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 ฿2,291 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
฿2,291
฿2,566 total
21 Oct - 22 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Council Bluffs. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
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 ฿2,306 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
฿2,306
฿2,582 total
22 Oct - 23 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Council Bluffs. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,036 reviews)
"Room was clean and easily accessible"

Reviewed on 19 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 ฿3,006 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
฿3,006
฿3,366 total
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Council Bluffs. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
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.
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 Wi-Fi, a business centre and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Casey's Center ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (104 reviews)
"Everything was clean and organized and looks just like the photos. Perfect walking for night life or food!"

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
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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