$5 per Student / $5 Per Chaperone | 60-90m | Grades PreK - 2nd
Turn a field trip into a miniature museum takeover: this 60–90 minute homeschool program gives PreK–2nd graders exclusive access to passenger-car interiors and hands-on learning. Book a Tuesday or Wednesday session and add a short tour of the Squirrel Cage Jail or RailsWest Museum to make a full day.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
60–90 minutes
Fitness Level
Light; suitable for young children and adults who can stand and walk short distances.
Wildlife
History
Council Bluffs was a major 19th-century rail hub; exhibits focus on the era of passenger travel and the city’s rail connections to regional growth.
Conservation
The museum preserves historic rolling stock and artifacts; groups are asked to follow exhibit rules to protect fragile materials and minimize wear.
Union Pacific Railroad Museum Association
$5 per Student / $5 Per Chaperone | 60-90m | Grades PreK - 2nd
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.
Book Tuesdays or Wednesdays
Programs run on weekdays when the museum is closed to the public—reserve a Tuesday or Wednesday to ensure exclusive access.
Confirm bus/van parking
Up to three reserved parking spaces are available near the main entrance; notify organizers ahead of arrival to secure a spot.
Bring pencils and notebooks
Students will do close-looking and comparison activities—simple writing materials make worksheets and observations easier to manage.
One payment at check-in
Have one adult tour coordinator complete the single payment for your group to streamline arrival and registration.
Notebook and pencil
Useful for observation exercises and comparison activities during the program.
Comfortable shoes
Exhibits and restored cars require light walking and standing.
Reusable water bottle
Keep kids hydrated between indoor sessions and any outdoor add-on tours.
Small backpack for kids
Holds snacks, a jacket, and supplies while moving between galleries and add-ons.