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RailsWest Railroad Museum & HO Model Display

33 Reviews

#14 of 22 things to do in Council Bluffs

Museums, Specialty Museums

Closed today: Closed

1512 S Main St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-6578

Open today: Closed

Review Highlights

“Local Train Museum”

As a train buff, any rail museum is a good museum. This is worth a visit, however, it is in need of... read more

Reviewed September 30, 2016

Paul G

Tucson, Arizona

“Outside Exhibit”

Museum was an OK place to visit. I realize that they depend on donations but this place is in need... read more

Reviewed September 7, 2016

balltra75

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Read all 33 reviews

All photos (6)

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Traveler Overview

3.5 33 reviews

Excellent40%
Very good21%
Average18%
Poor15%
Terrible6%

Aug 4, 2018

“UP visit ”

Jun 14, 2018

“Rundown”

About

RailsWest Depot Museum is housed in an old Rock Island Depot built in 1899. There are many displays which include full size train cars to walk through and an HO size model train.

Closed today

Hours Today: Closed

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Suggested duration: 1-2 hours

Contact

1512 S Main St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-6578

Website

+1 712-323-5182

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1 - 10 of 33 reviews

billhordy

Kansas City, Missouri

10023

Reviewed August 4, 2018 via mobile

UP visit

stop after the Union pacific museum some old stock outside. steam engine where you can go inside the cab best was the US postal car that was amazing to see. old depot has small museum. friendly staff. quick stop if you are interested in trains.

Date of experience: August 2018

Thank billhordy

Josie S

Omaha, Nebraska

11740

Reviewed June 14, 2018

Rundown

I would pass on this unless you really, really like trains and have an hour to kill while in the area. The old model train inside is small and compact but on the cute side I guess. The trains outside are rundown and I am...More

Date of experience: July 2017

Thank Josie S

Keith W

Naperville, Illinois

378

Reviewed February 4, 2018

Outside equipment worth a look-see!

Terrible museum archives and the model railroad is quite pitiful! Outside exhibits are only so-so and could use some paint!

Date of experience: October 2017

Thank Keith W

chuckpisgah

Persia

337

Reviewed January 17, 2017

Excellent model train layout and plenty of oneat historical items

The RailsWest has several engines and cars. In the museum there is a good collection of railroad ephemera. Great for children of all ages. Easy to get to.

Date of experience: August 2016

Thank chuckpisgah

Paul G

Tucson, Arizona

921464

Reviewed September 30, 2016

Local Train Museum

As a train buff, any rail museum is a good museum. This is worth a visit, however, it is in need of an overhaul. It depends on the admission fees ( $7.00 for an adult ) and I dod not think that it has very...More

Date of experience: September 2016

Thank Paul G

balltra75

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

6812

Reviewed September 7, 2016

Outside Exhibit

Museum was an OK place to visit. I realize that they depend on donations but this place is in need of alot of work and restoration. Now that we have gone there once I don't know they we would return again.

Date of experience: September 2016

Thank balltra75

jasontS3599DC

Omaha, Nebraska

11940

Reviewed September 2, 2016

Not worth the visit

This "Museum" is small, crowded and the train cars they let you walk through are a safety hazard. PLUS they charge! Like trains? Go down the street to the Union Pacific Museum, it is MUCH better AND FREE!

Date of experience: July 2016

Thank jasontS3599DC

MilesL44

Greenville, South Carolina, United States

29952

Reviewed August 11, 2016 via mobile

Hot day for an outside museum

Took our granddaughter there today. Very interesting, lots of old train stuff. They even have an old phone booth something our granddaughter has never seen. Cost was $7 for seniors. Not too bad. Worth a visit if you are in the area.

Date of experience: August 2016

Thank MilesL44

JohnBCowgill

Washington DC, District of Columbia

595154

Reviewed April 27, 2016

Full of Rails

It may not be the most popular museum in Council Bluffs, but it is a must see for any rail fan. You have a lot of trains here.

Date of experience: June 2015

Thank JohnBCowgill

apeters1088

Lincoln, Nebraska

17126

Reviewed August 2, 2015

Great for young kids!

My son and I were referred here from the staff at the Squirrel Cage Jail. We decided to head over because my son loves trains. The museum is set in an old train station full of history and artifacts. There were several model trains, one...More

Date of experience: July 2015

Thank apeters1088

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