Ameristar Casino

Opened in 1996, Ameristar is reminiscent of a gateway river town in the 1800's. Gambling 24 hours a day, over 900 slot machines and 37 table games, including craps, blackjack, roulette and poker. Two 160-room hotels and four restaurants are available to guests. For more information, call (712) 328-8888.


Bayliss Park Fountain

Located at 1st Street and Pearl, Bayliss Park has a lighted computerized fountain, changing in form and lighting patterns. The park is also host to the Mormon Trail Monument, Spanish War Veterans Monument, Civil War Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial.


Bluffs Run Casino

Bluffs Run Casino is the Midwest's largest gaming facility and the only one of its kind. Play one of the 1,200 slot machines, wager on live greyhounds and simulcast thoroughbreds, play keno, grab a bite to eat in the all-you-eat Grand Buffet or the Quicksilver Cafe, or sit down to a casual dinner in Bluffs Landing or Champions Clubhouse. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week with free admission and free parking. Call (712) 323-2500 for more information.


Chanticleer Theatre

Enjoy five seasonal performances at Council Bluffs' community playhouse in September, November, December, March and May. Call (712) 323-2500


Children's Square USA

Located at North 6th Street and Avenue E, Children's Square features waterfalls, a soaring red canopy, and a "wooden mountain" on which to climb. Adults also will enjoy the Lemen Visitor Center with displays and historical timeline dating back to 1883 when the Home was founded. Call (712) 325-1662.


Confederate Air Force Museum

The museum features four WW II airplanes and many other memorabilia. Handicapped accessible. Donations accepted for admission, reservations requested. Located at the Council Bluffs Airport, Old Highway 6. Call (712) 322-2435 or 3284682.


Council Bluffs Drive-in Theater

The only remaining metro area drive-in movie theater. Located at 1130 West South Omaha Bridge Road. Contact (712) 3664022.


Dream Playground

Located in Lake Manawa State Park, this playground was built by community volunteers in one week in 1993. It was designed by children reflecting their vision of the ultimate playground.


Golden Spike Monument

This 56-foot golden concrete spike was erected in 1939 to mark the world premier of the film "Union Pacific." It honors the original Golden Spike used to commemorate the junction of the Eastern and Western rail lines of the Union Pacific Railroad. Open for public viewing year round. Located on South 16th Street and 9th Avenue.


Harrah's

Harrah's is a casino, hotel and convention center. The Kanesville Queen Casino is open 24 hours and featuring 900 slot machines and 44 table games, including craps, roulette and blackjack. The hotel has 254 rooms, three restaurants and an 18,000 foot convention center. Call (712) 366- BOAT for more information.


Historic General Dodge House

The Grenville M. Dodge home, 605 3rd Street, is historically authentic, complete with a majority of the original furnishings. Built in 1869, it was the home of the noted Civil War General and railroad builder. National Historic Landmark. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Christmas, Thanksgiving and during the month of January. Reservations for groups of 15 to 60 are requested. Call (712) 322-2406 for more information.


Historic Haymarket District

A stroll through the nationally historic Haymarket Square provides a glance of history as well as a chance for antique lovers to shop. Located in downtown Council Bluffs on Main Street.


Historic Squirrel Cage Jail

This 1885 unique county jail is one of two remaining examples of the Lazy Susan jails. The cells rotated to allow the jailers a view of all cells from a single vantage point. Use was discontinued in 1969, due to malfunctioning and hazards to inmates. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Closed January, February, October and all legal holidays. Group reservations requested in advance. National Register of Historic Places. Located at 226 Pearl Street. Phone (712) 323-2509.


Kinsman Cemetery Monument

Located at 308 Lafayette, the Kinsman Monument is a Civil War memorial built to honor Colonel Kinsman and veterans of the Civil War. Actual Civil War cannons are on display. Open for viewing year round.


Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook

The monument honors the expedition of Lewis and Clark in 1804 and their historic strategic meeting with the Otoe Indians. Dedicated in 1936. Capture the expansive westward view from this historic point. Open for public viewing year round. At Rainbow Point, north on 8th Street.


Lincoln Monument

This impressive pylon was erected in July 1911 where President Abraham Lincoln stood in 1859 to view and select the site for the Eastern terminus of the first continental railroad built in the United States. Located on Lafayette Avenue.


Loess Hills Scenic Highways

The unique landscape of the Loess Hills will provide an educational blend of the past and the present. Automobile tours offer ridge top views of Missouri River Valley and Loess Hills, woodlands, prairies and many other natural landmarks. Call (712) 882-1271 or 886-5441.


Mall of the Bluffs

Includes more than 120 specialty stores, three department stores and 17 restaurants. Services include: food court, five-screen movie theater, customer service center, community meeting room, morning walking route for exercise and post office. Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Located on Interstate 80, Exit 5 at Madison Avenue. Call (712) 323-9536.


RailsWest Railroad Museum and HO Model Railroad

Located in the partially restored 1898 Rock Island Depot at 16th Avenue and South Main. Railroad artifacts and memorabilia and model railroad display. Railroad cars displayed on the grounds. Listed on National Register of Historic Places. Donations and reservations requested. Call (712) 323-5182 or 3220612.


Ruth Anne Dodge Memorial

This statue honors Ruth Anne Dodge, wife of General Dodge, by her daughters. It commemorates the 1916 death of Mrs. Dodge. The sculptor was Daniel Chester French, creator of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Located on Lafayette and North 2nd Street. Open for public view year round.


White Catfish Camp

Visit the site where Lewis and Clark camped along the banks of the Missouri River. National Historic Trail. Located at Long's Landing south of Lake Manawa. Call (712) 366-0093.


Area attractions

Girls and Boys Town

National Historic Landmark including Father Flanagan's home and shrine, Dowd Chapel, Hall of History, Two Brothers Statue, Father Flanagan Statue and other educational facilities. Open Monday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free and tours are available. Located at 136th and West Dodge Road in Omaha. (402) 498-1140.


DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge and Steamboat Exhibit

Located in Missouri Valley, Iowa, the visitor center includes artifacts from the Steamboat Bertrand which sank in the Missouri River in 1865. Includes trails, fishing, boating, picnicking and wildlife drive. Park grounds open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. April to September. (712) 6424-121.


Fontenelle Forest Nature Center

See a variety of wildlife and natural vegetation on the banks of the Missouri River. Includes educational center, wildlife sanctuaries, hiking trails, natural science education programs and ecology exhibits. Guided tours available. Located at 1111 Bellevue Boulevard North in Bellevue. (402) 731-3140.


Gene Leahy Mall

Located in downtown Omaha, this park includes waterfalls, gardens, sculptures and an amphitheater. At 14th and Farnam Streets.


General Crook House

Quarters of General George Crook who championed Indian rights during the famous trial of Chief Standing Bear. Includes formal Victorian garden, library and archives center. Private use available. Located at Historic Fort Omaha on the Campus of Metro Tech Community College. (402) 455-9990.


Great Plains Black History Museum

Most complete exhibit of Black history west of the Mississippi. Open Monday through Friday 8:30a.m. to 5 p.m. Located at 2213 Lake Street in Omaha. (402) 345-2212.