Union Pacific Railroad Museum — Attraction in Council Bluffs

It is a great museum about the history of one of the most influential companies that helped create the transcontinental railroad. There are lots of interesting exhibits about the beginnings of the travel in the area, construction of the railroad and early technologies used for railroad operations. The newly renovated upstairs area has a great deal of information about modern Union Pacific operation as well as an extensive exhibit about the railroads past as a passenger railroad. There are also quite a few interactive exhibits that everyone can enjoy. The only downside is that it isnt open all week but if you pair going to the General Dodge house and the nearby train depot that has fullsized trains as well as some exhibits of its own, you could have a good railroad history experience. It features a small gifts hop with some trinkets and shirts you can...

If you have ANY interest in railroads, and are in the Council Bluffs area, do yourself a favor and come here. The museum focuses on the Union Pacific RR and RR history west of the Mississippi, understandably so, since the U.P. basically originated in the area. We gave ourselves 2 hours for the museum visit and found ourselves rushing through the second half. There is a lot of good, interesting information. Visiting tip, if you are more interested in how the railroads operate, start on the top floor. If you are more interested in the early history of the area and the railroads impact, start on the middle floor. And if you enjoy reading most everything and taking in each display, give yourself PLENTY of time. And to top it off, there's no admission fee, though they do ask for donations to...

Housed in a Carnegie Library built in 1904, the Union Pacific Museum has all the information and interactive activities to keep kids and adults of all ages happy and ready to explore all three floors. The first floor is your entry, gift shop and screening room. Second floor is a major dose of history including exhibits of President Lincoln, Surveyor and Civil Engineer (and Council Bluff resident) Grenville Dodge and misc yet extensive info relevant to the period. The third floor explores the UP where it is today. Highly informative, friendly staff, All aboard for some fun with the Union Pacific! Protip: Street parking only with meters free on the weekend, large clean restrooms, Donations are encouraged but Museum admission is free. Cards accepted. Penny...