{"id":90580,"date":"2025-07-14T19:49:23","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T19:49:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/npdodge.blog\/?p=90580"},"modified":"2025-07-14T19:49:24","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T19:49:24","slug":"things-to-do-eat-and-see-in-council-bluffs-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/npdodge.blog\/2025\/07\/things-to-do-eat-and-see-in-council-bluffs-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do, Eat, and See in Council Bluffs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Along the Missouri River just across from Omaha<\/a>, Council Bluffs, Iowa, is a hidden gem that offers visitors the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city convenience. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or looking to explore beyond the usual tourist trails, this city has plenty to offer. Rich in railroad history and known for its scenic parks, quirky attractions, and welcoming vibe, Council Bluffs invites you to slow down, dig in, and enjoy the best of the Midwest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From fascinating museums and historic landmarks to local dining favorites and outdoor escapes, Council Bluffs offers a wealth of surprises for travelers of all interests. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, foodie, or family on the go, you\u2019ll find plenty of things to do, eat, and see. This guide will take you through the can’t-miss experiences that make Council Bluffs more than just Omaha\u2019s neighbor \u2013 it\u2019s a destination all its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to Do in Council Bluffs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hear Some History at the <\/strong>Union Pacific Railroad Museum<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\ud83d\udcf7\u00a0Photos courtesy of\u00a0<\/em>Union Pacific Railroad Museum<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Where? <\/strong>200 Pearl St<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located inside a beautifully preserved 1903 Carnegie Library building, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum is one of Council Bluffs\u2019 must-see attractions. The museum showcases the incredible legacy of the Union Pacific Railroad and its pivotal role in shaping the American West and beyond. With its elegant Beaux-Arts architecture and well-curated exhibits, it offers a journey through time for visitors of all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside, you\u2019ll find immersive displays that bring history to life \u2013 from the monumental construction of the transcontinental railroad to the golden era of passenger rail. Highlights include the \u201cBuilding America\u201d gallery, the Lincoln Collection with original artifacts from Abraham Lincoln\u2019s railcar, and vintage travel memorabilia in the \u201cAmerica Travels by Rail\u201d exhibit. Interactive features, such as a train simulator and a working telegraph station, make it engaging for kids and train buffs alike. Best of all, admission is free, making this museum a fun, educational, and budget-friendly stop in the heart of Council Bluffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get Locked Away at the <\/strong>Squirrel Cage Jail<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Smallbones<\/a>, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Where? <\/strong>226 Pearl St<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Council Bluffs is home to a bizarre piece of 19th-century ingenuity \u2013 and a must-visit for history and architecture buffs. Built in 1885, the Pottawattamie County Jail earned its iconic nickname from its unique rotary \u201csquirrel cage\u201d design \u2013 a massive, three-story rotating cylinder of pie-shaped cells. The jailer could crank the entire block to align any cell with the single doorway, minimizing inmate contact while maximizing security. To date, it remains the only three-level rotary jail ever built \u2013 one of just three left in existence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After closing its doors in 1969, the structure was preserved as a museum and is now operated by the Pottawattamie County Historical Society. Visitors can tour the fascinating interior, complete with original graffiti etched into cell walls, the old kitchen where jail staff and inmates ate, and the jailer\u2019s fourth-floor apartment. While the rotating mechanism no longer works, you can still grasp how the \u201clazy Susan\u201d system functioned and why it was deemed both innovative and dangerous. This eerie, unforgettable stop is best explored via guided or self-guided tour \u2013 it\u2019s history, architecture, and a touch of the paranormal all in one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just a short walk away, visitors interested in the historical side of Council Bluffs will also enjoy learning about the history of The Bregant House<\/a> museum, a 1908 house built to accommodate the physical stature of its occupants. (Just make sure you schedule a reservation online<\/a> ahead of time.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a Hike at <\/strong>Lake Manawa State Park<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Where? <\/strong>1100 S Shore Dr<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just a short drive south of downtown Council Bluffs, Lake Manawa State Park provides a refreshing dose of nature and adventure for visitors of all ages. Spread across 1,529 acres around a 700-acre oxbow lake formed after historic Missouri River flooding, the park\u2019s name \u2013 \u201cManawa\u201d \u2013 comes from a Native American term meaning \u201cpeace and comfort.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll find a wide variety of accessible trails here. The paved Lake Manawa Trail loops around the lake and connects to Council Bluffs\u2019 larger trail network, covering about four miles. For shorter strolls, the Loop Trail (0.5 miles) and Interior Trail (0.65 miles) are perfect for families, cyclists, and walkers of all abilities. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore the 8 miles of unpaved Sidewinder and Canal Loop trails, which run alongside the Missouri River and through wooded areas. Expect scenic water views, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for birdwatching \u2013 especially bald eagles in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On top of hiking, the park is a hub for water activities. You can swim at the sandy beach, kayak or paddleboard, rent a canoe, and fish for bass, walleye, catfish, and bluegill \u2013 complete with ADA-accessible piers and facilities. There’s also a fantastic Dream Playground<\/a>, Iowa\u2019s largest ADA-accessible playground, inspired by local history, picnic shelters, volleyball courts, and fishing jetties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful walk, a family day out, or a bike and paddle combo, Lake Manawa State Park provides a full day of fun and relaxation just minutes from Council Bluffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Eat in Council Bluffs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Eat Elevated American Food at <\/strong>712 Eat + Drink<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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