Upcoming Events at the Dodge House

Most of these activities are free or at a reduced fee for Dodge House Members! Contact the Dodge House at 712-322-2406 for more information about any event listed below, or for information on becoming a member today!

June 29: Garden Walk

This annual event will take on a "Block party" flavor this year as all the gardens are on the same block. You can begin your day at the Dodge House with a continental breakfast from 10 until 11 a.m. and tour the Victorian home and beautiful gardens. Then you can take a short ride to view the five beautiful gardens which have been created by dedicated gardeners, many of whom are Master Gardeners. This annual fund raiser is organized by the General's Ladies and all proceeds benefit the Dodge House. Tickets are $8.00 in advance and $10.00 at any garden and at the Dodge House on the day of the garden walk. Member's tickets are $5.00 at the Dodge House only. Advance sale tickets are available at Hy-Vee Madison Avenue, Sherbondy's Garden Center, Diller Greenhouse and Earl May Garden Center.

July 4: An Old Fashioned Fourth of July

Once every four years, on presidential election years, the Dodge House and grounds are turned into one happenin' place! Food, games, crafts, antique cars, contests, costumes, speeches and only $1.00 admission fee for the museum await you when you spend this patriotic holiday with us. No reservations needed, just come for a great time. Activities for all ages, most free, some with a small fee.

*July 12-13: Railroad Days

This event began last year as a collaboration between the Omaha Lauritzen Botanical Center, the Durham Western Heritage Museum and the Union Pacific Railroad Museum and has been enlarged this year by including the RailsWest Railroad Museum and the Historic General Dodge House. For a $10.00 family pass, guests will be able to enjoy all the museum/attraction facilities. For more information call the Omaha Botanical Center at 402-346-4002.

The Historic General Dodge House: Step back in time in the grand, Victorian mansion of General Grenville M. Dodge. General Dodge was the chief engineer of the Union Pacific during the building of the transcontinental railroad and a long time railroad surveyor. That, coupled with his extensive railroading career, has dubbed him "the greatest railroad builder of all time". The Dodge House was completed in 1869, and has been a National Historic Landmark since 1961. During Railroad Days only enjoy special "open house tours" of this elegant home. On Saturday, July 12th, see the wild west days of Council Bluffs brought to life at this historic location by Wild West Creations, and on Sunday, July 13th try your hand at being a railroad surveyor just like General Dodge! Surveying demonstrations courtesy of HGM Associates.

August 17: Antique Discovery Days

You may be sitting on a gold mine! Bring that special, unique or uncertain antique item to the Dodge House to have it evaluated by our experts. Event is limited to one item and 40 participants. Items must be small enough to be carried up stairs to the museum by one person. For information and registration call 712-322-2406. Reservations are required an the cost is $10.00 which includes the evaluation and a self-guided tour of the museum.

September 14: Fall Tea

We can't think of a better way to enjoy the Dodge House than over scones, tea sandwiches and desserts. All the tables are lovingly decorated by community volunteers with their own china and follow a preset theme. The ballroom glows with festivity and ambiance. A self-guided tour of the museum is included and reservations are required. Please call for information and prices - 712-322-2406

September 20: Trails to Rails, Scouting Appreciation Day

Calling all scouts! Come dressed in your scouting uniform and get a free tour of the Dodge House. Regular admission applies to adults. Scout appreciation will continue at five other area historic sites such as the Kanesville Tabernacle, Squirrel Cage Jail, RailsWest Railroad Museum, Union Pacific Railroad Museum and Western Historic Trails Center. Look for special admission prices and gift shop discounts as well as great fun and games for the whole family at all of these Council Bluffs historic locations. Call 402-501-3841 for more information.

October 5: Christmas Photos

Have your Christmas photographs taken by a professional photographer in a Victorian Holiday Setting! Families, couples, singles, kids, pets are all welcome. Groups limited to seven. Call for an appointment 712-322-3406.

October 18: Haunted in the Bluffs

There are Spooks galore in this family friendly ghost-story-telling event. The Omaha Organization for the Purpose of Storytelling (OOPS) presents Council Bluffs' own haunted stories at the Dodge House, Squirrel Cage Jail, Union Pacific Railroad Museum and in Bayliss Park. No admission into the Dodge House. FREE EVENT - for more information and directions call 402-501-3841.

November 23: Member's Tea

November 25-December 31: In the Spirit of the Season - A Very Victorian Christmas

If you think the Dodge House is spectacular during the year, you have to see it during the Christmas season. The home is completely decorated from top to bottom in Victorian splendor with Christmas trees in every room. The opulent home is transformed into a magical place for our five week long holiday season. Don't miss your chance to step back to a time of simple pleasures and an era not often seen today. This year, for the first time, we will have non-profit groups decorating the trees and competing for first prize. Visitors will vote for their favorite tree by putting money into the boxes next to the trees. The winner gets 100% of their winnings, the rest get 80% of theirs, with the Dodge House keeping the other 20% to cover expenses. It's a win/win situation with everyone coming out a winner. Admission is charged: $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors over 62, $3.00 for children 6-16. Children under 6 are free. Call 712-322-2406 for additional information.

December 4: A Night with Santa

*New Event

© Copyright 2008 Historic General Dodge House Board of Trustees, All rights reserved.