Things to do & places to visit in Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States

Council Bluffs city in Iowa, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 2:24.

Top things to do (28)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Cryptic Room (35 reviews)
- Definitely one of the best in the area!
Friday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

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! See more..
5.0 Full Fledged Brewing (2 reviews)
- Craft Beer - Extraordinary!
Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

So many choices for craft beers - love to get a flight across the spectrum - then go with the Chilli Buzz afterward - so good! See more..
4.5 Union Pacific Railroad Museum (300 reviews)
- Comprehensive corporate museum with silly COVID rules
Friday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

Our museum has chronicled more than 150 years of American railroad history through unique artifacts and immersive interactive games. Admission is free. See more..
4.5 Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook (137 reviews)
- As far as the eye can see!
Observation Decks & Towers • Monuments & Statues

A short drive to view the scenic overlook. You can enjoy a view to the west as far your eye can see! Closer in you see the beautiful Loess hills, a small lake that you pass on way to the overlook. In addition, you can see the Missouri river! (The lake is also a picnic area.) The fall foliage was beautiful, but we have enjoyed in other seasons. There are trails to enjoy as well. A nice getaway. :) See more..
4.5 Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail and Museum (135 reviews)
- Trip to Fargo, ND
Friday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums

What a great tour. It is so unusual and interesting. Be sure to book on line early as they only let a couple of people in per hour. It was so cool. I had seen it on Ghost Adventures and was very glad I searched it out to visit. Don't miss this! See more..
4.5 Historic General Dodge House (97 reviews)
- Fascinating little-known history
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

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. See more..
4.5 AMC Council Bluffs 17 (64 reviews)
- Dolby surround sound
Movie Theaters

We watched the movie 1917 and sat in theater seven. The sound system is amazing and the seats would shake by the thunderous sounds of war. Seats are extremely comfortable and recline. The lobby area is beautiful. See more..
4.5 Kanesville Tabernacle (31 reviews)
- Great place to learn great history
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues • Educational sites • Churches & Cathedrals

If you have questions about LDS history and ties to the Omaha area... you need to make a visit. Elder Hunsacker was great to explain and answer any question that we had. So very knowledgeable .... not only about the tabernacle, but LDS church questions. I highly recommend. See more..
4.5 Bayliss Park (20 reviews)
- People watching
Parks • Playgrounds

I have eaten my lunch here many times. It is well maintained by the city parks dept. I love to people watch. A lot of people visit this park for many reasons. Weddings, political gatherings, Award ceremonies, picnics. In the summer they have had BBQ cook offs, carnivals, outdoor movies. Just a great place to hang out and beautiful lights during the Holidays. See more..
4.5 Thunderbowl (11 reviews)
- Good clean family fun
Bowling Alleys • Game & Entertainment Centers

Very nice bowling alley with full redemtion game room! Newly remodeled. Full service restaurant and bar on site. See more..
4.5 Mid-America Center (9 reviews)
- Van Gogh Immersive Experience
Spent 1-2 hours Convention Centers

Attended the Van Gogh Immersive Experience at the Mid American Center, tickets are expensive ($50 each) but it was a very cool experience. See more..
4.5 Joes Karting (8 reviews)
- JOE'S KARTING!! BEST GO KARTS IN OMAHA...and FUN !!!!!!
Friday: 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

We’re Council Bluffs first indoor karting facility! Experience speed, sportsmanship and the most complete and thrilling racing excitement at Iowa and Nebraska’s fastest indoor facility. Our professionally designed indoor go kart track is perfect for Arrive and Drive racing, race classes and racing leagues. We have special pricing options, membership packages, and much more! Our karting center is the ideal place for your next private party. You’re invited to come on down for our next event! See more..
4.0 Horseshoe Council Bluffs (8.611 reviews)
- Friendly staff
Casinos

Our room was clean and the view was fantastic. We took the shuttle between the two casino's and felt that the drivers were both. Informative and. Very friendly. I had a problem with one of the slot machines pressed the button for service thinking it would take a while but to my surprise They were helping me in a matter of two minutes.. If you need any information or have any questions feel free to ask security. Can't thank them enough for the help we recived. See more..
4.0 Western Historic Trails Center (43 reviews)
- A worthwhile visit!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Visitor Centers • History Museums

This center tells the story of the Mormon pioneers who moved west during the 1800's. It sits right next to the beautiful temple and there are many grave markers on these grounds of people who died there. There is a short movie that brings to life some of the sacrifices and trials that these people endured. The displays depict the homes they lived in, and the circumstances of their situation. Some of the stories are heartbreaking, and many are inspiring. This was a very worthwhile visit! See more..
4.0 Ditmars Orchard (33 reviews)
- Strawberry Sunday!
Friday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Farms

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. See more..
4.0 Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park (23 reviews)
- Beautiful riverside park
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parks

Right near the Harrah's casino and golf course, it's a nice riverside park with great views of the water and of Omaha. Plenty of parking and the place was clean and well maintained. See more..
4.0 Lake Manawa State Park (21 reviews)
- Beautiful and peaceful.
Spent 2-3 hours State Parks

