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.
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.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Union Pacific Railroad Museum Association · Council Bluffs, Iowa
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for children aged 5 to 12; requires ability to walk and stand for 2 hours.
The tour is specially designed for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
The program lasts about two hours, perfect for holding young students’ attention.
The experience primarily takes place indoors with some brief transitions outdoors.
Participants should be able to walk and stand for about two hours, but the difficulty is easy.
Yes, chaperones and adults are welcome to participate alongside the students.
No prior knowledge is required; the tour is educational and accessible to beginners.
Council Bluffs was the eastern starting point of the Union Pacific Railroad completed in 1869, marking the joining of America’s first transcontinental railroad.
The program promotes awareness of preserving historical artifacts and educating on the cultural impact of the railroad to support sustainable tourism.
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