Council Bluffs + Pottawattamie County Visitors Guide 2023

Council Bluffs + Pottawattamie County, Iowa Inspirational Guide

UNleashcb.com Melissa peterson lake manawa state park

Council Bluffs, Iowa. UNlike anywhere else. on purpose. #UNleashCB

welcome!

Welcome to Council Bluffs! As a lifelong resident, I’m excited to welcome you to our community. From our rich railroad history, the natural beauty of the Loess Hills, exceptional live music performances, and excellent dining options, you’ll find a lot to do here! So much that we couldn’t fit it all in one guide. Unleash all that Council Bluffs has to offer by visiting UNleashCB.com. You’ll find directory-based information on our local restaurants, attractions, hotels, venues, and upcoming events. Scan the QR codes throughout this guide to check it out for yourself!

Stop by our Iowa Welcome Center (509 23rd Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA 51501) and chat with the friendly CBCVB staff and volunteers who can help you plan your visit. The center is filled with brochures, flyers, maps, and information about Council Bluffs, the state of Iowa, the Omaha metropolitan area, and our neighboring midwestern states.

I hope you enjoy your visit and come back soon!

Kindly, Matt Walsh Mayor of Council Bluffs

Connect with us!

Let us be your tour guide! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube at @unleashcb to uncover all that CB has to offer. Use #UNleashCB to be featured on our pages.

Publishing + advertising

Omaha Magazine - 5921 South 118 Circle, Omaha, NE 68137

Every effort has been made to ensure that the accuracy of the information in this guide was correct and current at the time of publication. The CBCVB assumes no responsibility for misinformation.

GETTING AROUND

No matter which direction you’re coming from, getting around in Council Bluffs is easy. We’re located at the intersection of I-80 and I-29, which provides direct access to all that Council Bluffs has to offer. If you’re flying, it’s just as convenient. Omaha’s Airport (OMA) is located about 8 miles from downtown Council Bluffs. The airport offers nonstop flights to more than 30 major U.S. cities and serves more than 5 million passengers each year. Many Council Bluffs hotels offer complimentary transportation to and from the airport, but you can also find rental cars, ride-sharing, taxis, limos, and shuttle services at the airport.

Outdoor adventures

zach brobst photography hitchcock nature center

Whether you want to unplug or gear up, you don’t have to search far to find a natural escape in Council Bluffs. Spend your day undisturbed in CB’s parks, trails, and natural adventures. This might be uncharted territory for some - but not for you, soon.

hiking

With Iowa’s prized Loess Hills right in our backyard, Council Bluffs is just steps away from some of the greatest hiking and million-dollar vistas along the Missouri River. In the heart of the city, Fairmount Park offers wooded hiking trails and great views of the Omaha skyline. Vincent Bluff State Preserve takes you through the prairie with sweeping views of the entire metro. Hitchcock Nature Center’s robust network of trails allows you to hike through hills, prairies, and wooded areas.

biking

Council Bluffs is home to a 41-mile continuous system of trails ideal for cyclists! The trails wind from the east side of town and connect to the Omaha metro through the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. Popular routes include the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, home to the Thursday Taco Ride, the Iowa Riverfront Trail, First Ave Trail, Lake Manawa State Park Trail, and Valley View Trail. Didn’t bring your bike with you? No worries! Several Heartland B-Cycle stations throughout town allow you to rent classic and electric bikes.

water adventures

Lake Manawa State Park features a 700-acre lake perfect for paddleboarding, boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking! The beach area is a great place to relax and enjoy the summer weather with a game of sand volleyball, sandcastle building, or swimming. Several of our parks feature splash pads perfect for kiddos, including Fairmount Park, Bayliss Park, and Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park. Just a short drive east, the West Nishnabotna River Water Trail is perfect for a lazy float or paddle trip.

Camping

You won’t run out of camping options in Pottawattamie County! The newly opened RV campground at Lake Manawa State Park features 40 modern sites with excellent lake, beach, and Dream Playground access. Several Pottawattamie Conservation parks, including Hitchcock Nature Center, Arrowhead Park, and Botna Bend, offer primitive backpacking camping, tent, RV, and both camping and modern cabin options. Horseshoe Casino also offers overnight RV camping at their property.

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lake manawa state park

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hitchcock nature center

hitchcock nature center

Council Bluffs recreation trails

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The Council Bluffs Public Library offers visitor information near its main entrance. Free Wi-Fi and computer use is available during open hours. Outside, an impressive brick mural and a sculpture entitled “Imagination Take Flight” greet patrons as they enter the building.

The mission of the Council Bluffs Public Library is to enrich, inform, and empower our community.

400 Willow Avenue 712.323.7553 | councilbluffslibrary.org Monday - Sunday | call/visit website for hours

Council Bluffs Parks and Recreation

Spring

Council Bluffs comes to life during the springtime! We have diverse activities and opportunities perfect for a spring getaway. There are tons of adventures to uncover, from goat yoga classes to scenic rides on your bicycle and teeing off at a local golf course.

