THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover a unique outdoor STEM experience at the Innovation Station in Omaha. Hands-on exhibits and engaging activities make learning fun amidst historic railway displays.
Discover a unique outdoor STEM experience at the Innovation Station in Omaha. Hands-on exhibits and engaging activities make learning fun amidst historic railway displays.
Book with Union Pacific Railroad Museum Association
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Union Pacific Railroad Museum Association · Council Bluffs, Iowa
Located in the heart of the Union Pacific Railroad Museum Association, the Innovation Station STEM Program offers a unique outdoor adventure combined with hands-on learning. Situated in a vibrant area rich with historical significance, this program stands out as an engaging destination for families and young learners eager to connect with science, technology, engineering, and math through interactive activities. The site features outdoor exhibits, accessible pathways, and themed stations that showcase railway technology and industrial innovation, making it a perfect blend of education and outdoor exploration.
Participants can expect a day filled with discovery, from examining model trains and railway artifacts to engaging in problem-solving challenges that highlight engineering principles. The outdoor layout includes mini railroads, robotic demonstrations, and interactive displays that cater to a variety of ages. Its prime location in the Union Pacific Railroad Museum grounds emphasizes the area's rich history of transportation and innovation, adding a cultural layer to this STEM-focused adventure. The program's accessible design ensures that visitors of all abilities can comfortably explore and participate.
The Innovation Station stands out for its commitment to fostering curiosity and hands-on learning outside the traditional classroom. It’s a notable inclusion in the local outdoor scene, making STEM education tangible and fun. Visitors leave inspired by the ingenuity of railway technology while gaining practical knowledge that sparks future interest in technological fields. The well-curated exhibits and welcoming atmosphere make this a top destination for families, school groups, and curious minds alike seeking a meaningful outdoor experience rooted in history and science.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with accessible options for visitors with mobility needs.
Yes, the Innovation Station STEM Program typically requires a small entrance fee, which supports maintenance and new exhibits.
Guided tours are available at scheduled times and can be booked in advance.
Yes, the outdoor stations are designed to be accessible for visitors with mobility challenges.
Outside food and drinks are welcome; there are picnic areas available.
The program is suitable for all ages, with many activities geared towards children and families.
Yes, group bookings for schools, clubs, and organizations can be arranged ahead of time.
The site honors the legacy of the Union Pacific Railroad, established in the 1860s, which transformed transportation in the American West.
The program emphasizes sustainable practices by encouraging visitors to respect the exhibits and minimize their environmental footprint.
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.
Book with Union Pacific Railroad Museum Association