Railroad Days is an annual celebration of all things train and track! Celebrate CB's rich railroad heritage and place in history as historic Mile Zero for Union Pacific Railroad. There will be numerous train-themed activities and locations to visit between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
The Union Pacific Railroad Museum, RailsWest Railroad Museum, Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment (PACE), the Historic General Dodge House, Council Bluffs Public Library, 712 Initiative, and the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to offer this annual event. Kids will be excited to ride the trollies to each participating location and to take part in numerous hands-on activities that explore the vast world of the railroad!
Passes for the family event are $20 per group, which includes two adults and unlimited children under 18. An additional adult pass can be purchased for $10. Tickets may be purchased online. On the day of the event, you can purchase your ticket at the Union Pacific Museum, Historic General Dodge House, and the RailsWest Railroad Museum.
Tickets that are purchased in advance can be redeemed the day of the event at the Union Pacific Museum, Historic General Dodge House, and the RailsWest Railroad Museum, where each person will receive a wristband that allows you unlimited rides on the trolleys and admission to all trolley stops.
As of September 20, tickets are available for purchase on the day of the event only and are no longer available online.
Ollie the Trolley will transport ticket holders to the trolley stops from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on September 21, 2024. The trolley will depart and arrive on Pearl Street in front of the Union Pacific Museum and will take visitors on the Council Bluffs loop to other participating venues. All transportation is provided for your convenience, but you are able to walk/drive to destinations if you desire.
Union Pacific Railroad Museum
Discover the fascinating history of law and order on the railroad in the temporary exhibit at the Union Pacific Museum. Discover the history of railroad police, how they developed, what makes their service different from city police and why railroads still have police officers today! The exhibit is free and open to the public through September 2025. Special Railroad Days 2024 activities at the Union Pacific Museum also include:
Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center
Gather your family and friends for a day packed with fun and adventure at the Hoff Center. Dive into the enchanting world of trains at our Miniature Train Exhibition, where you can marvel at the intricate details of these tiny locomotives. Capture the moment with unique photo opportunities that will make for perfect keepsakes.
But that's not all! Unleash your creativity with our Arts and Crafts activities designed for all ages. Plus, don't miss the chance to admire stunning artwork from local talents during the Southwest Iowa Art Tour. This is a rare opportunity to witness the vibrant art scene of our community and perhaps find that perfect piece to take home.
RailsWest Railroad Museum
Historic General Dodge House
Historic 100 Block of West Broadway
Railroad Days is made possible thanks to the generous support of Union Pacific Railroad and a grant provided by the Iowa West Foundation.
