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RailsWest Railroad Museum & HO Model Display

32 Reviews

#13 of 30 things to do in Council Bluffs

Specialty Museums, Museums

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

+1 712-323-5182

Website

Review Highlights

“Rundown”

I would pass on this unless you really, really like trains and have an hour to kill while in the... read more

Reviewed 4 days ago

Josie S

Omaha, Nebraska

“Outside equipment worth a look-see!”

Terrible museum archives and the model railroad is quite pitiful! Outside exhibits are only so-so... read more

Reviewed February 4, 2018

Keith W

Naperville, Illinois

Read all 32 reviews

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Overview

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.

3.5

32 reviews

Excellent40%
Very good21%
Average18%
Poor15%
Terrible6%

4 days ago

“Rundown”

Feb 4, 2018

“Outside equipment worth a look-see!”

Closed

Hours

Hours Today: Closed

Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours

LOCATION

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

CONTACT

Website

+1 712-323-5182

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1 - 10 of 32 reviews

Josie S

Omaha, Nebraska

11132

Reviewed 4 days ago

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

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Keith W

Naperville, Illinois

347

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!

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

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.

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Paul G

Tucson, Arizona

772415

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

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

balltra75

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

618

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.

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Jason T

10735

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!

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MilesL44

Greenville, South Carolina, United States

29752

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.

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JohnBCowgill

Washington DC, District of Columbia

493118

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.

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apeters1088

Lincoln, Nebraska

17025

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

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laeasley

147

Reviewed August 1, 2015

Very Hands On

My grandson and I liked this equally well. He got to try all of the teletypes and type writers. We were able to look through papers and calling cards drawers and cabinets. The train had original features and some original furniture. We were encouraged to...More

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