Goat yoga

Be one with nature while the baby goats at Honey Creek Creamery delight you and add laughter to your day during a Goat Yoga class! The classes are taught by high-quality certified yoga instructors who provide 45-minute lessons with the ‘kids’ joining in. The classes typically take place from late April through the end of May while the babies are still small. Check out the community calendar on our website for upcoming yoga dates.

Teeing off!

From city skylines and lake views to quiet, semi-private rolling hills, our local golfing options are nothing but exceptional. Put your golf game to the test with a round at any of the conveniently located greens in or near CB. Visit the beautiful Bent Tree Golf Club, which features more than 225 acres of bentgrass fairways, Dodge Riverside Golf Course, which offers stunning tree-line fairways and vistas of the Missouri River, or Fox Run Golf Course, a semi-private course. In the rural areas of Pottawattamie County, there are four more courses to choose from, including Avoca CountryView Golf, Oakland Riverside Golf Course, Quail Run Country Club, and Shoreline Golf Course.

Treasure Cove Disc Golf Course is another springtime gem. Located on Iowa Western Community College’s campus, this 18-hole disc golf course is nestled among the Loess Hills and offers manicured fairways and elevation changes giving you the challenge you’ve been looking for.

Play the day away

Local kiddos love Dream Playground, the largest ADA accessible playground in Iowa, located at Lake Manawa State Park. The playground was inspired by drawings submitted by over 1,800 local children and is a great place to enjoy a spring afternoon. After playing, take the family over the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge so you can stand in two states at the same time! On the Omaha side of the bridge, be sure to stop by and say hello to OMAR the Troll! He’s a huge hit with the kids.

honey creek creamery

Bent tree golf club

Dream playground

summer

Live Music + Concerts

Live music is a highlight of the summer! From top touring acts to large rock festivals and spectacular symphonies, the potential for an unforgettable evening out in Council Bluffs is unequaled. Unleash the beat at Stir Concert Cove, CB’s premier outdoor live music venue. Their season usually runs from May to October, and they host large acts, like Diana Ross, Train, Sam Hunt, Poison, and more. Other local venues, including Westfair Amphitheater, McCoy’s at Thunderbowl, and Full Fledged Brewing Co., also host live music throughout the summer. Check out the community calendar on our website for upcoming performances!

Annual celebrations

Summertime brings some of Council Bluffs’ most anticipated community events to life! Caddy’s Kitchen & Cocktails hosts the annual Pride on the 100 Block in June. This fabulous street festival includes outdoor drag shows, food, drinks, vendors, and more to celebrate love and expression of all kinds. The 100 Block of West Broadway hosts Bikes on the 100 Block monthly throughout the summer. The event features incredible live music, a block-long beer garden, and other great entertainment. Later in the summer, Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard hosts the annual Fields of Flight Hot Air Balloon Festival. Watch as hot air balloons take to the sky as you enjoy live music, food trucks, and local shopping! Visit our website to start planning your CB summer vacation!

Splish splash! Summer fun

Cool off in the summer at one of our local pools and splash pads! Pirate Cove Water Park features two excellent water slides, a climbable pirate ship, a diving board, and a zero-depth area, making it perfect for swimmers of all ages. Katelman Water Park is another great public pool offering a drop slide, diving board, a sand area with play features, and sand volleyball courts to enjoy. Three exciting splash pads in town give you more summer experiences. You can find them at Bayliss Park, Fairmount Park, and Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park.

katelman water park

stir concert cove

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ditmars fields of flight event

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Fall

Pumpkin patches + orchards

Nothing says fall like a visit to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch! Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard has 10 acres of pumpkins to peruse, tons of festive activities to enjoy, delicious hard cider flights to try, and so much more. Welch’s Pumpkin Patch is a small family-owned patch with the “Ma and Pa” feel we all love. They have a wide variety of pumpkins and gourds available to purchase, along with ample space to run free. Pioneer Trail Orchard & Pumpkin Patch is ideal for families and groups with young children featuring a kid-friendly corn maze and play area.

Festive fall attractions

Get into the fall spirit by visiting one of our many attractions! The Cryptic Room is a live-action, team-based escape room perfect for the Halloween season. Once you’re inside one of the themed rooms, the clock starts ticking! Madness Haunted House, located at Pioneer Trail Orchard & Vineyard, will give you all the scares you need this season! If scary isn’t your thing, try exploring the Loess Hills on horseback or a scenic hayrack ride at Shady Lane Ranch! They even offer private bonfires after your unforgettable ride.

Fall foliage

Nothing beats a relaxing autumn afternoon checking out Iowa’s stunning fall foliage. Lucky for you, there are numerous spots in the area to take in those perfect fall hues! See them for yourself at Fairmount Park, along the ISD Nature Trail, on the shoreline of Lake Manawa State Park, up at the Lewis & Clark Monument Scenic Overlook, or along the Wabash Trace Nature Trail. Catch all the colorful hues before they’re gone! In addition to the locations we mentioned, the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway is an excellent course already mapped out for you that’s perfect for an autumn afternoon.

