Get Locked Up in History

The Squirrel Cage Jail.

A jail was actually built with a three story 90,000 pound revolving cell block.

But only once.

It represented the height of technological innovation: a 90,000 pound, three-story cell block that could be turned by one man with a hand crank. The jailer didn't walk to the cells, he brought them to him, as though they were on a "lazy Susan." Efficient and cost effective-- an entire jail could be controlled with just one man. And what's more, it's absoulately ecape proof. Or so they said.

Half price admission to the RailsWest Museum with each Squirrel Cage Jail ticket through the end of August; see below.

Visit the most unusual museum in the Midwest... the Squirrel Cage Jail.

Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 1-4

226 Pearl Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa

Admission: Adults $10, Seniors $6, Ages 6-18 $5, ages 5 and under free

Coming to Council Bluffs to visit

the Squirrel Cage Jail?

Check out our other attractions and make a day of it!

Think small.

Some called it "the doll house."

Built specifically to accommodate the physical stature of its diminutive occupants, the fireplace mantle was about waist-high to other people. The china cabinet, light switches, doorknobs, windows, bathtub, thermostat and other features were also scaled down.

The house at 517 Fourth Street in Council Bluffs was built for Jean and Inez Bregant, who were respectively 45 and 42 inches tall. (Admission $5).

Visit the Bregant House

RailsWest Museum

The country revolved around railroads and Council Bluffs had them.

But the tale isn't just about steel rails and flanged wheels: it's about the creation of the West. Council Bluffs is where the East ended. Learn the railroad story as it relates to the Metro, including the chance meeting between Abraham Lincoln and Grenville Dodge, how the Latter Day Saints influenced the decision, and the impact Lincoln's Executive Order of July, 1862 still strongly impacts the area today. Also climb aboard and explore eight real cars.

Visit the RailsWest History Museum, South Main Street at 16th Avenue in Council Bluffs. Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays 10-4. Admission: Adults $10, Seniors $6, Ages 6-18 $5, ages 5 and under free

HALF PRICE ADMISSION THROUGH THE END OF AUGUST with each paid Squirrel Cage Jail admission! Musem visits do not have to be on the same day.