We are situated in a unique location within the United States. Two neighboring cities lay side-by-side, split by a river yet connected by a bridge with lots of personality. These cities — Omaha and Council Bluffs — share similarities, but also differences, the biggest of which being their home state. That means you can stand on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge to be in Nebraska and Iowa at the same time!
Council Bluffs, the eldest yet smallest of the two, hosts a culture all its own, with thriving restaurants, bars, shops, parks and entertainment opportunities. That’s why we decided to construct a guide to enrich your next trip to Council Bluffs. Whether you’ve lived here your entire life, or you’re just passing through — you’re bound to learn something! For starters, did you know that Council Bluffs was originally called Kanesville? And that NP Dodge was started in Council Bluffs more than 160 years ago?
Find out what else this exciting city has in store…
Grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant.
Oftentimes, the most important point on an itinerary involves where you’re going to eat! That’s why we’re starting with some of our favorite local eateries in Council Bluffs.
Dixie Quicks is a small restaurant combining Southern home cooking, Cajun, Tex-Mex and Southwest elements. Their menu is a chalkboard with changing and evolving items because they source fresh ingredients every day. While the menu items might evolve, their quality and great dining experience remain constant.
Pizza King has been a Council Bluffs staple since its origins in 1965. This family-operated pizza joint offers an extensive menu with salads, sandwiches, pizza, steaks, seafood, pasta and desserts!
Another family-owned Council Bluffs favorite is Cellar19, offering homemade soups, salads and sandwiches, as well as an impressive wine selection. In fact, you can even become a wine club member at Cellar19!
Set up camp at Lake Manawa State Park.
Manawa is a Native American term meaning “peace and comfort” and that’s what you’ll find at Lake Manawa State Park. But you’ll be able to exercise your adventurous spirit as well as the park offers seven miles of paved trails perfect for biking, hiking or walking, a lake for you to travel by boat and swim in, locations and shelters perfect for picnicking, and a wonderful campground where you can pitch your tent.
As one of the best and most popular outdoor recreational facilities in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area, Lake Manawa State Park is simply worth the visit. It’s the perfect family outing destination for a nearby adventure!
Honor veterans and admire artwork at Bayliss Park.
The sculpture paradise of Bayliss Park is a must-see while in Council Bluffs, as it includes a fountain, performance space, Veterans memorials, a plaza, an interactive water feature with child-activated sprays, and other touchable art. The newly remodeled space was carefully crafted with its viewers in mind — even the child viewer! Six statues of squirrels alongside the east side of the plaza are specifically child-scaled and touchable.
The Veterans Plaza wall lists those who died or are missing in action from the Civil War through Desert Freedom. This in-person representation of those lost lives is moving and promotes honor to the lives behind the names.
Bowl a strike at Thunderbowl.
Act like a child again with a group of friends or coworkers, or simply bring the kids along for a fun night at Thunderbowl. Voted Council Bluff’s Favorite Bowling Family Entertainment Center 13 years in a row, this clean and well-lit environment makes for a wonderful family activity. In fact, if you plan accordingly, you can bowl as a family at a great price and you can even bowl for $2 on Tuesdays — well, $2 per game, $2 to rent bowling shoes and $2 for draft beer. What a deal!
Treat yourself to an ice cream cone.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with the variety of ice cream treats available at Tastee Treet such as ice cream cones, sundaes, shakes/malts, and banana splits. Or venture to their savory menu with offerings ranging from burgers to BBQ — and don’t miss the best cheeseballs in Council Bluffs!
The mouth-watering desserts at Christy Creme are worth mentioning as well. With a rich family history and tasty recipes passed down from generation to generation, this place is a must-visit on your Council Bluffs tour.
Travel back in time at the Historic General Dodge House.
One of Council Bluffs’ most famous residents was General Grenville M. Dodge, who resided in the Historic General Dodge House. His primary achievement is being considered “the greatest railroad builder of all time”, but General Dodge has a diverse list of accolades as a Civil War veteran who was involved in the political, financial and military affairs of the United States.
He built a gorgeous Victorian home in 1869 with a mere $35,000, which was considered a lot during that time. This mansion has maintained the original looks of that time period, which General Dodge worked carefully to create. You can tour the home Tuesday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. or Sundays from 1–5 p.m.
Still yearning for more knowledge? Other Council Bluffs museums and historical sites worth visiting include the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, the Hitchcock Nature Center, the Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook and the RailsWest Railroad Museum.
Test your luck at Ameristar Casino Hotel.
Located on the Missouri River, Council Bluff’s Ameristar Casino Hotel is a 24-hour, expansive hotel with three restaurants, a casino, an indoor pool, a bar/lounge, a coffee shop, and of course, hotel rooms. Escape from reality and spend a weekend here for a fun, action-packed casino experience all conveniently in one place.
Modeled after the historic riverboats of the 1800s, the casino is just under 40,000 square feet, featuring 1,539 gaming machines and 22 table games. Try your luck at one of their slot machines or play a round of poker. Who knows? You may end up thanking us for this suggestion after you walk away with a profit!
Whichever way the tables turn, you can rest your head in one of their 160 luxurious rooms with panoramic views of the river. You might even book one of their whirlpool King Spa suites!
Grab a pint or cocktail at a local sports bar.
After all this activity, it’s about time to unwind at a local sports bar with a cocktail or a glass of beer.
Barleys offers a robust food menu in addition to their 22 draft beers on tap. Victory Grill Sports & Tap has some tasty copper cup cocktails and a huge beer selection with lots of local options. Remember the glory days at Glory Days Sports Bar and Grill where you’ll find exceptional pizza, lots of TVs for watching the game, and a full bar selection.
Catch a show at the Mid-America Center.
The Mid-America Center is a massive arena and convention center that you can’t miss while you’re in Council Bluffs. No, seriously — it’s huge! It has, in fact, hosted several rock shows, family shows, USHL hockey games and community events over the years. As a guest, you’re sure to find a good seat due to the arena’s ability to hold 9,000 people.
Check out the lineup of events happening at the Mid-America Center and grab your tickets. As of right now, it looks like the circus is coming to town!
Enroll in retail therapy at a local boutique.
After all this exploring, you deserve to walk away with a Council Bluffs keepsake to remember your time in this city.
The Olive Branch is an adorable shop with endless options for gifts, home goods and other accessories, several of which are handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Similarly, Savannah Filmore offers a wide variety of unique artwork, home decor and holiday items. Peruse their selection of jewelry, handbags, watches, wallets, shoes, gourmet food, wine accessories, glassware, baby gifts, wedding gifts, cards and books.
You’re guaranteed to walk away with a unique keepsake at one of these two local gift shops!
What are we missing out on in this lively community?
Let us know about your favorite Council Bluffs activities or businesses!