Location: Council Bluffs
Top Things to do in Council Bluffs
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Council Bluffs, Iowa (IA)
Council Bluffs is a city in and the county seat of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States. The city is the most populous in Southwest Iowa, and a principal city in the Omaha–Council Bluffs metropolitan area. It is located on the east bank of the Missouri River, across from Omaha, Nebraska. Council Bluffs was known, until at least 1853, as Kanesville. It was the historic starting point of the Mormon Trail. Kanesville is also the northernmost anchor town of the other emigrant trails, since there was a steam powered boat to ferry their wagons, and cattle, across the Missouri River.
Restaurants in Council Bluffs
1. The Cryptic Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
We are a live-action, team-based escape room game. First, YOU give us permission to "lock" you in a room. Once you are inside, the clock starts ticking and you have limited time to work together to use clues in the room to solve the puzzles that will help you "break out". You must hurry though... Once the clock hits zero, it is all over!
Reviewed By Jana6263 - Iowa, United States
This was a great team building activity for our club volleyball team. The girls had a blast solving each puzzle together to escape and really loved their game master Josh! I'd highly recommend The Cryptic Room to anyone!
2. Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By loorr55 - Council Bluffs, United States
This is quite a unique place! Historical and yes it's haunted!!It's really cool around halloween time! The staff are very nice.
3. Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By battlelake
This is a beautiful place and the scenery is wonderful all year long. Go and look to the west and you will not be disappointed at all.
4. Union Pacific Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
Our museum has chronicled more than 150 years of American railroad history through unique artifacts and immersive interactive games. Admission is free.
Reviewed By maschmit - Johns Creek, United States
A free museum located in the downtown Council Bluffs area. Must park along in the meters along the street, but was able to find those without too much trouble. Museum is great for kids with the interactive exhibits and great for adults with all of the information about the Union Pacific railroad.
5. Ditmars Orchard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
What started in 1994 as a family project has blossomed into a local attraction for all ages to enjoy. Customers can pick their own apples, strawberries, cherries, peaches, apricots, and pumpkins. We also host many events such as our BlueGrass Festival (Labor Day Weekend), Hot Air Balloon Festival (usually the 2nd weekend in September), and Pumpkin Fest in October. Families can enjoy a bite to eat in our cafe or take home one of our signature sauces, jellies, or jams from the store. Local favorites from the cafe include hot apple cider doughnuts, homemade fries, and ice cold apple cider slushies. We also offer tractor rides into the orchard for picking as well as a playground and corn maze for the kids.
6. Historic General Dodge House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Built in 1869 on the frontier, no expense was spared on this sublime Second Empire Victorian home. The fourteen room, three story mansion stands on a high terrace overlooking the Missouri Valley, and displays such architectural features as parquet floors, mansard roof, cherry, walnut & butternut woodwork, and a number of "modern" conveniences quite unusual for the period: central heating and hot & cold running water. The house was designed by William Boyington, a famous Chicago architect. It has been painstakingly curated with period items, many of them original to the home and the Dodge family.
Reviewed By Lapolla
Our tour guide, Cindy, was an excellent source of information and enthusiasm as she guided us through the historic General Dodge House. General Dodge has history in both the civil war and the building of the railroads, and so a visit to the General Dodge House includes a broad range of history. Beautiful home - nicely presented - leisurely pace - several items in the home are original to the home. I am so glad we included this home tour on our recent visit to Omaha/Council Bluffs.
7. Kanesville Tabernacle
8. Western Historic Trails Center
9. Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park
10. Lake Manawa State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
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