Step into the past with Union Pacific Railroad Museum Association’s interactive program where students investigate a historic train robbery and learn about railroad policing. This engaging Council Bluffs experience turns history into a hands-on adventure for young learners.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the program is conducted indoors with minimal physical activity required.
Wildlife
History
Council Bluffs was a critical hub during the westward railroad expansion and served as the eastern terminus of the first transcontinental railroad.
Conservation
The museum emphasizes the preservation of railroad heritage and educates visitors on maintaining cultural and historical sites responsibly.
Union Pacific Railroad Museum Association
Step into the past with Union Pacific Railroad Museum Association’s interactive program where students investigate a historic train robbery and learn about railroad policing. This engaging Council Bluffs experience turns history into a hands-on adventure for young learners.
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 Early for School Groups
Reservations are limited and fill quickly for Tuesdays and Wednesdays; secure your spot well ahead of time.
Suitable for Grades 4-12
This program is designed to engage middle and high school students with historical investigation.
Arrive on Time
The program lasts 90 minutes and a punctual start is important for a full experience.
Groups Max Out at 40
Larger groups may require advance approval; contact the museum to discuss accommodations.
Comfortable walking shoes
For moving comfortably around the museum exhibit spaces.
Notebook and pen
Ideal for students to jot down clues or notes during the investigation.
Light jacket or sweater
Museum interiors may be cool during autumn visits.
fall
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during summer visits, especially if exploring the city afterward.
summer