Council Bluffs, Iowa

Council Bluffs is a city in southwestern Iowa, just across the Missouri River from Omaha, Nebraska. It is 13 miles (21 kilometers) northeast of the Nebraskan community of Bellevue, and 59 miles (95 kilometers) northeast of the state's capital, Lincoln. Council Bluffs is the seat of Pottawattamie County, and is home to 58,268 people.

Council Bluffs has played its part in many historic events. Lewis and Clark, Mormon pioneers, and California Gold Rush prospectors all passed through the area, and you can learn more about them at the Western Historic Trails Center and various historic sites around the city. The city's railroad history is commemorated at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, RailsWest Railroad Museum, and the 56-foot (17-meter) tall Golden Spike Monument.

The Historic Dodge House belonged to Civil War Veteran and railroad builder General Grenville Dodge, and its 14 lavish rooms offer a great look at Victorian life. The 1885 Squirrel Cage Jail is a unique attraction, and features cells that rotated to allow one guard to watch over many prisoners.

For gaming excitement and live entertainment, head to Horseshoe Casino, Harrah's, Ameristar, or Bluffs Run Greyhound Park.

Council Bluffs is also home to a Recreation Complex, skate park, ATV park, and the Dodge Riverside Golf Club. Bayliss Park is the jewel of the city's park system, and features a spectacular fountain and 16 mosaics depicting historic scenes. For some sightseeing, take a drive along the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway. Lake Manawa State Park provides the perfect spot for fishing, hiking, or camping. The cottonwood forests of Wilson Island State Park are great for hiking and hunting, and wildlife enthusiasts can look for snow geese, bald eagles, and other species at Wilson Island and the Desoto National Wildlife Refuge.

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