Railswest Railroad Museum & Ho Model Railroad

Specialties

The RailsWest Railroad Museum lays in the 1885 Rock Island Passenger Depot. The yard has several pieces of rolling stock open for visitors to wander through. The depot itself houses displays and history of all the railroads that passed through Council Bluffs as well as general history and a fascinating H.O. model train display.

History

Established in 1985.

The Historical Society of Pottawattamie County restored the passenger depot in 1985 and leases the building from the City of Council Bluffs. It is one of the few places left that you can climb aboard steam engines, lounge in the lounge car, sort mail in the mail car or just hang out in a caboose. There is lots to see and do so bring your picnic lunch and enjoy some time in the train yard.

Meet the Manager

Carla B.

Manager

The Historical Society of Pottawattamie County operates both the RailsWest Railroad museum and the Squirrel Cage Jail in Council Bluffs, IA. We rely on our admissions and donations to maintain our buildings and archives.