Council Bluffs, IA

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 ¥10,174 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
¥10,174
¥11,395 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
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! (1,009 reviews)
Great experience at an awesome price
"This was a very nice hotel and glad we found it! The staff was awesome especially Kristen at the front desk. She was very helpful and kind which you don't find much anymore these days. The rooms were very clean. The breakfast was complimentary and very good and different options to fill you up. The ..."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 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 ¥14,439 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥14,439
¥16,172 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,245 reviews)
"We stayed two nights only complaint I have is, I wish they would of cleaned our room while we were gone as we had no towels for showering etc"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

My Place Hotel - Council Bluffs/Omaha East, IA
BridgePointe Inn & Suites

BridgePointe Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
3619 9th Ave, I-29 & I-80, Council Bluffs, IA
The price is ¥10,267 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
¥10,267
¥11,498 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Council Bluffs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,736 reviews)
Council Bluff
"Only one night and the facility is being updated. The folks were friendly and efficient. The overall cleanliness was above average. The room was comfortable. The breakfast was well done and the eating area was clean. Additionally, it was very quiet. I did not hear people during the night or any highway ..."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

BridgePointe Inn & Suites
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 Aug 8, 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 Jul 3, 2025

♔ Cozy Apt A Stone's Throw away from Downtown ♔
Fully Renovated, Luxurious unit awaits you!

Fully Renovated, Luxurious unit awaits you!

Council Bluffs
Stay at this apartment in Council Bluffs. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and Harrah's ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
"I would stay here again. One of the very best places I have ever stayed. Eric is a super host."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Fully Renovated, Luxurious unit awaits you!
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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