Rating4.7 ★747 Google reviews
- UpcomingThu, Aug 13
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.
Around the Depot
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
Compare rentals on Discover Cars →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Tours & Activities near Council Bluffs
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
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 and current schedules are available on the operator's official website at http://www.uprrmuseum.org/uprrm/.
When is the next event at The Union Pacific Railroad Museum?
The next scheduled event is "Group Tour: Besplattered with Blood: Death and Medicine on the Railroad" on Thursday, August 13, 2026. See the full upcoming-events list on this page.