Always a beautiful, peaceful place to visit. There are birds and waterfowl here all year round. Lots of eagles in the wintertime. Love to watch them sit on the ice waiting for fish. Pelicans migrate thru here in the spring and fall. Always lots of geese and different kinds of ducks. Seeing deer along the roadway is common. We drive around the lake every couple of weeks to see the wildlife and enjoy nature. We don't fish, boat, swim, camp or picnic but if you do this is a great place for it. See more..
4.0 Pirate Putt (13 reviews)
- Fun activity
Friday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Miniature Golf

We were looking for something to do on our day off. Something we both could enjoy and do together. Pirate Putt fit the bill! See more..
4.0 SUGARS LOUNGE (11 reviews)
- Date night with my wife.
Bars & Clubs

So a date night at our age consists of a nice meal and shopping. We had eaten here I once before about 3 years ago a d had a nice meal so since we were in the area decided to try it again. The open area concept of the combination of Bar and dinning area blends nicely. It was fairly busy and the the noise from the bar was not a problem. The waitress was prompt and answered all our questions. Now for the food. I had the Pork tenderloin with onion rings, my wife had the Patty melt with waffle fries. The tenderloin was cooked perfectly, crust was crispy and light. The meat was tender and juicy. Garnish on the side. Onion rings were thick and cooked perfectly and the blue cheese I ordered to dip them in was thick. My wifes patty melt (which she ordered well done) was cooked the way she likes it. Her waffle fries were crispy on the outside and soft in the middle just the way they are supposed to be! We wont wait 3 years again before going back. See more..
4.0 Big Lake Park (1 review)
- Nature break
Parks
Big Lake Park is a good place to get away from the city for a break. An accessible walk bridge has a handrail and benches to rest on. It goes over a marsh that is covered with lily pads and lined with cat tails. We’ve seen a bald eagle gliding near the beautiful Bluffs! Fisherman and children playing enjoy the lake and ample playgrounds. See more..
3.5 Harrah's Casino (528 reviews)
- Fresh Market Buffet @ Harrah's casino
Casinos

Las Vegas-style casino boasts more than 25 first-place awards from Casino Player Magazine including Best Casino, Best Video Poker and Best Slot Club. See more..
3.5 Ameristar Casino Hotel (241 reviews)
- Pleasantly Surprised
Casinos

Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs features 160 luxurious rooms that are tastefully decorated, many of which include panoramic views of the Missouri River. Ameristar Council Bluffs is proud to boast the largest riverboat casino in Iowa. This 38,500-square-feet casino in Council Bluffs includes a selection of popular slot and table games. Ameristar Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs includes four dining options, a supervised kids activity center, video game arcade and an indoor swimming pool. See more..
3.5 RailsWest Railroad Museum & HO Model Display (39 reviews)
- Great railroad museum near I-80
Friday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

RailsWest Depot Museum is housed in an old Rock Island Depot built in 1899. There are many displays which include full size train cars to walk through and an HO size model train. See more..
3.0 Lake Manawa Beach (37 reviews)
- Things are improving!
Beaches

Lake Manawa Beach provides swimming, volleyball, horseshoes, grilling and picnicing. See more..
3.0 Golden Spike Monument (14 reviews)
- Interesting
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues

This 56 foot golden concrete spike was erected in 1939 with the premiere of the film "Union Pacific." It commemorates the junction of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific rail lines at the Promontory Summit in Utah on May 10, 1869. This spot commemorates "Mile Marker Zero" as the eastern terminus of the transcontinental railroad. See more..
2.5 Westfair Amphitheater (7 reviews)
- The show was great, but venue management is a joke.
Theaters

The music was tremendous. The Old 97’s, Steve Earle, and the Turnpike Troubadours were great. The weather was great. After that, things went downhill. This place has NO COMMUNICATION. Their FB page says “you can always send a message” which is a technically not a lie because you can “send” all the messages you want, but they’re all blocked or something because all messages get bounced back. They have an email address listed on their website, but once again, it doesn’t work. They NEVER answer the phone. I was able to get a response one time when I originally bought the tickets and their answer was snarky. Here are some pointers: 1) use an Uber. Parking is awful. 2) they don’t have enough beer vendors…think 20-30 minutes in line. 3) there are no seats and they don’t allow lawn chairs. 4) if you can catch a show somewhere else, I’d recommend that. See more..
2.5 Lake Manawa Antiques (2 reviews)
- Take you time lots to see
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Antique Shops
Place is a cross between a fle market and antique store. Something for every type of collector. Prices are very reasonable and owner is willing to deal. Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours. He opens up at 11 am. See more..
Congregation B'nai Israel (0 review)
Religious Sites
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Cent (0 review)
Friday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Hiking Trails
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Walk of Grace Chapel (0 review)
Points of Interest & Landmarks

A small welcoming church that wants to share God's love with you See more..