Is the squirrel cage jail haunted?

The most “haunted” attraction in Council Bluffs is said to be the Historic Squirrel Cage Jail. The unique jail was built in 1885 on the site of an old church morgue; one of 18 revolving jails built – and the only one with three stories. While the paranormal popularity has grown in recent years with flashlight tours and paranormal investigations, guests and residents since the early 1900s felt something was amiss. The jail has even received national attention with spots on Travel Channel’s Most Terrifying Places and Ghost Adventures Serial Killer Spirits.

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squirrel cage jail

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ditmars orchard + vineyard

shady lane ranch

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winter

Indoor activities

There is tons to do on cold, wet, and snowy days in Council Bluffs! The Hub Trampoline Park is the place to be for year-round family fun. The Trampoline Park features an open bounce area, dunk hoops, a dodgeball court, a battle beam to joust on, a large arcade, axe throwing, and more! Looking for more excitement? Head over to Joe’s Indoor Karting! They offer fast and furious kart racing, with European indoor karts racing up to speeds of 45 mph. Bowling at Thunderbowl, putt-putt golfing at Pirate Putt, and catching a movie at AMC are other great ways to spend the day.

Exciting casino gaming

Council Bluffs is home to three casinos, Ameristar Casino and Hotel, Harrah’s Casino and Hotel, and Horseshoe Casino. All three casinos offer slot games, table games, and sports betting! Each property features several dining options like Amerisports Bar at Ameristar, Guy Fieri’s Kitchen + Bar at Harrah’s, and Jack Binion’s Steak House at Horseshoe.

Enjoy the snow!

For those who enjoy winter sports like skiing, sledding, or snowboarding, Pottawattamie County’s Mt. Crescent Ski Area is the place to be! They provide visitors with various slopes to intrigue newcomers and challenge those who are more experienced. If you enjoy the brisk winter breeze, try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail or at Hitchcock Nature Center! During the winter months, you can rent snowshoes from the lodge at Hitchcock and take to the trails for an unforgettable and peaceful experience.

Holiday fun!

Every year in November, the City of Council Bluffs hosts Winterfest at Bayliss Park to celebrate the holidays! During this much-anticipated event, a holiday light ceremony is held, illuminating more than 40,000 twinkle lights in our beautiful historic park. The Makers Village provides you with a one-of-a-kind experience where you can shop unique handmade holiday gifts from local vendors. The event also features live music, a movie screening, and other holiday traditions.

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The Hub Trampoline park thehubcb

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harrah’s casino + hotel

Eat + drink

CB is experiencing a dining renaissance with unique new restaurants and pubs along with our first brewery! Reserve your table today and come dine with us!

Local classics

712 eat + drink is a contemporary American restaurant named for the Council Bluffs area code. The menu is filled with scratch-made recipes featuring locally grown produce and natural, locally sourced proteins.

Every item on Barley’s menu is thoughtfully prepared by their chefs, making your meal an experience that is as down-toearth as it is delicious. They also have 32 local and craft beers along with your domestic favorites on tap!

A recent winner of the Omaha Metropolitan Area Tourism Award for best restaurant in Pottawattamie County, Boxer Barbeque serves traditional barbeque with a modern twist using only the finest cuts of meat! Enjoy their chef inspired dishes in their beautifully renovated 1887 building as you listen to the blues with your friends and family.

Enjoy some of the best Mexican food in the metro at Primo’s Mexican Restaurant! Using only the freshest ingredients, Primo’s serves a wide variety of delicious dishes including fajitas, tamales, enchiladas, and more.

Unwind with a delicious meal and drink on the spacious patio at Tish’s Restaurant! They serve flavorful scratch-made recipes using the freshest ingredients. Their perfected homemade sauces and attention to detail will keep you coming back.

burgers

Burger enthusiasts will love Doozie’s Doozie Burger, the recent winner of our local restaurant bracket competition! These handcrafted burgers, like all items on their menu, are made with local, simple products.

The Buck Snort Restaurant & Sports Bar is a fast-casual restaurant with lots of fun and unique burgers on the menu, like the Swamp Donkey Burger, a patty topped with brisket, onion rings, and BBQ sauce!

In addition to their well-known tenderloin sandwich, LPL’s serves a bacon, egg, and cheese burger that locals love.

Pizza

Pizza King, a local steakhouse, has been serving the Council bluffs area since 1965 and has some of the best pizza around! Their homemade pizza dough is topped with freshly sliced cheese and an abundance of toppings.

Pizza Counter is a local staple and is great for take out or delivery! The Pizza Counter Special is a top selling item and is a pie topped with beef, sausage, pepperoni, black olives, mushrooms, and onions.

Is wood fired pizza your style of pie? Try out Lincoln’s Pub! They offer a variety of 12” or 16” pizzas including a classic Margherita and unique options like Thai Chicken, Loaded Philly, and Crab Rangoon!

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unleash your appetite!

