Earn Your Railroading Merit Badge at RailsWest Museum in Council Bluffs, Iowa
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be able to stand and move comfortably indoors for two hours without strenuous activity.
Overview
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.
Scouting Railroad Merit Badge Workshop
$5 per Scout/ $5 Per Chaperone | 120 minutes
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Join an exciting 120-minute adventure where Scouts can earn the Railroading Merit Badge! Guided by a certified counselor, participants will explore historic timetables, learn about railroad safety, and design their own model railroad. Enhance the experience with a tour of the RailsWest Museum for a deeper dive into railroad history.
All Aboard!
Rates
No cost for Scoutmasters and Bus Drivers
Scout: $5 | Adult Chaperone: $5 | Ages 18+
Duration and Capacity
- 120 minutes
- Available Tuesdays and Wednesdays Minimum of 10 Scouts required Maximum of 40 people
- We will do our best to accommodate larger groups. If you would like to bring more Scouts to the museum, please email zachary.rady@upcontractor.up.com
About this Program
Earn the Railroading Merit Badge!
Led be a certified merit badge counselor, scouts will take a trip through time, using historic timetables to plan a trip and see what it was like to travel on one of Union Pacific’s passenger trains, learn about railroad safety, and design their own model railroad layout. Satisfies all the requirements for scouts to earn the merit badge.
Add on a tour of the RailsWest Museum where scouts can explore historic rail equipment at the old Rock Island Line Depot down the street from the Union Pacific Museum for an additional $5 per person.
Adventure Tips
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.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Local river birds such as great blue herons
- Seasonal sightings of white-tailed deer in nearby green spaces
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.
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Adventure Hotspots in Council Bluffs
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
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 specific
Light Jacket
Use this for cooler spring days or when transitioning between indoor and outdoor museum areas.
spring specific