Council Bluffs can be explored through several distinct themes: railroad history, collections on the history of the American West, trails and scenic views. If you’re looking for accommodations, you can first decide which of these themes you want to shape your time here. The following places and trails offer guidance for culture, outdoor activities and different views.

Railroad History and Museum

The Golden Spike Monument was erected in 1939 and stands at Milepost 0.0 at the eastern terminus of the Union Pacific Railroad.

At the UPRR Museum, visitors can explore an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, documents and equipment spanning 150 years of the history of the American West. The different types of materials offer several ways into this long historical period; individual items on display may change. For your historical itinerary, the distinction is clear: the monument represents a single site and the year it was erected, while the museum explores a 150-year period of Western U.S. history through different types of collections.

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. The museum and the former library thus represent two uses of the same building.

Choose Trails by Activity

FIRST AVE is a trail in Council Bluffs for walking, running and cycling. It is part of the Great American Rail Trail, which passes through Council Bluffs. This describes both the uses of FIRST AVE and its connection to the trail.

At the Lewis and Clark Monument Scenic Overlook, there is a mountain biking trail that can also be used for hiking. FIRST AVE is for walking, running and cycling; the mountain biking trail at the Scenic Overlook can also be used for hiking. Check trail conditions and seasonal facilities before your visit.

Scenic Views and Remembrance

Vincent Bluff is a place to explore the Loess Hills and offers expansive views of Council Bluffs. The Lewis and Clark Monument Scenic Overlook offers views of the Missouri River. The two clearly differ in the type of scenery they offer: hill and city views at Vincent Bluff, and river views at the Scenic Overlook.

Lewis and Clark Monument Park has a small observation platform—a named feature to consider if you want to include viewpoints in your selection.

The Lewis and Clark Monument commemorates the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804 and their historic meetings with members of the Otoe and Missouria. Alongside the railroad-related history, it offers another distinct historical focus: the expedition and the encounters with members of these groups. The years have different roles: 1939 is the year the Golden Spike Monument was erected, 1804 is the year of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, while the museum collection spans 150 years of Western U.S. history.

Explore more destinations: Underwood, Walnut, Carter Lake

Return to the main travel overview: Pottawattamie.