Discover Council Bluffs

Council Bluffs offers several distinct areas of focus for planning a trip: railroad history, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and trails and viewpoints. The Union Pacific Railroad Museum features an extensive collection on the history of the western United States; the Golden Spike Monument marks a specific connection to the Union Pacific Railroad. FIRST AVE, Vincent Bluff, and the Lewis and Clark Monument Scenic Overlook complement these historical themes with trails and scenery. This lets you tailor your stay to the interests you’d like to explore further in the city.

Railroad History: Museum and Golden Spike

The Union Pacific Railroad Museum is located in downtown Council Bluffs, in a Beaux-Arts building that formerly housed the Council Bluffs Carnegie Free Public Library. Visitors can explore an extensive collection of objects, photographs, documents, and equipment spanning 150 years of the history of the western United States. The long time span and variety of collection items offer different ways to explore this historical subject.

The Golden Spike Monument offers a different focus. It was erected in 1939 and stands at Milepost 0.0 at the eastern terminus of the Union Pacific Railroad. While the museum invites visitors to explore an extensive collection, the monument has a clearly defined railroad connection: its location at the eastern terminus and its milepost designation. Those interested in the region’s history can thus distinguish between a broad collection and a specific connection to the route.

Remembrance, Views, and Trails

The Lewis and Clark Monument commemorates the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804 and their historic meetings with members of the Otoe and Missouria peoples. This adds another historical focus to the railroad history. The Lewis and Clark Monument Scenic Overlook offers views of the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark Monument Park has a small viewing platform. There is also a mountain biking trail at the Scenic Overlook, which can also be used for hiking. Check trail conditions and seasonal facilities before your trip.

FIRST AVE is a trail in Council Bluffs for walking, running, and biking. It is part of the Great American Rail Trail, which passes through Council Bluffs. At Vincent Bluff, you can explore the Loess Hills; the location offers expansive views of Council Bluffs. These places offer different points of focus: FIRST AVE is designated for three types of activity, Vincent Bluff draws attention to the Loess Hills and the city, and the Scenic Overlook combines a mountain biking trail that can also be used for hiking with views of the Missouri River.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

If you’re looking for a hotel in Council Bluffs, choosing a theme can help you decide what your trip is about: Are you most interested in the collection and its railroad connection, the story of Lewis and Clark, or trails and views?

Explore more destinations: Underwood, Walnut, Carter Lake

For the broader travel overview: Pottawattamie.