Council Bluffs

Travel Guide
Council Bluffs
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 RM347 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
RM347
RM389 total
includes taxes & fees
19 Nov - 20 Nov
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! (1,720 reviews)
"The ladies at the front desk are always very helpful and attentive to our needs!"

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

BridgePointe 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM350 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
RM350
RM392 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Council Bluffs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,136 reviews)
"Great place to crash after a long day of driving."

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

My Place Hotel - Council Bluffs/Omaha East, IA
Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
4 out of 5
2200 River Road, Council Bluffs, IA
The price is RM420 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
RM420
RM470 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Council Bluffs. Enjoy free parking, 3 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"The service at this hotel is amazing."

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
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 WiFi, a business center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Iowa State Fairgrounds ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (66 reviews)
"Nice place in downtown"

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
Moon River Cabins
Moon River Cabins
3 out of 5
905 South Riverview Dr, Bellevue, IA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Bellevue. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Bellevue State Park and Riverview Park are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (58 reviews)
The Stars where so BRIGHT!
"Friendliest staff! Beautiful cozy Cabin! Loved my jetted bathtub! Terrific view. Quaint town! Close to major city. The Stars were so BRIGHT!!! Cozy fire place kept cabin warm along with central heating cooling and tons of ceiling fans. So Romantic and most of all peaceful 😌"

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

Moon River Cabins
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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