Tracks of Time Mural

Overview

Stretching 560 feet across an entire city block, Tracks of Time is the largest and longest mural in Council Bluffs. The artwork spans 21 train cars, each serving as a mini mural that contributes to a larger story tracing the history of steel—from its cosmic origins to its role in shaping industry, railroads, infrastructure, and everyday life.

Located along the FIRST AVE Trail, the mural transforms a series of railcars into a one-of-a-kind outdoor gallery where art, science, transportation, and history intersect. Its scale and creative storytelling celebrate the materials, transportation networks, and communities that helped build Council Bluffs, the American Midwest, and the modern world.

The mural is part of the FIRST AVE Trail Murals collection, a public art initiative coordinated by the City of Council Bluffs and supported by the Iowa West Foundation that transformed the corridor into an outdoor gallery showcasing the work of local and regional artists. For more on the project, visit FirstAveCB.com.

Explore more murals throughout Council Bluffs to discover additional works that celebrate the community's history, culture, and creativity.

Category: Attractions