Council Bluffs is located in the state of Iowa and has a lot of culture to offer as well as great sights and interesting destinations. So if you’re planning a trip to Council Bluffs, you’ve come to the right place!
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Vacation in Council Bluffs
Looking for a vacation destination that has it all—including antebellum architecture, restored Union Pacific Railroad cars, horseback riding and riverboat gambling? Council Bluffs, Iowa, is your place. This city of more than 62,000 residents sits along the Missouri River, just a short drive from the metropolitan areas of Omaha, Nebraska, and Des Moines, Iowa.
Once home to Native American tribes, early French and Spanish explorers and Lewis and Clark, Council Bluffs is now a modern city with a variety of things to see and do. Start your visit at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, where you can learn about the city’s history as a stopping point along the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. Climb aboard one of the restored locomotives or passenger cars, or take a spin on the locomotive simulator.
Next, check out the Hundred Years Gallery, which features rotating exhibitions of art, photography and historical artifacts. Then stroll through the Paddock Place Historic District, where you’ll find a collection of beautiful Victorianstyle homes.
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, head to Hitchcock Nature Center, where you can hike, bike or snowshoe along more than 10 miles of trails through prairie, woodland and wetland habitats. Or go for a swim, fish or paddleboat ride at Lewis and Clark Landing.
Finish your day with a meal and some gaming at one of Council Bluffs’ casinos. Harrah’s, Ameristar and Horseshoe all offer riverboat gambling, hotels, restaurants and live entertainment.
So whether you’re interested in history, the great outdoors or a little gambling, Council Bluffs has the perfect vacation for you.
Sights in Council Bluffs
Situated on the west bank of the Missouri River, Council Bluffs is often referred to as the twin city of Omaha, Nebraska. Council Bluffs is noted for its important role in the westward expansion of the United States; it was the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and Mormon Trail.
The first settlers in the area were Native Americans who used the Missouri River as a highway for trade. EuroAmerican settlement began in the early 19th century, and the city was incorporated in 1852. The city’s growth was spurred by the designation of the Council Bluffs as the eastern terminus of the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1869.
Council Bluffs is home to several historical sites that are worth exploring. The Lewis and Clark Monument commemorates the spot where the two explorers met with Oto and Missouri Indian chiefs in 1804. The Steamboat Bertrand, which sank in the Missouri River in 1865, is also on display. The General Dodge House, built in 1856, was the home of General Grenville Dodge, a Union general during the Civil War. The city also has several museums, including the Union Pacific Railroad Museum and the Irma Riney gallery, which features the work of local artists.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Council Bluffs offers several parks, including Bayliss Park, which features a bandshell, playground, and picnic areas, and Lewis and Clark Landing, which has a riverfront walking trail. Hanna Park is a good spot for fishing, and the Loess Hills offer hiking and biking trails.
Council Bluffs is a city with a rich history that is well worth exploring. Whether you’re interested in the early days of westward expansion or the Civil War, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Council Bluffs.
History of Council Bluffs
The city of Council Bluffs, Iowa, is located on the west bank of the Missouri River across from Omaha, Nebraska. The city was founded in 1856 by a small group of settlers who came west from Council Bluffs, Iowa. The city was originally called Kanesville, after its founder, Hiram Kane. The name was changed to Council Bluffs in 1857.
The city grew quickly after its founding, due in part to its location at the junction of several major overland trails, including the Mormon Trail, the California Trail, and the Oregon Trail. Many immigrants, settlers, and pioneer families passed through Council Bluffs on their way west. The city became an important supply center for westwardbound travelers.
Council Bluffs officially became a city in 1864. The city continued to grow in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and by 1900, it had a population of over 24,000.
During the mid20th century, Council Bluffs underwent a period of economic decline as the local economy shifted away from agriculture and towards manufacturing. However, the city began to rebound in the late 20th century, and today, it is a thriving community with a population of over 63,000.
The city of Council Bluffs is rich in history. It has been a crossroads for westward expansion, a starting point for many pioneer families, and a witness to the growth and decline of the American frontier. Council Bluffs is a city with a bright future, and its stories will continue to be told for generations to come.
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