$5 per Scout/ $5 Per Chaperone | 120 minutes
Discover the hands-on Scouting Railroad Merit Badge Workshop at the RailsWest Museum in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Scouts explore railroad safety, historic timetables, and build model railroads over an engaging 120-minute session.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be able to stand and move comfortably indoors for two hours without strenuous activity.
Wildlife
History
Council Bluffs served as a major railroad hub during the 19th century, pivotal to the First Transcontinental Railroad’s completion.
Conservation
The RailsWest Museum focuses on preserving historic railroad equipment and promoting education to foster sustainable tourism.
Union Pacific Railroad Museum Association
$5 per Scout/ $5 Per Chaperone | 120 minutes
The Union Pacific Railroad Museum Association, located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, preserves and presents over 150 years of American railroad history. The association operates a museum that interprets the story of the Transcontinental Railroad and the broader legacy of rail transportation through artifacts, exhibits, and curated programs.
Visitors can choose guided group tours, curriculum-aligned programs for K–12 students, self-guided museum visits, and public lecture series. The museum hosts the Innovation Station STEM Program, Club Car Conversations lecture nights, and specialized workshops such as the Scouting Railroad Merit Badge Workshop. Educational offerings include grade-specific sessions like Legacy of the Transcontinental Railroad for K–6th and 7th–12th grades.
Practical visitor services include free admission for self-guided group visits, reserved parking, and wheelchair availability to ensure accessibility. Student self-guided visits are available on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays to support school scheduling. Club Car Conversations feature experts and special guests who draw on the Union Pacific collection for deeper context.
The association maintains professional stewardship of artifacts and offers reliable, curriculum-focused programming for educators and group leaders. By combining preserved material culture with educational programming, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum Association provides trustworthy, research-informed experiences that connect audiences to the technological, social, and cultural impacts of railroading in the United States.
Location
Council Bluffs, IA
Museum based in Iowa
Historic Coverage
150+ Years
Over 150 years of railroad history
Programs Offered
11 programs
Tours, STEM, workshops, lectures
Accessible Visits
Free (self-guided)
Reserved parking and wheelchairs
Book group tours, reserve parking for self-guided visits, or register students for STEM and curriculum-based programs — make a reservation to secure preferred dates.
Arrive Early for Museum Access
Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your session to check in and explore the museum grounds before the workshop begins.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
The workshop involves some light indoor walking and hands-on activities, so dress comfortably for moving around.
Bring a Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during the workshop, especially if attending in warmer months, as some exhibits are in large spaces without immediate water access.
Review Safety Guidelines
Pay attention during the railroad safety discussion; understanding these rules is essential for the merit badge requirements.
Notebook and Pencil
Helpful for taking notes during lessons and planning your model railroad design.
Comfortable Shoes
Support your feet during walking tours and hands-on activities inside the museum.
Reusable Water Bottle
Keeps you hydrated during the workshop, especially in warm weather.
summer
Light Jacket
Use this for cooler spring days or when transitioning between indoor and outdoor museum areas.
spring