Union Pacific Railroad Museum
Time Needed: half-day
Experience Type: innovation, museum
The Union Pacific Railroad Museum brings the story of America’s railroads to life. Through interactive exhibits and historic artifacts, explore passenger train history, the building of the first transcontinental railroad, and Abraham Lincoln’s connection to America’s rails.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Step into the Golden Age of Rail – The America Travels by Rail exhibit showcases passenger trains with replica cars, 1930s ads, uniforms, menus, and thousands of artifacts.
- Test Your Engineering Skills – Climb aboard a hands-on train simulator to operate a locomotive or practice track-laying. It’s equally fun for kids and adults.
- Journey Through A Railroad Tunnel – The Building America exhibit tells the story of the first transcontinental railroad with artifacts, railroad police items, and an immersive train tunnel.
- Discover Abraham Lincoln’s Rail Legacy – View artifacts from Lincoln’s personal rail car, including original silver service and furniture, plus the story behind the Pacific Railway Act.
- See the Legendary Arizona Spike – On display is the silver and gold-plated spike driven at Promontory Summit in 1869, marking the completion of the first transcontinental railroad.
Recommended Reading: Get your hands on a copy of Nothing Like It in the World before your visit. This vivid account of the investors, engineers, and laborers behind the transcontinental railroad brings to life one of America’s greatest engineering achievements.
Photo Credit: Travel Iowa