Self-Guided Railroad History Tour | Union Pacific Museum

Council Bluffs•easy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2 hours

Fitness Level

No physical exertion required; suitable for all fitness levels

Overview

Discover over 150 years of railroad history at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum with a flexible, self-guided tour perfect for students of all ages. Dive into the rich stories of American railroading in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Student Self Guide Museum Visit

Book your school visit today! | No cost to self guide

Select participants and date

Date

Fri, Oct 24

Travelers

Adventure Photos

About This Adventure

Explore over 150 years of railroad history with a self-guided tour at the museum! Perfect for all grades, this unique experience allows students to discover fascinating exhibits at their own pace. Schedule your visit on Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays to ensure a memorable educational adventure.

150+ Years of Railroad History

Duration and Capacity

2 hours
Available Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays during open hours: 10am-6pm Minimum of 5 students required

Self Guide Information

Free Admission for Self Guided Tours | All Grades Welcome

If your school wants to visit the museum but does not want a guided program, please make sure to schedule your self-guide time so that we can make sure we have enough room to accommodate you amongst our other guided tours and can reserve parking for your buses.

Adventure Tips

Schedule Ahead for Group Visits

Book your self-guided tour on Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays to guarantee availability and parking for buses.

Ideal for All Grade Levels

The museum’s exhibits are designed to engage students from elementary to high school with hands-on and visual displays.

Allow Two Hours to Fully Experience

Plan for about two hours to comfortably walk through exhibits and absorb historical details at your own pace.

Free Admission Encourages Group Learning

There is no admission cost for self-guided tours, making it accessible for schools and community groups.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Urban bird species such as pigeons and sparrows
Occasional sightings of river otters near adjacent waterways

History

Council Bluffs served as a key western terminus for the Union Pacific Railroad and was central to the first transcontinental railroad completion in 1869.

Conservation

The museum promotes sustainability by preserving historical artifacts and raising awareness about railroad impact on regional development and ecosystems.