There’s exciting momentum rolling through Council Bluffs. The Union Pacific Railroad Museum is celebrating a major milestone—welcoming more than 500,000 visitors through its doors. This achievement reflects the museum’s growing impact as a cultural cornerstone in our community, drawing history lovers, families, students, and rail enthusiasts from across the country. As the museum honors this accomplishment, it’s also announcing leadership promotions that signal continued growth and innovation for one of Council Bluffs’ most treasured attractions—along with a major new exhibit renovation that will debut this spring.
Leadership Moves the Mission Forward
With a continued focus on vision and visitor experience, two valued team members have stepped into expanded leadership roles. Vanessa Dobles has been promoted to Executive Director. Her tenure has been marked by strategic vision, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to the museum’s mission. In her new role, she will guide the museum’s long-term direction and continue building on its success. Isabelle Kaeding now serves as Manager of Communications and Hospitality. She will oversee the museum’s communications strategy while enhancing the overall guest experience! These promotions come at a pivotal time as the museum builds on its half-million-visitor milestone and looks toward exciting updates on the horizon.
A Museum That Brings American History to Life
Housed inside a beautifully restored historic Carnegie Library building in Council Bluffs, the museum offers an immersive look at more than 150 years of American railroad history. Visitors can explore “America Travels by Rail”, celebrating the golden age of passenger travel, The Lincoln Collection, featuring artifacts from President Abraham Lincoln’s rail car and funeral, and Exhibits highlighting the innovation and technology that continue to position Union Pacific as an industry leader.
Through artifacts, photographs, documents, and equipment, the museum tells the story of the transcontinental railroad, westward expansion, and the generations shaped by rail travel. Its mission is simple but powerful: to share American history through the lens of the railroad, connecting generations impacted by Union Pacific.
A New Chapter: The Grand Atrium Project
The museum is also beginning phase one of its Grand Atrium Project, a multi-year renovation designed to enhance the visitor experience and showcase historic materials in new and engaging ways.
The first phase will transform The Nation Before the Railroad exhibit with custom-designed illuminated animations in the Grand Atrium — the heart of the museum. This updated space will help visitors better understand the railroad as a dynamic system shaped by human decisions and historical outcomes.
The exhibit will also feature rarely displayed materials from the Union Pacific Historic Collection, providing deeper context for the museum’s exhibits while improving accessibility for visitors. While portions of select exhibits may be temporarily closed during installation, the museum will remain open with regular hours so guests can continue exploring its many exhibits. Phase one of the renovation will be completed and open to the public in early May 2026.
Full Steam Ahead for Railroad Days
As if celebrating 500,000 visitors wasn’t exciting enough, there’s even more on the horizon, Railroad Days is coming up! Railroad Days is one of Council Bluffs’ signature annual celebrations, bringing families, train enthusiasts, and history buffs together for special programming, hands-on activities, and community fun centered around our city’s deep railroad roots.
This year’s celebration will be especially exciting as the first phase of the new Grand Atrium exhibit is expected to open just in time for Railroad Days on May 9.
With the museum’s recent milestone and leadership momentum, this year’s festivities are sure to feel even more meaningful. Now is the perfect time to plan a visit, rediscover downtown, and experience firsthand why the Union Pacific Railroad Museum continues to captivate guests from near and far.
All Aboard for What’s Next
Reaching 500,000 visitors is more than just a number, it’s a testament to the museum’s commitment to storytelling, education, and community connection. With a major renovation underway, strong leadership in place, and Railroad Days on the horizon, the future is bright for this Council Bluffs landmark. With strong leadership in place and big changes on the horizon, the future is bright for this Council Bluffs landmark. Whether you’re a longtime local or planning your first trip, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum invites you to step inside, explore America’s rail legacy, and be part of the next chapter.
