Things to do in Council Bluffs
Bluffs Run Casino
With more than 1,500 slot machines, live greyhound racing, simulcast racing, two restaurants and free live entertainment, where else could you find so much fun. The Casino is open 24 hours daily and is located at I-80/I-29, Exit 1B. Call 800-BET-2WIN for more information.
Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino
This Casino offers 900 slots and 48 table games. Hotel, convention center, rooftop restaurant, buffet and lounge are all on site. Open 24 hours a day, year-round. Located at One Harrah's Blvd. Call 800-373-LUCK for more information.
Historic General Dodge House
This Victorian house-museum was built by Grenville and Mrs. Dodge in 1869-1870. Today it is a National Historic Landmark. Dodge was a Civil War general, railroad builder, banker and politician. Each year, the mansion is fully decorated for Christmas, exhibiting 25 Christmas trees in a variety of holiday charm. Open 10am - 5pm Tuesday - Saturday; 1 - 5pm Sunday; closed January, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Call 712-322-2406 for more information.
605 Third Street, Council Bluffs, IA
Kanesville Tabernacle
This reconstructed log building, covered wagon and handcarts can be found on the site where Brigham Young was sustained president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1847. Learn about the Mormon Battalion and the settling of the area by Mormon pioneers. Open 9:30am - 7pm April - October; 10am - 5pm November - March. Call 712-322-0500 for more information.
222 E. Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA
Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook
The Monument honors the expedition of Lewis and Clark in 1804 and their historic, strategic meeting with the Otoe and Missouri Indians. Capture an expansive westward view from this historic point. Dedicated in 1936, it is located in a city park. Open 6am - 10pm year round. Call 800-228-6878 for more information.
19962 Monument Road, Council Bluffs, IA
Mid-America Recreation and Convention Complex
This new convention and recreation center is home to the River City Lancers USHL hockey team. On site you will also find a water park, theaters and retail shopping. Located at One Arena Way. Call 712-323-0536 for more information.
Rails West Railroad Museum and HO Model Railroad
This 1899 Rock Island depot, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, houses an extensive operating model railroad, historic photos, dining car memorabilia and uniforms. Also displayed on the grounds are two steam engines, a 1917 way car, a club car, a railway post office car and a caboose. Open 10am - 4pm Tuesday - Saturday; 1 - 5pm Sunday Memorial Day - Labor Day or by appointment. Open 1 - 5pm weekends May & December; closed major holidays. Call 712-323-5182 for more information.
1512 S. Main Street, Council Bluffs, IA
Squirrel Cage Jail
This is one of three remaining examples of the "Lazy Susan" jails. This three-story brick structure was completed in 1885 and featured a "cage" that rotated to allow jailers a view of all cells from a single vantage point. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open noon - 4pm Saturday & Sunday May& September; 10am - 4pm Wednesday - Saturday; noon - 4pm Sunday June - August. Call 712-323-2509 for more information.
226 Pearl Street, Council Bluffs, IA
Union Pacific Railroad Museum
Explore 140 years of American railroad history, from the origins of the nation's first transcontinental railroad in 1862 to the advanced technology of modern-day railroading. Open 10am - 4pm Tuesday - Saturday. Call 712-329-8307 for more information.
200 Pearl Street, Council Bluffs, IA
Western Historic Trails Center
Tourism information on the area and the state of Iowa is available here. The Western Historic Trails Center is an interpretive center for the Lewis and Clark Trail, Mormon Pioneer Trail, Oregon Trail and California Trail. See a variety of media, including a 12-minute film, sculpture, interactive exhibits, hiking trail to the Missouri River. Open 9am - 5pm daily in winter; 9am - 6pm daily in summer; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Located at 3434 Richard Downing Ave.; I-80/29 Exit 1B. Call 712-366-4900 for more information.
3434 Richard Downing Ave., Council Bluffs, IA