Looking for a fun Midwest getaway filled with history, outdoor adventures, and riverfront charm? Head to Council Bluffs! Nestled along the Missouri River across from Omaha, Council Bluffs blends rich pioneer history with parks, casinos, and family attractions. Whether you love museums, biking, or gaming, Council Bluffs offers a dynamic, easygoing escape.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Council Bluffs is from late spring through early fall (May through October). Warm weather is perfect for riverfront biking, outdoor events, and exploring historic sites. Fall also brings beautiful foliage along the riverbanks and trails.
Tips for getting There
- If you are traveling by car: Council Bluffs is located along I-29 and I-80, just 10 minutes east of Omaha, Nebraska, and about 2 hours from Des Moines.
- By Air: Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Omaha is the nearest major airport, about 15–20 minutes from downtown Council Bluffs.
- By Bus: Megabus and local transit connect Council Bluffs with surrounding Midwest cities.
Where I like to stay
- Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs – Riverside hotel with gaming, dining, an indoor pool, and entertainment on-site.
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – Family-friendly hotel near downtown and local attractions, with free breakfast and a pool.
- Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Council Bluffs-I-29 – Comfortable riverfront hotel offering scenic views and easy access to trails.
Best Things to Do
1. Ride the Rails of History at Union Pacific Railroad Museum
The Union Pacific Railroad Museum, situated in the downtown district of Council Bluffs, explores over 150 years of railroad history through informative and interactive digital displays, photographs, unique artifacts, and more, as well as expands on the nation’s pioneer migration story. Exhibits range from the origins of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States back in 1862 to Abraham Lincoln to the more advanced technology of the railroading industry of modern day. The unique and beautiful Beaux Arts style building which now houses the Union Pacific Railroad Museum was once the Council Bluffs Carnegie Free Public Library.
200 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503, Phone: 712-329-8307
2. Step Inside a Vertical Oddity at the Squirrel Cage Jail
The Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail and Museum was originally built back in 1885 as a jail and continued to operate as one until 1969. Added in 1972 to the National Register of Historic Places and now owned and operated by the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County, the jail is a one-of-a-kind structure in Council Bluffs due to its unique design. The jail was one of only eighteen revolving jails, or “squirrel cage” jails, built and the only three-story jail of its kind ever constructed. The cell portion of the Squirrel Cage Jail still looks today much like it did in 1969.
226 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503, Phone: 712-323-2509
3. Explore a Gilded Age Gem at the Historic General Dodge House
The Historic General Dodge House is a three-story, 14-room mansion standing atop a high terrace that overlooks the Missouri Valley. It features a variety of beautiful architectural features, such as walnut and cherry woodwork and parquet floors, as well as several “modern conveniences” that were rather unusual for the time period. The home was once the residence of General Grenville Dodge, one of the “greatest railroad builders of all time” and a Civil War veteran. In 1961, the house was designated as a National Historic Landmark and in 1964, the process to restore the historic home to the time period of 1869-1916 began.
605 S 3rd St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
4. Try Your Luck at Horseshoe Council Bluffs
Horseshoe Council Bluffs, formerly known as the Bluffs Run Casino and Greyhound Park Council Bluffs, features sports betting, over 1,600 slot machines, table games, and more, offering a place for gambling and gaming entertainment in Council Bluffs, Iowa. There is a World Series of Poker poker room and approximately 68,000 square feet of gaming space. The casino is open seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. In addition to the wide variety of gaming options, the Horseshoe Council Bluffs also includes three different restaurants, providing visitors with a choice of upscale, casual, or buffet dining.
2701 23rd Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, Phone: 712-323-2500
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
5. Catch the Action at Mid-America Center
The Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa consists of exhibit and convention space, as well as an arena, for conventions, sporting events, concerts, and more. With almost 64,000 square feet of space, the center features a 30,000-square-foot arena with two party rooms and twelve luxury suites, an exhibition hall, convention center, meeting rooms, and other space for events. The Mid-America Center regularly provides entertainment and special events for locals and visitors alike, such as community events, USHL hockey games, family shows, rock shows, and concerts by the music industry’s top names among many other events.
1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, Phone: 712-323-0536
6. Reflect on Pioneer Faith at Kanesville Tabernacle
The Kanesville Tabernacle in Council Bluffs is a replica of the original Kanesville Tabernacle built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1847. The original structure was constructed as a place to hold the conference for reorganizing the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The current building was built in 1996 less than one block away from the site of the original tabernacle. The Kanesville Tabernacle replica today is open throughout the year. There is also no charge for admission.
