History buffs and curious minds—get ready to explore the past like never before! On May 24, 2025, two of Council Bluffs’ most iconic landmarks, the Historic Squirrel Cage Jail and the RailsWest Railroad Museum, are reopening to the public with a Grand Opening Celebration that promises fun, fascination, and family-friendly adventure.
These reopenings mark the launch of History on Track, a dynamic new initiative powered by a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Union Pacific Museum Association and the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County, made possible by support from the Iowa West Foundation. This bold collaboration is all about revitalizing two of Council Bluffs' most beloved museums by expanding programming, increasing access, and enhancing the visitor experience across all three sites—including the Union Pacific Railroad Museum.
Visitors can begin their journey at the Squirrel Cage Jail, one of the only three-story revolving jails left in the country. This eerie Victorian-Gothic structure is a National Historic Landmark with a storied (and maybe even haunted) past. Then head over to the RailsWest Museum, housed in a restored 1899 Rock Island Depot, where real railcars—including cabooses and a railway post office—are waiting to be explored. Finally, step into the Union Pacific Museum, where more than 150 years of American railroad history comes to life through interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and immersive storytelling.
The Grand Opening kicks off at 10 a.m. on May 24. For just $15 per adult (and free for kids), visitors receive all-day access to all three museums. It’s an affordable, enriching way to celebrate the region’s heritage—and a perfect weekend activity for families, history lovers, and curious travelers.
Whether you're drawn by the ghost stories, the rolling stock, or the chance to walk through history itself, there’s something for everyone. Come see what happens when local history gets back on track—and experience three unforgettable museums in one extraordinary day.
