2019 marks the 150th anniversary of the completion of the first national transcontinental railroad, making Railroad Days (July 13 and 14) all the more special this year, recognizing the momentous occasion.
To recognize the anniversary and Council Bluffs’ role as Mile Zero of the eastern start of the transcontinental railroad, additional events will occur in Council Bluffs during Railroad Days this year, including children’s activities in Bayliss Park, an extra stop on the Council Bluffs trolley loop (part of Railroad Days’ transportation from each participating location), and a pub crawl.
“The Union Pacific Museum is excited to represent Mile Zero of the nation's first transcontinental railroad and be a part of this community-wide celebration of railroad heritage,” Patricia LaBounty, curator of the Union Pacific Railroad Museum said. “There are so many great activities and events both during and around Railroad Days this year, it is a not to miss weekend!”
On Saturday, July 13, The 712 Initiative will host a family-friendly celebration in Bayliss Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day will feature train rides (holding 15 to 20 people at a time), live music, vendors, interactive demonstrations, public/private art, food trucks, and more. Live music includes the First Nebraska Volunteer Brass Band and The Matt Cox Band with headliner, country singer Jay Allen. Guests can also check out new railroad-themed art along the crosswalks on each corner of the park thanks to Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment. The artwork will be revealed shortly before Railroad Days.
Interactive demonstrations will include live blacksmithing. Elmo Diaz and two other professionals will use the traditional blacksmithing tools of a hammer and an anvil to make a gate latch. Spectators are encouraged to ask them questions and even ask how other items can be made—they’ll be happy to demonstrate!
Tandy Leather’s Ralph Terry will be on site carving an image of a train into leather. Kids can visit his booth for a fun art activity of making their own bookmarks. Come check out these amazing folks and many more exciting activities!
Historic 100 Block in Council Bluffs– Trolley Hospitality Stop
A fourth stop on the Council Bluffs trolley loop, also including the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, RailsWest Railroad Museum and the Historic General Dodge House, will offer visitors additional access to area restaurants and amenities during both days of the event. This stop includes restrooms, food and drink, and ATM access. This stop has ADA accessible facilities.
“The 100 Block businesses are excited to be included as a stop on the Railroad Days route,” Donna Schoeppner, 100 Block event coordinator, said. “It will be a great opportunity for participants to take a break and grab a bite and a drink. Then they will be refreshed to complete their journey to all the other exciting stops.”
The 100 Block will host a “Drinkin’ with Lincoln” pub crawl on Saturday, July 13, from 6 to 10 p.m. Abraham Lincoln styled hats and beards will be given to the first 100 participants in the crawl. A beard contest will be held and various Lincoln-era challenges will occur at each participating location. For the latest information please visit the 100 Block Facebook page.
Union Pacific’s Home Plate
In addition to Council Bluffs’ 150th anniversary celebrations, this year during Railroad Days, visitors are also invited to explore Union Pacific’s No. 4014, the “Big Boy” steam locomotive and the Experience Union Pacific rail car, at Union Pacific’s Home Plate. The Big Boy’s return to the rails is the product of more than two years of meticulous restoration work by the Union Pacific Steam Team. No. 4014 is the world's only operating Big Boy locomotive.
The Experience the Union Pacific Rail Car is a new, multi-media walk-through exhibition providing a glimpse at the past while telling the story of modern-day railroading. Through sound, images and interactive technology, visitors learn how Union Pacific trains transport fresh apples across the country using cutting-edge technology. The exhibit also steps back in time, detailing the hard work and know-how that went into building the transcontinental railroad, and the evolution of locomotives, beginning with the world-famous UP No. 119 and leading to today's diesel powerhouses.
Visit OmahaRailroadDays.com for more details.
Railroad Days Time and Admission
Railroad Days will occur between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on July 13 and 14. A family pass (two adults and their dependent children) is available for $15. Family passes include admission to and bus/trolley transportation between all Railroad Days locations. A $5 pass for one additional adult is also available with the purchase of a family pass.
Visit UNleashCB.com/sites/anniversary for more details about Council Bluffs’ Railroad Days events and 150th anniversary events; the latter of which will continue throughout the year.