222 E Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA 51503, Phone: 712-322-0500
7. See Trains in Motion at RailsWest Railroad Museum & HO Model Display
The RailsWest Railroad Museum & HO Model Display is owned and operated by the Pottawattamie County Historical Society in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The railroad museum features several exhibits and artifacts illustrating the city’s history with the railroads. Noted on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum is housed inside of the 1899 Rock Island train depot and features a collection of uniforms, dining car memorabilia, and historic photos. There is also an operating model railroad that’s rather extensive in size, as well as a caboose, railway post office car, a club car, and several locomotives on the grounds.
1512 S Main St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503, Phone: 712-323-5182
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
8. Soak Up the Sun at Lake Manawa State Park
The Lake Manawa State Park is undeniably one of the most popular outdoor recreational spaces in the Council Bluffs area as well as the Omaha metropolitan area. Featuring 1,529 gorgeous acres of well-maintained land, this state park is home to a serene 660-acre natural lake that was formed back in 1881 when a river channel was cut off from the Missouri River due to a flood. With a name that translates to peace and comfort in English, the Lake Manawa State Park also welcomes visitors to its camping grounds where outdoorsy visitors can maximize the park’s hiking trails, swimming beach, and fishing areas.
1100 South Shore Drive, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501, Phone: 712-366-0220
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
9. Walk the Bridge to Beauty at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park
Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River is the Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park. Popular amongst locals, this recreational space adjacent to downtown Omaha features a sprawling five-acre great lawn that welcomes guests to relax, picnic, and soak up the sun. Many festivals have been held at this lawn, which is also home to an amphitheater and boasts a stunning and dramatic view of the city’s skyline. From the Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, hikers can gain access to the robust trail system of Council Bluffs which features over 40 miles of recreational trails. Run, walk, or cycle through the trails which pass by landmarks like the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge along the way.
4200 Avenue B, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501, Phone: 712-328-4650
10. Stay and Play at Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
Experience a different kind of casino stay with the Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs. The Ameristar Casino Hotel is a riverboat casino that holds the distinction of being the largest of its kind. It has a humongous 38,500-square-foot gaming floor where guests can try their luck at slots, play high-stakes table games, play some video poker, or bet on sports. For high rollers, a high-limit room has been recently renovated and allows patrons to raise the stakes on their games of choice. After a round at the casino, time the time to enjoy a great meal with four different restaurant options as well as the Club 38 cocktail lounge.
Ameristar Avenue, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501, Phone: 712-328-8888
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Explore Lewis and Clark Monument Park – Scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and historic markers commemorating the explorers' journey.
- Bike or walk the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge – Cross the Missouri River on this iconic, Instagram-worthy suspension bridge.
Where I Like to Eat
- 360 Steakhouse – Fine dining atop Harrah’s Hotel offering sweeping river and skyline views along with prime steaks and seafood.
- Cellar 19 Wine & Deli – Cozy local spot with gourmet sandwiches, salads, wines, and craft beers.
- Pizza King – Old-school local favorite known for thin-crust pizza, hearty pasta dishes, and retro vibes.
My favorite local events:
- Loessfest (May) – Riverfront festival with live music, fireworks, and family fun (event timing varies by year).
- Railroad Days (July) – Celebrate Council Bluffs' railroading history with special tours, museum exhibits, and hands-on activities.
- Winterfest at Bayliss Park (November–December) – Holiday lights, carriage rides, and festive family entertainment downtown.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Council Bluffs, Iowa:
- Omaha’s Old Market District (10–15 min) – Cobblestone streets filled with boutiques, art galleries, cafés, and live music venues.
- Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (15–20 min) – World-renowned zoo featuring the world’s largest indoor desert and rainforest exhibits.
- Fontenelle Forest (20–25 min) – Hike through serene woodlands, wetlands, and nature trails just across the river in Nebraska.
- Hitchcock Nature Center (25 min) – Explore scenic hiking trails, birdwatch, and enjoy panoramic views of the Loess Hills.
- Squirrel Cage Jail (5–10 min) – Tour this unique rotating historic jailhouse built in the 1880s.
- Western Historic Trails Center (5 min) – Learn about the Lewis and Clark, Mormon, Oregon, and California trails at this free interpretive center.
Plan Your Trip