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- Known for rolling hills, striking views of the “Mighty Mo” Missouri River and a storied history, Council Bluffs offers a vibrant landscape of rewarding opportunities and welcoming neighborhoods.
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Council Bluffs is home to the largest porch swing in the world, offering a unique experience for visitors. The iconic Union Pacific Railroad Bridge, spanning the Missouri River, is an engineering marvel and a symbol of Council Bluffs’ connection to the railroad industry.
- Union Pacific Railroad Museum
- Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail and Museum
- Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
- Lake Manawa State Park
- Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook
- Historic General Dodge House
- Western Historic Trails Center
- Bayliss Park
- Railswest Railroad Museum
- Loess Hills National Scenic Byway
In 1869, Council Bluffs was the eastern terminus of the first transcontinental railroad, linking the existing eastern U.S. rail network with the Pacific Coast. The project had been approved by Abraham Lincoln in 1862 as a means of preserving the Union during the Civil War. In an exquisite Carnegie library building from 1905, the Union Pacific Railr...
Patented in Indiana in 1881, the rotary jail was a prison concept that never quite caught on. The cells were pie-shaped wedges on a rotating platform, making escape almost impossible. Council Bluffs is home to one of just three surviving rotary jails, constructed on four levels as the Pottawattamie County Jail in 1885. This was built at the same ti...
In 2008 a magnificent new crossing was forged between Omaha and Council Bluffs in the form of a 3,000-foot cable-stayed footbridge. Linked to the 150-mile trail network in the Omaha area, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is an S-curved structure helping you cross the state line in style. There are several spots on both sides of the crossing where y...
In the south of Council Bluffs, Lake Manawa is a remnant of the Great Flood of 1881, when a large body of water was created by the changed course of the river. Covering 740 acres, the lake was later expanded for flood control and is a recreation hub for the Omaha metropolitan region. The paved trail curling around the lakeshore is connected to the ...
Posted on a bluff in the Loess Hills just north of the city is a monument commemorating the event that gave Council Bluffs its name. The Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook was dedicated in 1936 and recalls the moment on August 2, 1804, when Lewis and Clark met with Otoe and Missouri Tribesmen. The monument has a stylized carved relief dep...
In Council Bluffs you can visit the preserved house of Grenville M. Dodge (1831-1916), a multi-talented engineer and politician who played a crucial role in the development of the railroads in the West. Dodge settled in Council Bluffs in 1851 and spent the next ten years surveying railroads, including the Union Pacific. During the Civil War he rose...
The National Parks Service opened this riverside attraction in 1997, celebrating the intrepid spirit of the west-bound pioneers who followed in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Western Historic Trails details the United States’ westward expansion, with enthralling accounts from the Oregon Trail, the California Trail and the Morm...
On a whole city block, this park in front of the Union Pacific Railroad Museum is a green haven with much to hold your interest. At its heart is a fountain, titled Well Spring and designed by Rhode Island-based sculptor Brower Hatcher. This eye-catching monument provides a backdrop to The Performance Space, a venue for outdoor concerts and festival...
You can delve further into Council Bluffs’ railroad heritage at this museum housed in a former passenger depot. Built for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, and also served by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific, the depot dates to 1899 and closed to passengers in 1971. Inside you can find out about the eight railroads that ser...
The Loess Hills are an extraordinary natural feature, spanning more than 200 miles along the Missouri River. Mostly on the river’s east bank is a continuous line of thin ridges, rolling hills and tall bluffs, covered with forest and prairie and rising as high as 200 feet above the plains to the east. Formed at the end of the last Ice Age, these hil...
Aug 24, 2024 · Council Bluffs, Iowa, often overshadowed by its neighbor Omaha, offers a treasure trove of attractions. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, this city has something for everyone. Let's dive into the must-visit places in Council Bluffs.
Oct 13, 2021 · Visiting Council Bluffs, Iowa? Here's a list of attractions, museums, and great outdoor parks and orchards to visit, as well as storied railroad history sites.
Feb 10, 2024 · Council Bluffs, Iowa, is a city steeped in history and brimming with iconic landmarks that offer a glimpse into its rich heritage. From the scenic beauty of the Missouri River to the architectural marvels that dot the landscape, Council Bluffs beckons visitors to explore its treasures.
Sep 22, 2023 · Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or just a curious traveler seeking a charming place to visit, Council Bluffs is a unique city to visit. The city is a modern hub of museums, performing arts, and outdoor adventures.
You’ll find that Council Bluffs is a growing, vibrant city with a wide variety of public art, outdoor recreation, and attractions. Council Bluffs is in Pottawattamie County, the “Trail Capital of Iowa.”
