From June 8–12, 2026, Iowa Museum Week celebrates the stories, people, and places that make museums an important part of our communities. Organized by the Iowa Museum Association, this annual event highlights how museums connect us to Iowa's past while inspiring future generations.
Whether you're fascinated by railroads, intrigued by historic homes, or captivated by local history, Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County offer museums that bring Southwest Iowa's stories to life through engaging exhibits, unique artifacts, and memorable experiences.
Visiting a museum during Iowa Museum Week? Share your experience on social media and tag your photos with #IowaMuseumWeek to join the statewide celebration of Iowa's museums, stories, and communities.
Museums in Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs offers a remarkable selection of museums catering to various interests. Each museum provides a unique glimpse into the region's rich history and cultural legacy.
Union Pacific Railroad Museum
Located in the historic Carnegie Library building, this museum chronicles the development of the Union Pacific Railroad and its pivotal role in the expansion of the American West. Through engaging exhibits and artifacts, visitors can trace the journey of the transcontinental railroad and its lasting impact on the nation.
Historic General Dodge House
Step back in time at the Historic General Dodge House, the elegant Victorian home of General Grenville M. Dodge. As a prominent railroad builder, military leader, and politician, General Dodge played a significant role in shaping the region.
Historic Squirrel Cage Jail
This three-story rotary jail, one of the last of its kind in the United States, provides a rare look at 19th-century penal architecture. Visitors can explore the eerie cells and learn about the history of incarceration practices, making for a chilling yet intriguing experience.
RailsWest History Museum
Housed in a former Chicago Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad depot, this museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of railroading in the region. With model trains, historic rail cars, and an impressive collection of railroad artifacts, it’s a delight for rail enthusiasts of all ages.
Great Plains Wing Museum
Operated by the Commemorative Air Force, the museum features more than 1,250 military aviation artifacts, historic aircraft, and exhibits honoring the people and stories behind American military aviation. Admission is free, and visitors can even schedule a ride in the museum's historic PT-19 trainer aircraft for a truly unforgettable experience.
Frontier Heritage Library & Museum
Operated by the Pottawattamie County Genealogical Society, the museum offers genealogy resources, local history collections, and historical records that help bring the region's past to life. Visitors can also view the Pottawattamie County Genealogical Society Mural, a large photographic collage created by local artist Cory Peters that celebrates Council Bluffs' rich history through images contributed by community members and local archives.
Continue the Journey: Explore the Pottawattamie County Museum Crawl
Want to discover even more of Southwest Iowa's history? The Pottawattamie County Museum Tour on July 12 at noon is the perfect opportunity. Visit one stop or explore them all:
- Walnut Creek Historical Museum (Walnut)
- Sweet Vale of Avoca Museum (Avoca)
- Nishna Heritage Museum (Oakland)
- Carson Railroad Depot (Carson)
- Pioneer Trail Museum (Macedonia)
- Stempel Bird Museum (Macedonia)
Each museum offers a unique look at the people, places, and stories that shaped Pottawattamie County. From railroad heritage and pioneer artifacts to local history and wildlife collections, there's something new to discover at every stop.
Tour Through Pottawattamie County Museums
This Iowa Museum Week, discover the stories, people, and places that make Southwest Iowa unique. From historic homes and railroad history to small-town treasures, Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County's museums offer fun, learning, and meaningful connections for visitors of all ages.
