Council Bluffs is the historic starting point of the Mormon Trail and eventual northernmost anchor town of the other emigrant trails. Council Bluffs is located in the state of Iowa, on the east bank of the4 river Missouri, with a population of 62.230 residents, according to the 2010 census. Council Bluffs has evolved both economically and socially and has become a favourite holiday destination for those people who wish to spend a short holiday or a weekend getaway here.
Top Attractions within Council Bluffs
Pottawattamie County Jail is one of the most famous landmarks in Council Bluffs. It was designed by William Brown and it was one of the 18 jails that were built in the United States and the only one that is three story high. The front part of the jail had offices for the jailer, a kitchen, trustee cells and quarters for women. The rest of the building is made up of pie shaped cells that revolved inside of a cage. Tourists can take a tour of the jail and see what it was like for the inmates to live there.
The Union Pacific Railroad Museum houses one of the oldest corporate collections in Council Bluffs and in the nation. It includes artefacts, photographs and documents that trace the development of the transcontinental railroad and the American West. The museum has the purpose to educate the public about the past, present and future of the largest railroad industry in America. To accomplish this mission, the museum collects, researches and preserves a large collection of photos, archives relating to the railroad industry.
Council Bluffs Dodge House was home to one of the most famous residents, General Grenville Dodge, who has been called the greatest railroad builder of all time. Gen. Dodge was a war veteran and his involvement in the political, financial and military affairs made him an associate of many of the most influential Americans. The fourteen room three story mansion stands on a high terrace overlooking the Missouri Valley and displays wonderful architectural features.
Located on the east bank of River Missouri in State Iowa Council Bluffs is a county seat of Pottawattamie County. The city earns its popularity for gambling activities. From the mid 1980s, this activity took momentum ranking Council Bluffs the 19th casino market in the United States today.
1. See an old unique shaped jail: Visit one of the three remaining rotary jails that were used from 1885 to 1969. These are pie shaped cells built on a rotary platform and the jailor turned a crank to line up a cell with the door.
2. Try and spot a black squirrel: Look for a black, furry squirrel jumping frivolously from tree to tree and looking at you with dark sparkling eyes when you are in Council Bluffs. It is an opportunity, as the black squirrel is the Mascot of Council Bluffs. As per the official sources, no other city of United States is inhabited with black squirrels.
3. View an unusual monument: The 56 feet tall gold painted concrete spike was erected in 1939 at 0.0 mile (approx) location of First Transcontinental Railroad; it is a landmark worth seeing.
4. Have an exotic aquatic experience: Once in Council Bluffs, one must treat themselves to an exotic aquatic experience. Katelman Water Park and Pirate Cove Water Park are two outstanding aquatic centers for exciting day and night time swimming activities, family recreation and movie shows.
5. Spend time in a park: For exciting boating, camping, hiking and fishing activities, one must visit Lake Manwa State park. Comprising over 1500 acres, the place encompasses a scenic 772-acre lake. The park is a true depiction of the name “Manwa†which means peace and comfort in the Native American language.
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| Book At | Miles/km to Council Bluffs | Directions to Council Bluffs | Latitude | Longitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha (East) | 2/4 | Directions | 41.282967 | -95.89868 |
| Omaha | 4/6 | Directions | 41.25861 | -95.93779 |
| Bellevue | 9/14 | Directions | 41.13667 | -95.89084 |
| Ralston | 10/16 | Directions | 41.20528 | -96.04252 |
| Omaha (West) | 16/26 | Directions | 41.256065 | -96.173814 |
| *Distance is calculated aerial. Actual will be different. | ||||
