Council Bluffs

Travel Guide
Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs
Photo by Norwegian Girl
Photo by Norwegian Girl
Photo by Ashlie Thornburg Freeberg
This city, which played a major role in emigrant trails and railroad expansion, is home to museums, casinos and a diverse countryside.

Council Bluffs, a quaint city on Missouri River’s east bank, played a key role in 19th-century emigrant trails and rail transportation. Legalized gambling later became an important factor in the area’s economy and tourism. Delve into Council Bluff’s past and see the intriguing blend of landscape, including wetlands, savannas and forests.

Go to the Union Pacific Railroad Museum for information about the city’s role in the expansion of transportation across the U.S. Learn about the construction of the transcontinental railroad, completed in 1869. Visit the Lincoln Monument, a statue that honours the former president’s trip to the area. 

The Squirrel Cage Jail & Museum is another institution that reveals the area’s fascinating past. Marvel at the 19th-century building’s “squirrel cage” design. The 10 cells rotated so that only one at a time was accessible to the jailer.

After legalization of gambling, casinos sprang up around the city. Try your luck at the Ameristar Casino Hotel, based in a three-story boat on the Missouri River. Stay for a show after trying some of the 1,000 slot machines at Harrah’s Hotel & Casino and dine at the Horseshoe Casino after hitting the jackpot.

To enjoy the diverse scenery outside the city, drive 15 miles (24.1 kilometres) north to the Hitchcock Nature Centre. Explore green sloping fields and prairies in the Loess Hills. The park, which stretches across 1,268 acres (513.1 hectares), preserves the region’s flora and fauna. See the Historic General Dodge House from the 1900s. It contains the original fixtures installed by a civil war veteran.

Try typical Iowan cuisine, such as the pork tenderloin sandwich and the “Walking Taco,” a blend of crushed chips and a taco-seasoned hamburger. 

The area has extreme variations in temperature from summer to winter. The city is quite hot between June and August and freezing cold with snow from November through March.

The larger city of Omaha, Nebraska sits just on the other side of the Missouri River. The nearest large transportation hub is Eppley Airfield, a 10-minute taxi ride from Council Bluffs.

Intriguing emigrant history, diverse scenery and casinos lure travellers to Council Bluffs on the Missouri River.

BridgePointe Inn & Suites
BridgePointe Inn & Suites
2 out of 5
3619 9th Ave, I-29 & I-80, Council Bluffs, IA
The price is S$113 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
S$113
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Council Bluffs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,722 reviews)
"Nice and clean. Great staff"

Reviewed on 21 Nov,2024

BridgePointe Inn & Suites
My Place Hotel - Council Bluffs/Omaha East, IA
My Place Hotel - Council Bluffs/Omaha East, IA
2.5 out of 5
2281 South 35th Street, Council Bluffs, IA
The price is S$121 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
S$121
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Council Bluffs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,124 reviews)
"The pool was closed which was just a bummer but it was after 6pm so the workers probably thought it was done for the day. Everything else was fantastic and easy. I just stayed for one night but I feel comfortable booking My Place again based on this experience!"

Reviewed on 20 Nov,2024

My Place Hotel - Council Bluffs/Omaha East, IA
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Council Bluffs, IA
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Council Bluffs, IA
2.5 out of 5
17 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, IA
The price is S$125 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
S$125
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Council Bluffs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Staff was very nice. Property across from Horseshoe. Convenient location."

Reviewed on 16 Nov,2024

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Council Bluffs, IA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
4 out of 5
550 Watson Powell Junior Way, Des Moines, IA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a business center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Iowa State Fairgrounds ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (67 reviews)
"Great place! We loved it!"

Reviewed on 17 Nov,2024

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
Moon River Cabins
Moon River Cabins
3 out of 5
905 South Riverview Dr, Bellevue, IA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Bellevue. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Bellevue State Park and Riverview Park are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (56 reviews)
"Scenic views of the Mississippi River, quaint town. The bathroom was too small and the cabin was quite noisy with traffic on Main Street"

Reviewed on 26 Oct,2024

Moon River Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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