Cocktails, wine + craft beer

Caddy’s Kitchen & Cocktails is known for their monthly drag brunches, creative cocktails, and unbelievable Bloody Marys! On the weekends, check out their Meal in a Mug or Feast in a Fishbowl. They also have favorites such as the Louisiana Bloody Mary, Whiskey BBQ Bloody Mary, and the Shrimp Cocktail Bloody Mary!

Jefferson’s Lounge is a hip cocktail lounge on the 100 Block offering great vibes and delicious drinks. The Lounge is an extension of Lincoln’s Pub, so you have full access to their fantastic menu while drinking.

Other great cocktail spots in Council Bluffs include The BLK Squirrel, named after our unique black squirrel population, 1892 German Bier House, and Glory Days Sports Bar & Grill. Wine lovers enjoy Cellar 19 Wine & Deli, Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard, and Prairie Crossing Vineyard & Winery.

Looking for craft beer? Full Fledged Brewing Company is the place to be! They brew all their beers on-site and have up to 18 different craft beers on tap. It’s quickly become a community gathering place with reoccurring events and live music.

Sweets + treats

Christy Creme has been locally owned since 1954. This third-generation family-owned business serves all your soft-serve favorites, including cones, sundaes, milkshakes, malts, and floats. They’re best known for their daily rotating sherbet flavors!

Doozies offers up to 10 different homemade ice cream flavors that are rotated daily. Locals love the sinful chocolate, butter brickle, toasted coconut, and raspberry chip flavors. Get them in a cone, dish, or a pint to-go!

Tastee Treet, located on the Wabash Trace, is a great place to stop for a sweet treat! They have soft-serve ice cream, dairy-free Dole Whip, candy malts of the month, frozen bananas, and more.

Zaltes is an all-American neighborhood scoop shop serving made-from-scratch hard-packed ice cream using only the freshest ingredients. They also serve a decadent safe-to-eat raw cookie dough!

Finding a hotel

Mid-America center Entertainment District

From circuses, rodeos, sporting events, and much more, the Mid-America Center has hosted top names in show business as well as numerous community events with their spacious exhibition and convention spaces. Local shopping, restaurants, exciting casino gaming, a brewery, and 2,674 hotel rooms are all located within three miles making this one of Council Bluffs’ top entertainment districts!

The Sports epicenter

Of council bluffs

The Mid-America Center entertainment district is home to several sports facilities that host events from national championships to world team tournaments to local club competitions. These amazing facilities have made Council Bluffs a top sports destination!

Eat + drink

Did the big game leave you hungry? Are you looking for a bite to eat before heading to your hotel? Unleash your appetite at one of the many conveniently located restaurants in the Mid-America Center Entertainment District! The whole family will love the options at Big Kel’s Pizza & Wings, Home Team Cookout, and Tish’s Restaurant. Head over to The Porch to try their well-known homemade mac & cheese options or try the award-winning wings at The Salty Dog Bar & Grill. Looking for quality craft beer? Check out Full Fledged Brewing Company. Scan our MAC QR code above for the full list of options!

Play

Experience exciting casino gaming at Horseshoe Casino, Ameristar Casino, and Harrah’s Casino, all located within minutes of the MAC! Race around the track at Joe’s Indoor Karting or unwind with a movie at the AMC Star Theater.

Stay Stay close to the action by staying at one of our conveniently located hotels offering modern amenities and free parking. Scan our QR code on page 20 to browse and book today!

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Uncover the past

Railroad History

When President Abraham Lincoln signed the first Pacific Railway Act in 1862, he set in motion the building of two railroads set to meet in the middle and become the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. One side would begin in Sacramento, California, and head east, and the other side would begin from the Missouri River and head to the west. In 1864, President Lincoln was more specific, designating Council Bluffs as ‘Mile Zero’ of the side starting from the Missouri River—a huge win for CB!

Railroads in Council Bluffs allowed a small town of 2,000 in 1860 to grow to over 10,000 residents in just 10 years, making it the fifth largest city in Iowa at the time. Council Bluffs owes much of its growth to the transcontinental railroad’s construction.

Council Bluffs’ connection with the railroad can be seen throughout town with two museums dedicated to railroad history: Union Pacific Railroad Museum and RailsWest Railroad Museum. Through the use of hands-on, interactive technology and exhibits, the UP Museum brings to life the struggles of building the transcontinental railroad, President Abraham Lincoln’s involvement, the history of passenger rail service, rail safety, and more. RailsWest Railroad Museum features railroad artifacts and railcars that you can see up close.

Not far from either is the Historic General Dodge House, a three-story, 14-room, lavish Victorian home built in 1869 honoring General Grenville M. Dodge known as the “greatest railroad builder of all time.” And in 1939, Council Bluffs became home to the Golden Spike Monument, honoring ‘Mile Zero’ and the film “Union Pacific.”

union pacific railroad museum

union pacific railroad museum

Unique history + monuments

Known as the “Little People’s House,” the historic Bregant House was built in 1912 for former Vaudeville performers Jean and Inez Bregant to accommodate their heights of 42” and 39,” respectively. The House features a fireplace mantle about waist high on an average-height adult and a four-foot-long claw foot bathtub. See this hidden gem for yourself by scheduling a tour!

