In the summer, the park hosts outdoor movies, comedy nights, and festivals. There are plans to build an observation tower and an adventure course at River’s Edge Park. The park’s public art sculptures stand out, but for families, the highlight is the adorable Belles’ Playgarden and spray ground for young kids. It’s a busy bridge for walkers and bikers, and has a popular photo opportunity of the state line located at the center of the bridge. Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park is one of the city’s newest parks along the riverfront near the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which connects Council Bluffs to Omaha. Lake Manawa State Park, 1100 South Shore Drive, Council Bluffs, Iowa.One of the most popular annual events at the park is the Fourth of July fireworks display. The park is free to visit for those with Iowa license plates it’s $5 for a daily permit for out-of-state visitors. Nearby, there is a small, sandy beach area inside the park. One of the park’s highlights, without a doubt, is Dream Playground. The park features several trails that wind through the woods and along the lake’s shoreline, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding countryside. Lake Manawa State Park is one of the most popular parks in western Iowa, offering over 1,500 acres of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming. The following 12 attractions are just the beginning of all that the city offers.ĭream Playground at Lake Manawa State Park This monumental development transformed the city into a bustling hub of commerce and innovation, connecting people and places in unprecedented ways. The Union Pacific Railroad, whose museum now stands in downtown Council Bluffs, established its eastern terminus in the city. In the mid-19th century, the city further cemented its place in history as a railroad powerhouse.

This rendezvous point symbolized hope and adventure, attributes that are ingrained in the very fabric of Council Bluffs’ identity even today. It was an assembly point for pioneers preparing to embark on their journey across the great plains. Their encounter with the Otoe tribe on the bluffs of the Missouri River in 1804 marked the city’s first claim to fame, sowing the seeds of a rich and diverse cultural lineage.Īs pioneers passed through the area, Council Bluffs became a gateway to the western frontier. In its earliest days, the region witnessed the historic Lewis and Clark expedition, which charted a course through unexplored American territories. Accommodation: Recommended places to stay.Cultural experiences: Art galleries, theaters, and museums.Dining in Council Bluffs: Top restaurants and local cuisines.

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