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 €67 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€67
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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! (1,007 reviews)
Excellent stay
"Clean, smelled nice and lovely check in"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 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 €90 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
€90
11 Aug - 12 Aug
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! (1,241 reviews)
"There was plenty of free parking and it seemed like a nice area. We were given a handicap room because the room that we booked was not ready. There was a full-size fridge, kitchen sink, and small stove top. There weren't any dishes or utensils, though. We didn't need these, but I suppose if you booked ..."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

My Place Hotel - Council Bluffs/Omaha East, IA
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Council Bluffs I-29 by IHG

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Council Bluffs I-29 by IHG

3 out of 5
2202 River Rd, Council Bluffs, IA
The price is €109 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€109
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star 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! (1,003 reviews)
"A great place to stay and the chicken strips and Philly steak at at the casino next door were a convenient walk away, then easy to eat on the outdoor patio are near the pool while watching the river run on by. Gorgeous sunset. Will stay again!"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Council Bluffs I-29 by IHG
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.
Minutes away by foot to pedestrian bridge

Minutes away by foot to 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! (65 reviews)
family gathering
"Basement bedrooms were nice for family with small kids and adults could stay upstairs.Grass was too tall to use the yard."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Minutes away by foot to pedestrian bridge
♔ Cozy Apt A Stone's Throw away from Downtown ♔

♔ Cozy Apt A Stone's Throw away from Downtown ♔

Council Bluffs
Stay at this apartment in Council Bluffs. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium ...
10/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
Just what we needed
"Quick little one night stay on our road trip. Apt was comfortable & clean. We enjoyed walking over to Omaha via the beautiful pedestrian bridge. Doable walk (about 2 miles) over to the Old Market area with LOTs of restaurants & shops."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

♔ Cozy Apt A Stone's Throw away from Downtown ♔
Prime Location Duplex - Steps away from Park and Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

Prime Location Duplex - Steps away from Park and Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

Council Bluffs
Stay at this vacation home in Council Bluffs. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"Overall it was a good. Im assuming the upstairs neighbors were moving out or renovating. There was a lot of loud noises and music blaring but they shut it off and were gone about 8:00 pm. House was very clean and had lots of provided conveniences."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Prime Location Duplex - Steps away from Park and Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.
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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