The Squirrel Cage Jail is a one-of-a-kind structure with tons of history. It represents only three revolving jails left in existence and the only one to be built with three stories. The jail’s use was discontinued in 1969 and has since been preserved and opened as a museum.

Council Bluffs is home to numerous monuments and historical markers, including the Lincoln Monument, an impressive pylon erected in 1911 to commemorate President Abraham Lincoln’s visit to the site in 1859. From this site, Lincoln and Grenville M. Dodge viewed and selected the location for the eastern terminus of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. The Lewis & Clark Monument Scenic Overlook was dedicated in 1936, honoring the 1804 expedition of Lewis & Clark and their historic meeting with the Otoe and Missouri tribes. The Grand Encampment / Mormon Battalion Mustering Grounds Marker is on the site where the Mormons met after traveling across Iowa. Twelve days after they arrived at the Encampment, the U.S. Army was seeking volunteers. Five hundred men, known as the Mormon Battalion, began their trek to Southern California.

Dodge House

Built in 1869 on the frontier by Grenville M. Dodge, a Civil War veteran and the “greatest railroad builder of all time. No expense was spared on this sublime Second Empire Victorian home.

The fourteen-room, three-story mansion stands on a high terrace overlooking the Missouri Valley, and displays such architectural features as parquet floors, mansard roof, cherry, walnut, and butternut woodwork, and a number of “modern” conveniences quite unusual for the period: central heating and hot and cold running water.

The house was designed by William Boyington, a famous Chicago architect. It has been painstakingly curated with period items, many of them original to the home and the Dodge family.

Open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and closed on all Government Holidays and the month of January. Admissions: $10.00 Adults 19-64, $5.00 for Seniors 65+, students 6-18, and Military with ID. Children under 6 are free.

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bregant house

On the 100 Block of West Broadway, you’ll find Dusted Charm, a charming boutique filled with the most adorable women’s clothing, home decor, kitchen items, jewelry, and gifts! They are a size-inclusive shop and are constantly rotating inventory and hosting sales. In 2022 they were voted the best retail business in Pottawattamie County!

The Olive Branch has been a Council Bluffs staple for over 20 years. Their adorable shop is filled with home goods, handmade one-of-a-kind pieces, accessories, candles, everything for baby, and a wide selection of high-quality Polish pottery. This is a great place to shop for a gift or a place to treat yourself to something unique.

The Sugar Makery BitterSweet Dessert Bar is your one-stop shop for all things sweet and salty here in Council Bluffs! They offer a wide variety of treats, including ice cream, bulk candy, homemade fudge, unique popcorn options, sodas, and more. The shop also features a coffee bar and delicious edible cookie dough that the locals love!

Anytime Tees is a local shop that provides all your custom printing needs! They specialize in screen printing, embroidery, iron-on clothing, and promotional products. They’re known for making your team, school, or event stand out.

Council Bluffs is home to an impressive and extensive system of bike trails. Shop for the right gear at Xtreme Wheels Bike and Sport in downtown CB! This independent bike shop is dedicated to providing you with the best prices, selection, and customer service. They sell new and used bikes, gear, and bike repair services.

Are you a collector of old records, books, comics, and movies? You’ll have to check out Kanesville Kollectibles! Housed in a massive 10,000-square-foot facility, the shop is packed with nostalgia. Check out Dorie’s Crystals and Things for all things mystic, including crystals, sage, salt lamps, essential oils, and jewelry. Are you a plant lover or gardening guru? Stop by Sherbondy’s Garden Center for all your house plants, garden gear, perennials, and antiques!

If you love antique shopping, you’ve come to the right county! In Council Bluffs, you can shop for antiques at The Swallows Nest, which carries several eras of antiques and retro items, as well as handmade gifts, including original jewelry, local honey, soaps, and items from local dairy farmers. Jan-Tiques in the Historic Haymarket District of CB specializes in restored oak furniture, crocks, and cupboards, all specially chosen and carefully refinished by hand. On the other side of Pottawattamie County is the small town of Walnut, better known as Iowa’s Antique City. The town is booming with antique stores and specialty shops. Check out favorites, including B Restored, Barn Mall, and the Antique Furniture Emporium!

From May through September, the Farmers Market Council Bluffs is the place to be for locally-grown produce, goods, and homegrown fun! The market hosts a variety of vendors each Thursday in Bayliss Park, as well as wellness activities, live music, and entertainment for the kids! River City Farmers Market is another local market that takes place on Saturday mornings at the YMCA Healthy Living Center. They sell locally grown veggies, baked goods, eggs, and more. Several other towns in Pottawattamie County host weekly markets, including Avoca, Underwood, and Treynor.

dusted charm

sugar makery bittersweet dessert bar

UNION

RAILROAD MUSEUM

Artful adventures

Hoff Family Arts + Culture center american midwest ballet

Hoff Fourth Fridays

The Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center is a hub for all things creative in Council Bluffs! Check out the Anne & John P. Nelson Gallery on the fourth floor to see exciting exhibitions that change throughout the year. The gallery is also the permanent home of the Corn Room Murals created by the world-renowned artist Grant Wood. Every month, the venue hosts the Hoff Fourth Friday event that brings in locals and visitors to enjoy an artful evening with live music, art classes, pop-up restaurants, cocktail specials from their bar, McCormick’s 1894, and so much more! This special event allows you to explore the beautiful four-story building, and you also get to meet the amazingly talented resident studio artists.

