Council Bluffs Travel Guide

Tourist 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 AU$120 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
AU$120
22 Oct - 23 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,752 reviews)
"We had a very nice stay at Bridgepoint Inns. Our room was clean and quiet. The ladies at the service desk were friendly, helpful and real. We had a good time there and would choose to stay there again."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

BridgePointe Inn & Suites
Countryside Inn & Suites

Countryside Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
3208 S 7th St, Council Bluffs, IA
The price is AU$121 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
AU$121
22 Oct - 23 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Council Bluffs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,033 reviews)
"Great for quick stay just off the interstate."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Countryside Inn & Suites
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 AU$157 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$157
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
"The hotel was convenient, clean, and the staff was friendly."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

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.
5-bedroom/6-bed home & Minutes away by foot to the pedestrian bridge

5-bedroom/6-bed home & Minutes away by foot to the pedestrian bridge

Council Bluffs
Stay at this vacation home in Council Bluffs. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and CHI Health ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
"Quiet neighborhood and close to the zoo !"

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

5-bedroom/6-bed home & Minutes away by foot to the pedestrian bridge
Fully Renovated, Luxurious unit awaits you!

Fully Renovated, Luxurious unit awaits you!

Council Bluffs
Stay at this apartment in Council Bluffs. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and Harrah's ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (68 reviews)
"Such a cozy little apartment. Beautiful decor and easy access to the zoo, shopping and food choices. Eric is wonderful to work with."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Fully Renovated, Luxurious unit awaits you!
Lily's Cozy Cottage, a quiet corner to unwind, and 20 minutes to everything.

Lily's Cozy Cottage, a quiet corner to unwind, and 20 minutes to everything.

Omaha
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in Omaha. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Warren Swigart Golf Course and Maplewood ...
9/10 Wonderful! (119 reviews)
"House was perfect for a quick weekend getaway with pets!"

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Lily's Cozy Cottage, a quiet corner to unwind, and 20 minutes to everything.
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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