The Golden Spike in Council Bluffs is located in a city park across from the Union Pacific Rail Yard at Council Bluffs. The monument was erected in 1939 at the 50th anniversary of the completion of the Union Pacific RR, and formally dedicated on he day the motion picture "Union Pacific" premiered.
The Golden Spike is placed at a point in the park that corresponds to Mile 0 of the Union Pacific Railroad. The monument is located 8 blocks south of the Lincoln Highway/US 6 as it passes through downtown Council Bluffs.
From the Roadside Attractions website: (
visit link)
"Golden Spike Monument
Field review by the editors.
Council Bluffs, Iowa
The Council Bluffs spike, a 56 ft. tall monument to the transcontinental railroad, juts out of a park in a residential neighborhood.
The historical Golden Spike event happened nowhere near here, but the monument was placed here in 1939 as a promotional gimmick for the film Union Pacific.
Golden Spike Monument
Address:9th Ave., Council Bluffs, IA
Directions: 9th Ave. just east of S. 21st St.
RA Rates: Worth a Detour"
From the Travel Iowa website: (
visit link)
"Golden Spike Monument
ADD TO MY
S 21st St. & 9th Ave.
Council Bluffs, Iowa | Map It
unleashcb.com
bphillips@travelcouncilbluffs.com
712.256.2577
Hours of Operation:Open Year-round
Monday: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Friday: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
This 56-foot golden concrete railroad spike was erected in 1939 with the premiere of the film "Union Pacific." It commemorates the junction of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific rail lines. This spot commemorates "Mile Marker Zero" as the eastern terminus of the transcontinental railroad.
Accessible to Persons with Disabilities
Motorcoach Parking"