A ballet, theater, and a symphony

Housed inside the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, the American Midwest Ballet, Kanesville Symphony Orchestra, and Chanticleer Community Theater put on some of the best live entertainment in the metro! The American Midwest Ballet provides high-quality, breathtaking performances by its troupe of professional ballet dancers. The Chanticleer Community Theater performs a vast repertoire of plays and programs that delight and entertain live theater lovers of all ages. Music enthusiasts will enjoy live and groundbreaking musical performances by the Kanesville Symphony Orchestra

National performances at the arts center

Located on the campus of Iowa Western Community College, The Arts Center is a state-of-the-art facility that houses performances in theater, dance, and music, along with other cultural events. They’ve hosted nationally touring artists as well as student and community groups, providing important and affordable options to experience high-quality performing arts in the metro.

Murals

Council Bluffs is home to several murals that tell the area’s history and bring vibrance to the community. Check out the ‘Enjoy’ mural on the 100 Block, the ‘Riverboat on the Missouri,’ and brand new ‘See Bee’ murals near Bayliss Park. Learn more about our history by visiting the Pottawattamie County Genealogical Society mural and the Historic Lincoln-Fairview Neighborhood murals.

Iowa West Public Art

In 2004, the Iowa West Foundation, which works to improve the lives and strengthen the Council Bluffs community, funded a community-wide public art master planning process that resulted in the Iowa West Public Art Initiative. Because of this unique initiative, Council Bluffs is now home to an impressive collection of 12 pieces of public art that have been created by artists known around the world.

Take a self-guided tour of the collection using the Otocast Public Art app! This interactive app serves as your tour guide by giving you directions to each piece and allows you to hear directly from the artists as they speak about their work. This fun and engaging app can be downloaded on both Android and iOS.

Hoff Family Arts + Culture center

Tom hanafan river’s

SEE THE WORLD IN A NEW LIGHT

There’s a new place to play and learn in Omaha. Come explore the astonishing phenomena that shape our world, our communities, and ourselves.

Open for all ages. Adults-only Thursday nights. Beginning April 2023 on The RiverFront.

Book in advance at kiewitluminarium.org

explore the metro!

Council Bluffs is part of a large and lively metropolitan area that includes communities like Omaha, Bellevue, Gretna, La Vista, and Papillion. Our convenient location allows you to explore two states and countless attractions and restaurants! Unleash all the metro area has to offer by visiting places like the Henry Doorly Zoo! It’s consistently ranked one of the world’s best zoos and features the world’s largest indoor desert, geodesic dome, and North America’s largest indoor rainforest. You can explore more of the area’s railroad history at the Durhman Museum or shop and dine at locally-owned boutiques, galleries, and eateries in the Old Market. Experience Polish, Czech, German, and Mexican history, flavors, and art as you walk South 24th Street in Omaha. Coming spring of 2023, you can explore scientific phenomena at the Kiewit Luminarium!

Find a peaceful escape on the 19 miles of boardwalks at Fontanelle Forest in Bellevue, or challenge yourself on the treetop obstacle courses at Tree Rush Adventures at Fontanelle! Check out the metro’s largest fall attraction at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Orchard in Gretna, or shop til you drop at Nebraska Crossing, the Midwest’s No.1 shopping destination. Watch local teams like the Omaha Storm Chasers and Union Omaha compete at Werner Park

omaha’s henry doorly zoo + aquarium visit omaha

Stretch out at Namaste Goat Yoga

watta way to see Pottawattamie county

Welcome to Pottawattamie County! We are so excited that you’re here. You’re in the right place if you’re looking for one-of-a-kind outdoor recreation, a rich and robust history, and unforgettable annual events! Each of the communities in the county has its own unique feel and small-town charm. You can Find Your Fire in Pottawattamie County!

For more information on the wonderful things there are to do in Pottawattamie County, visit WattaWayIA.com.

Thanks for visiting us! We hope to see you again.

Tim Wichman Chair of the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors

Regards,

Honey creek creamery

With more than 250,000 visitors per year, the Pottawattamie County parks and habitat areas showcase the county’s diverse landforms and variety of outdoor activities. Pottawattamie Conservation is dedicated to providing the resources and opportunities that encourage county residents and visitors to appreciate our unique natural resources, develop a connection to the natural environment, and foster responsible stewardship for future generations. More information on Pottawattamie Conservation can be found at pottconservation.com

Arrowhead park | neola, IA

Arrowhead Park is the perfect destination for anyone wishing to spend time in nature. This 147-acre familyfriendly park is located in Neola, just a short drive from Council Bluffs. The park has a wealth of fishing, camping, and outdoor recreation opportunities, including a playground, basketball and volleyball courts, woodland hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. The park’s 17-acre lake attracts anglers annually for its excellent bluegill, bass, and catfish fishing. Paddleboats and canoes are available on-site to rent.

