After an outstanding event in 2022, it’s time to save the date for Railroad Days at Mile Zero in 2023! You’re invited to celebrate all things train and track with us in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Bring the whole family and hop on the trolley for a ride to various participating locations offering train-themed activities and exhibitions to explore between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
When: Saturday, September 23, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Various locations throughout Council Bluffs, Iowa
Tickets: Passes for the family event are $10 per group and includes two adults and unlimited children under 18.
Skip the lines and purchase your tickets today!
After making some changes to this special annual event, we had a fantastic time at Railroad Days 2022! Attendees enjoyed the beautiful fall weather while riding the trolley to each participating location in Council Bluffs to celebrate our area’s rich railroad history.
Families began their adventure at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, where they discovered and explored artifacts, photographs, documents, and equipment from more than 150 years of railroad history. The hands-on interactive exhibits were a hit for train enthusiasts of all ages, and the photo op on the UP train inside the museum was very popular!
After exploring the museum, participants hopped on the trolley and made their way to the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center! Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment (PACE) provided tons of hands-on STEAM activities for families to enjoy. Kids loved building and repairing trains with upcycled materials and participating in other craft and art activities. The building was lively with music performances, a pop-up restaurant, and a view of the New Masters art exhibit.
The next stop was the RailsWest Railroad Museum! Here, visitors could climb aboard old steam engines, walk through train cars, and learn about the numerous rail lines that passed through Council Bluffs. Ringing the locomotive’s bell was a massive hit among the kids!
Another great stop along the trolley route was the Historic General Dodge House. This lavish Victorian home gave attendees an insight into the historic home of the “greatest railroad builder of all time,” General Grenville M. Dodge. In addition to exploring the museum, several Civil War educators were onsite with a Civil War cannon!
Attendees finished their day with delicious food and beverage options on the Historic 100 Block of West Broadway! Several restaurants, like Barley’s, Caddy’s Kitchen & Cocktails, Glory Days, and Lincoln’s Pub, offered discounts for Railroad Days attendees. After dining, attendees explored the block’s unique public art and shopping experiences.
Railroad Days was made possible thanks to the generous support of Union Pacific Railroad and a grant provided by the Iowa West Foundation.
We have so much train-themed fun planned for Railroad Days 2023! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and RSVP to our event on Facebook for important event updates.
