RailsWest History Museum

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our latest Sip and Learn at Barely’s Bar and Grill!

For this month’s presentation, Troy Stolp explored the journals of Father Pierre-Jean De Smet and his observations of life in Council Bluffs during a difficult period of local history. Through his writings, we examined the devastating impact of the whiskey trade on local native communities and the violence that followed, including a series of murders that occurred in a two-week period. Despite repeated calls to stop sending whiskey, the alcohol continued to flow into the region.

Thank you to Troy for your presentation and thank you to .bar for partnering with us and providing a welcoming space for conversations about local history!

Check out the link in our bio for more info on future Sip and Learn programs!

05/28/2026

The concept was revolutionary: why not process mail while it was in transit? The Railway Mail Service did just that, transforming global communication by sorting mail aboard moving trains. The system evolved into a vast, high-speed network that moved the mail for over 100 years. Clerks sorted and carried out rapid “on-the-fly” mail exchanges using trackside cranes as trains sped past.
That’s cool. But don’t just read about history- step into it! Board our Railway Mail Service car at the RailWest History Museum. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday’s 10-4.

05/27/2026

A country only turns 200 once, and Council Bluffs had imposing ideas— from welcoming the Bicentennial train and the grandest parade in city history to a fountain that shot water straight up out of the middle of the Missouri River. A new park was built along the river to celebrate friendship with Omaha and the Historical Society reprinted a 1901 history book. This was going to be a celebration to remember. Not all plans worked out; the train was cool and the parade a success, but the fountain never came to fruition and our reprinted book didn’t exactly make the best seller list. The Society has new exhibit coming up about how we celebrated the Bicentennial and we need ideas. What do you remember? Any special activities in school? Did you go to the parade? Visit the Bicentennial train? Thanks for your input!

05/24/2026

Odds are Amazon will be out delivering on Memorial Day, 2026. But there were no packages moving on Memorial Day a hundred years ago— all the railroad freight depots in town were closed for the holiday. Parades, memorial services in Bayliss Park, and a visit to graves of family members made up the somber standard routine. There was an exception: Memorial Day, 1948. That was the grand opening of major new entertainment attraction in Council Bluffs— Playland Park.

05/21/2026

We asked our visitors, “What can you do to help your community?” and these were some of their answers:

“Be Kind”
“Volunteer”
“Pick up trash”
“Preserve Local History”

We loved reading everyone’s responses and seeing all the different ways people care for their community.

What are ways YOU help make your community stronger? Share in the comments!

05/21/2026

Last night, we had the pleasure of hosting local middle school students as they presented their National History Day projects at the museum. We are inspired by the hard work and passion these students brought to sharing history with their community. Congratulations to our next generation of historians, Lyla, Parker, and Autumn!

05/10/2026

Like music to our ears! 🚂 🎶

Happy National Train Day!

05/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who visited today, explored the museum and rail cars, and supported our local history. Railroad Days continues tomorrow for one final day!

We hope to see you here at RailsWest! 🚂

04/28/2026