Botna bend park | Hancock, IA

Home to the annual Maple Tree Tap event, Botna Bend is a picturesque park featuring live bison and elk herds with informational kiosks to introduce you to these amazing animals. Explore the park on the quiet prairie and river hiking trails, visit the playground and nature playscape for a fun family adventure, picnic at one of the convenient shelters, or stay the night in the peaceful campground.

botna bend park

arrowhead park

Pottawattamie conservation parks

Hitchcock Nature Center | Honey Creek, IA

Nestled in the rugged western edge of Iowa’s Loess Hills, Hitchcock Nature Center consists of 1,268 acres and is open every day of the year for hiking, camping, picnicking, bird watching, snowshoeing, star gazing, and simply enjoying the natural world. Check out the Loess Hills Lodge & Gallery, where children can learn about the local ecosystem and the plants and animals that call southwest Iowa home.

Narrows River Park | Council Bluffs, IA

Located in Council Bluffs, Narrows River Park provides boat access to the mighty Missouri River. Two covered shelters overlook the river and provide stunning views of the Omaha skyline as you look downstream. In addition to the boat ramp, the park includes horseshoe pits, archery ranges, and a playground, offering a great natural escape.

Old Town Park | Macedonia, IA

Old Town Park is located on the historic Mormon Trail and offers visitors a wonderful “back to nature” feeling by providing West Nishnabotna River access and primitive camping opportunities. This 9.5-acre park is a great place to picnic or inner tube down the river.

old town park

hitchcock nature center

hitchcock nature center

narrows river park

Pottawattamie county’s water trail

The West Nishnabotna River Water Trail is a 26.8-mile meandering water trail great for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, fishing, and wildlife viewing! Pack a lunch and make it a day trip. Sandbars along the route make for great picnic spots, and for the treasure seekers, the Nishnabotna is always uncovering little bits of the past. Bones, fossils, and rocks tell the story of the animals that once did and currently inhabit the area.

Entry points to the river include Memorial Park in Avoca, Botna Bend Park in Hancock, Chautauqua City Park in Oakland, Millstone City Park in Carson, and Old Town Park in Macedonia. Scan our QR code above for more detailed information, outfitters, and river safety information.

Since 2007, each community in Pottawattamie County has raised funds so that every town in the county has an “Eagle of Honor,” a handcrafted bronze eagle sculpture to thank all military veterans and their families. Each eagle is unique and features a variation on the theme of honor. The Eagles of Honor sculptures were made by artist Russell Christensen from Neola.

In Oakland’s Chautauqua Park you will find the Pottawattamie County Freedom Rock, which pays tribute to four local veterans. The rock was painted in 2017 as part of the state-wide Freedom Rock Tour created by artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen. The tour was designated to express appreciation to veterans and provide a unique piece of art to each of Iowa’s 99 counties.

In Council Bluffs, the Veterans Plaza at Bayliss Park, sculpted by famed artist John Lajba, honors Pottawattamie County military veterans from all branches who paid the ultimate sacrifice to our country from the Civil War to the War on Terror.

Learn about our local heroes

lancefromiowa

Water trail entry at millstone city park

eagle of honor in carter lake

Learn about our local history

Pottawattamie County has a rich and robust history. You can uncover stories at our local museums that showcase everything from historic farming practices to what life was like for students in a one-room country schoolhouse, local fossil collections, and so much more. Scan the QR code above to watch preview videos of these historical gems!

The Walnut Creek Historical Museum features three floors with over 50 displays and several collections, including military, farming, athletics, inventors, early families, and schools. Many of the items in the museum date back to the 1870s and 1880s, when Walnut was a thriving prairie town of 1,000 people! Close by, you can check out the Monroe One-Room Schoolhouse. This small, one-room building once was the school for the children that lived in Monroe township from 1931 until 1949, when it was closed. Today, the museum features numerous artifacts from the school’s past, including photographs, books, furniture, school supplies, and more.

Get a closer look at the tools and practices that have formed our rural heritage! Carstens 1880 Farmstead is a living history exhibit near Shelby that showcases how farming practices in Iowa have moved over time from hand labor to horse machinery and tractors. Check out their annual Farm Days, which takes place the weekend after Labor Day!

The Nishna Heritage Museum, located in Oakland, brings the history of southwest Iowa to life through various historical exhibits. The displays tell the stories of the individuals who settled in Oakland in the late 19th century.

The Sweet Vale of Avoca Museum features a variety of displays that include Native American artifacts, farm and kitchen items, clothing, old quilts, school items, a 1925 Chevy, and so much more! A significant feature of the museum is a collection of more than 75 mounted heads and animals from all over the world, donated by a local retired veterinarian Dr. Roy Schultz.

