$5 per Student / $5 Per Chaperone | 2 hours | Grades K - 6th Grade
Discover the transformative story of the Transcontinental Railroad through an interactive, kid-friendly tour in Council Bluffs. This hands-on adventure brings history to life for young learners eager to explore America’s railroading past.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for children aged 5 to 12; requires ability to walk and stand for 2 hours.
Wildlife
History
Council Bluffs was the eastern starting point of the Union Pacific Railroad completed in 1869, marking the joining of America’s first transcontinental railroad.
Conservation
The program promotes awareness of preserving historical artifacts and educating on the cultural impact of the railroad to support sustainable tourism.
Union Pacific Railroad Museum Association
$5 per Student / $5 Per Chaperone | 2 hours | Grades K - 6th Grade
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.
Engage with the Exhibits
Encourage children to interact with displays and ask questions to deepen their understanding.
Arrive Early
Arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled tour helps ensure a prompt start and maximum time allocation.
Comfortable Footwear Recommended
Wear sturdy shoes since the tour includes walking and standing for about two hours.
Weather Awareness
Tour is primarily indoors but check local weather to dress appropriately for any outdoor transitions.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Provides support for walking and standing during the tour.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated, especially on warm days.
summer
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Dress in layers to adapt to indoor and occasional outdoor conditions.
all
Small Backpack
Handy for carrying water, snacks, and souvenirs.