Where can I learn about train history in Omaha?
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The former Union Station is now a museum filled with real train cars that you can walk through, an interactive model train display and exhibits about Omaha’s past. The grand Art Deco building is worth a visit all on its own.
Just across the river in Council Bluffs, this museum is free to visit. It tells the story of Union Pacific and its role in building America’s railroads. Don’t miss the “America Travels By Rail” exhibit, which showcases the glamour of passenger rail from the 1930s to the dawn of Amtrak in 1971 – complete with original china, uniforms, menus and furniture from the Union Pacific line. You’ll also find rare artifacts from President Lincoln’s rail car and a hands-on locomotive simulator that’s a big hit with kids.
Two huge Union Pacific engines sit at the top of a hill near Lauritzen Gardens. See just how big these trains really are.
General Dodge House
Visit the historic home of General Grenville Dodge, a major railroad builder. His house in Council Bluffs is full of railroad stories and period furniture.
RailsWest Railroad Museum
Housed in an 1899 depot built for the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, this museum features historical items inside and real rail car displays outside.
Golden Spike Monument
Located in Council Bluffs, this 56-foot golden concrete spike was built in 1939 to mark the premiere of the movie “Union Pacific.” It honors the completion of the country’s first transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 – a moment that helped shape the future of both Omaha and the nation.
Where can I ride a train in Omaha?
Back to Top of ListOmaha Zoo Railroad
Ride a real steam train around Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, one of the top zoos in the world. It’s a fun experience for all ages and a relaxing way to see the zoo.
Open seasonally, Vala’s Pumpkin Patch offers rides on the Pumpkin Creek Railroad, a miniature train promising big fun through beautiful autumn scenery.
Watson Steam Train & Depot
Located in Missouri Valley City Park, this miniature steam train depot features 1,700 feet of track, a 50-foot tunnel and a restored 1948 coal-fired locomotive. Rides are $3 rides all season, which runs from May through October on Saturdays and Sundays.
Are there model trains in Omaha?
Back to Top of ListLauritzen Gardens Model Railroad
Tiny trains roll through tiny landscapes in this outdoor garden display. It’s open seasonally and great for families and collectors. A special festive model train exhibit during the Holiday Poinsettia Show adds cheer to the season.
NE-IA Railroaders Holiday Model Train and Toy Show
This December event, held at Oak View Mall, is a wintertime must. Take in an incredible array of designs and special trains in sizes including z scale, n scale, ho scale, s scale, o scale and g scale. It’s all gauges for all ages! NE-IA Railroaders also hosts a springtime show in Papillion.
Discover a depot and diorama representing Union Pacific’s double track main line from Omaha to Ogden during the 1950s. Push-button interactives delight kids and the young at heart.
House of Trains
Want to build your own train layout? This shop in northwest Omaha has been helping train lovers for nearly 90 years.
Where can I eat in a train-themed restaurant?
Back to Top of ListAre there any train photo spots in Omaha?
Back to Top of ListUnion Pacific’s Home Plate
During the College World Series, you can snap pictures with Union Pacific locomotives and a fleet of historic Heritage cars near the site where the transcontinental railroad began.
With two giant engines and a view of the city, this is one of the best train photo ops in Omaha.
Pose next to one of the statues in the depot; they share fascinating commentary on their train adventures. Grab a selfie as you stroll through train cars from the 1940s and 50s, including a Pullman car, lounge car and caboose.
Can I walk or bike on an old rail line?
Back to Top of ListThe Great American Rail-Trail
This trail crosses from Iowa into Nebraska on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, a 3,000-foot cable-suspension structure, over the Missouri River. The trail weaves through urban Omaha.
Wabash Trace Nature Trail
The 63-mile Wabash Trace Nature Trail follows the former Wabash Railway route into Council Bluffs, crossing 70 scenic bridges and passing sites of old depots that once served early prairie towns. Built in the 1870s, the rail line was abandoned in 1983 but lives on through this historic trail.