Macedonia is home to two museums. The Pioneer Trail Museum features various items and artifacts from the past, such as historical photographs, clothing items, fossils from the West Nishnabotna River Water Trail, and other local memorabilia. Known as one of the finest collections in the state, the Stempel Bird Museum features a collection of more than 300 mounted birds, including many rare species and some over 100 years old.

Pioneer trail museum

Community spotlight

Avoca

Avoca is a charming community with a progressive future! Their Main Street is always lively with the seasonal Avoca Main Street Farmers Market, the annual award-winning Longest Table event, and its unique turret architecture. Don’t forget to check out the Volkswagen Beetle Spider while you’re there! We’re sure you’ve never seen anything like it.

Carson

Carson is a great community focused on building for the future. Check out a movie at Dreamland Theater, shop for handmade artwork at Pottery by the Creek, and take a photo in front of their new interactive mural! The city is best known for the annual Carson Community Rodeo every summer. This three-day event includes way more than just a rodeo! Enjoy the kick-off dinner, a street dance, a parade, and so much more.

Carter Lake

Carter Lake is a unique city. It’s the only Iowa community located west of the Missouri River and is an excellent place for water activities, including rowing, boating, and fishing! Tee off at the scenic Shoreline Golf Course, or test your luck at Prairie Flower Casino.

Crescent

Crescent is a small town with beautiful views and friendly locals! The Old Lincoln Highway passes directly through downtown marking it as an important location in our local history. Locals love to eat at Henry’s Diner and the Pink Poodle Steakhouse.

Hancock

Hancock is a small town best known for its Old Settler’s Day festivities that take place the first week in August. This special event includes a home run derby, tractor pull, pancake breakfast, softball tournament, parade, and so much more! While visiting, check out The Station, a local gourmet bar.

Honey creek

Honey Creek is nestled in the Loess Hills and is home to Honey Creek Creamery. They craft award-winning chevre and goat’s milk gelato using only all-natural ingredients. They host seasonal events like Namaste Goat Yoga. Next door, you can dine at their outdoor seasonal restaurant, Stanley’s Snack Shack! They use the freshest local organic ingredients providing you with the best of the Loess Hills.

Macedonia

Macedonia is a community that proudly showcases its history and art! In addition to their two museums, the community is home to Grist Mill Fine Arts, a performing arts theater showcasing local actors in multiple impressive performances each year. The Painted Camel Gallery on Main Street displays fine art, featuring regional work in pottery, jewelry, paintings, and more.

Carson Community rodeo

Megan bourrette photography

Avoca

Mcclelland

McClelland is a friendly and fun community with a beautiful garden and park on the main street. The town is also home to the Dew Drop Inn, which serves mouthwatering burgers and other Iowa staples like a hand-breaded tenderloin.

Minden

Minden is a charming town with a great town triangle, as they call it! Enjoy an evening of bowling and dining at Minden Bowl, shop from their local grocery store or the Minden Meat Market, and enjoy the beautiful countryside views.

Neola

The city of Neola is filled with great people and lots to explore! See the work of the sculptor who created the Pottawattamie County Eagle of Honor statues at Penny’s Visions Gallery. Russ and his wife Penny have been creating art for over 40 years! Catch a movie at the Phoenix Theater and enjoy the fall season at Pumpkin Hill Farms.

Oakland

With several eateries, a museum, and a park, there’s lots to enjoy in Oakland! Start your morning with a caffeinated beverage from Destination Coffee & Cuisine, a travel-themed coffee shop. Enjoy the great outdoors at Chautauqua Park or play a round of golf at Oakland Riverside Golf Course. Enjoy a delicious dinner at EL SOL Mexican Restaurant or The Buck Snort!

Shelby

Shelby is a quaint town with connections to the railroad. Stop by the Shelby Rock Island Depot to see railroad artifacts, memorabilia, and a caboose! Take a scenic walk on the Rock Island Old Stone Arch Nature Trail and check out one of only four 30’ arch culvert bridges along the trail.

treynor

Just a short drive from Council Bluffs, the city of Treynor is home to Prairie Crossing Vineyard & Winery, which creates world-class wines from grapes grown in the Loess Hills! Silo’s, the local restaurant in town, is a family-friendly bar and grill that serves a variety of tenderloins, pizzas, and wraps.

Underwood

Underwood has a robust calendar of events and hosts activities like their seasonal Monday Markets and Junkwood, where you can shop for upcycled treasures like antiques, collectibles, primitive crafts, and more! Enjoy homemade and soft-serve ice cream from Scoops Ice Cream Shop and dine at Garcia’s Family Mexican Restaurant for some delicious chips, salsa, tostadas, and tacos.

Walnut

Designated at Iowa’s Antique City, the city of Walnut features turn-of-the-century brick streets, antique globe lights, and more than 15 antique shops open year-round. Walnut has been long recognized as the premier location for quality antiques in Iowa! They host various annual events, including the Walnut Antique Show, the Antique Fall Festival, and the Christmas Antique Walk.

The Buck Snort in Oakland

Junkwood event in underwood