The Golden Spike Monument
Standing at Milepost 0.0—the eastern terminus of the Union Pacific Railroad—the Golden Spike Monument marks a site of significant historical importance. This gold-colored concrete structure rises 59 feet into the air and weighs over 243,000 pounds, symbolizing the starting point of one of America’s most transformative infrastructure projects.
In 1877, a transfer and passenger station once occupied this location, serving as a vital hub for travelers and freight. Decades later, in March 1939, City Engineer Jack Boyne proposed the idea of a monument to commemorate the site’s role in railroad history. The City Council approved the plan, and construction began soon after.
Built by a crew of 14 workers over just 10 days, the monument was completed on April 26, 1939, at a cost of $3,500. The base took five days to construct, followed by five days for the towering spike itself. Today, the Golden Spike Monument stands not only as a tribute to the dawn of the transcontinental railroad but also as a testament to Council Bluffs’ enduring role in shaping the nation’s transportation legacy.
63VR+7Q Council Bluffs, IA, USA
Distance: 1.88 mi (straight line)
Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
Distance: 2.56 mi (straight line)
Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront, Douglas Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 2.64 mi (straight line)
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge., Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 2.64 mi (straight line)
602 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA
Distance: 2.64 mi (straight line)
Chief Big Elk Statue, Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 2.66 mi (straight line)
General History Outdoor Experiences Tribal Experiences Walks and Hikes
Kiewit Luminarium, Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 2.67 mi (straight line)
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center, Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 2.71 mi (straight line)
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center, Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 2.71 mi (straight line)
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center, Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 2.71 mi (straight line)
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center, Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 2.71 mi (straight line)
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center, Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 2.71 mi (straight line)
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center, Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 2.71 mi (straight line)
601 Riverfront Dr, Omaha, NE 68102
Distance: 2.73 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers LC Features Outdoor Experiences
601 Riverfront Dr, Omaha, NE 68102
Distance: 2.73 mi (straight line)
601 Riverfront Dr, Omaha, NE 68102
Distance: 2.73 mi (straight line)
The Durham Museum, South 10th Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 2.84 mi (straight line)
1001 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA
Distance: 2.88 mi (straight line)
Galleries and Venues Festivals and Events Outdoor Experiences
Our bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.
