COUNCIL BLUFFS CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
All Aboard the History Express: A Compact, Museum-Deep Ride Through 150 Years of Union Pacific
A one-hour guided group tour through both floors of the Union Pacific Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs, tracing the railroad from its 1862 founding through the transcontinental build, the golden age of passenger travel, and into the present.
All Aboard the History Express: A Compact, Museum-Deep Ride Through 150 Years of Union Pacific.
Step into a concentrated sweep of American rail history in Council Bluffs: the History Express is a guided, one-hour group tour through both floors of the Union Pacific Railroad Museum that follows the line from its 1862 founding, across the building of the transcontinental railroad, into the golden age of passenger travel, and up to the railroad of today.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Two Floors of Curated Rail History
The tour visits both museum floors, offering a compact sequence of exhibits that present Union Pacific’s story across eras—ideal for groups seeking a focused, museum-led narrative.
Founding and the Transcontinental Era
Guides walk groups through the railroad’s founding in 1862 and its role in building the transcontinental railroad, anchoring exhibits in that pivotal 19th-century chapter.
From the Golden Age to Today
The narrative continues into the golden age of passenger travel and concludes with exhibits that reflect the railroad’s modern operations, giving groups a throughline from past to present.
What the day feels like
What the Group Feels Like
The History Express condenses more than 150 years of Union Pacific history into a guided, hour-long progression through curated exhibits on two floors of the museum; a structured script moves small to midsize groups through defining moments from 1862 to the present.
THE MUSEUM
Two Floors of Curated Rail History
The tour visits both museum floors, offering a compact sequence of exhibits that present Union Pacific’s story across eras—ideal for groups seeking a focused, museum-led narrative.
THE ORIGINS
Founding and the Transcontinental Era
Guides walk groups through the railroad’s founding in 1862 and its role in building the transcontinental railroad, anchoring exhibits in that pivotal 19th-century chapter.
THE TIMELINE
From the Golden Age to Today
The narrative continues into the golden age of passenger travel and concludes with exhibits that reflect the railroad’s modern operations, giving groups a throughline from past to present.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and when to consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Duration is 1 hour. Tours are available Wednesdays through Saturdays.
The operator does not list specific gear requirements for the tour.
Meet at 200 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503.
$15 per person. Minimum 10 people and maximum 30 people; the operator will attempt to accommodate larger groups—email [email protected] for inquiries.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the History Express tour?
The tour lasts 1 hour.
Where do we meet for the tour?
Groups meet at 200 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503.
How much does the tour cost?
The rate is $15 per person.
What are the group size requirements?
There is a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 30 people; the operator will try to accommodate larger groups—contact the provided email for arrangements.
When can groups book the tour?
Tours are available Wednesdays through Saturdays.
What will the tour cover?
The guided tour visits both floors of the museum and traces Union Pacific from its 1862 founding, through the transcontinental railroad and the golden age of passenger travel, to the railroad of today.