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 honors 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 kilometers) north to the Hitchcock Nature Center. 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 travelers to Council Bluffs on the Missouri River.

Countryside Inn & Suites

Countryside Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
3208 S 7th St, Council Bluffs, IA
The price is P4,083 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P4,083
P4,573 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
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! (1,010 reviews)
"Overall comfortable stay"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Countryside 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 P5,706 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P5,706
P6,391 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Council Bluffs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,231 reviews)
"Pleasant staff, quick check in, excellent room."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

My Place Hotel - Council Bluffs/Omaha East, IA
BridgePointe Inn & Suites

BridgePointe Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
3619 9th Ave, I-29 & I-80, Council Bluffs, IA
The price is P4,057 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P4,057
P4,544 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
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! (1,725 reviews)
Clean and spacious
"Nice clean newly renovated. Breakfast was good. Staff was very friendly."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

BridgePointe Inn & Suites
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 Wells Fargo Arena ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (97 reviews)
"I liked that the property was close to the sky walk. Areas that need improvement: rugs in both bathrooms, needed nonslip covers in both tubs, more towel rods or hooks in bathroom to hand robes and towels, both rooms need nightstands, and main living area needed a table."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
2 Mi to Main St: Newton Guest House

2 Mi to Main St: Newton Guest House

3 out of 5
Newton
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Newton. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Aurora Park and Agnes Patterson Memorial ...
2 Mi to Main St: Newton Guest House
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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