• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Union Pacific Railroad Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Union Pacific Railroad Museum

2. Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail and Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail and Museum

3. Historic General Dodge House

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Historic General Dodge House

4. Horseshoe Council Bluffs

© Horseshoe Council Bluffs

5. Mid-America Center

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Mid-America Center

6. Kanesville Tabernacle

© Kanesville Tabernacle

7. RailsWest Railroad Museum & HO Model Display

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© SHIRAKAMI/stock.adobe.com

8. Lake Manawa State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© ArmadilloGrafix/stock.adobe.com

9. Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© leungchopan/stock.adobe.com

10. Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs

11. Bayliss Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Angelic/stock.adobe.com

12. Joe’s Karting

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© Ivan Kurmyshov/stock.adobe.com

13. Ditmars Orchard

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Ditmars Orchard

14. Full Fledged Brewing Company

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Full Fledged Brewing Company

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • The city of Council Bluffs, Iowa, is a place that pleasantly surprises many people.
  • While at first glance the city may not seem like much, it offers many different things to do for a broad variety of interests.
  • Train and railroad enthusiasts can head to the RailsWest Railroad Museum or the Union Pacific Railroad Museum.
  • Architecture or history buffs can explore the Historic General Dodge House and the Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail and Museum.
  • For more fun, there’s the Horseshoe Council Bluffs casino and the Mid-America Center.

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