Top Council Bluffs hotels deals
BridgePointe Inn & Suites
My Place Hotel - Council Bluffs/Omaha East, IA
Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
Red Roof Inn & Suites Omaha - Council Bluffs
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Council Bluffs, IA
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Council Bluffs I-29, an IHG Hotel
Popular places to visit
Historic General Dodge House
You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Historic General Dodge House during your travels in Council Bluffs. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.
Lake Manawa State Park
Explore the great outdoors at Lake Manawa State Park, a lovely green space in Council Bluffs. Attend a sporting event or simply visit the area's shops.
Mid-America Center
Catch an event at Mid-America Center during your trip to Council Bluffs. Attend a sporting event or simply visit the area's casinos.
Council Bluffs Vacations
Council Bluffs, Iowa, is located on the state's western border, just across the Missouri River from Omaha, Nebraska. Council Bluffs, formerly known as Kanesville, has a long history, including importance to settlers moving west in the 1840s. The town was a major railroad hub from the 1870s to the 1940s, and a Council Bluffs vacation can include trips to historical sites throughout the area.
Major Attractions
To get a feel for the town's history, visit Historic General Dodge House, built for General Grenville M. Dodge and the only designated National Historic Landmark site in Council Bluffs. General Dodge served in the Civil War and Congress, and was a renowned railroad builder. Check ahead—the house is closed on Mondays and holidays, and in January. For a bit of fun, head to the Golden Spike Monument on 9th Avenue. The 56-foot-tall replica of the golden spike used to complete the Transcontinental Railroad was erected in 1939 during the town's "Golden Spike Days." The monument sits on the site of the Transcontinental Railroad's zero-mile marker, nowhere near the real spike's location. For more to see and do, look into car rentals in Council Bluffsw and drive to Lake Manawa State Park for a picnic or to the casinos on the west side of town.
Recurring Festivals and Events
Try to book Council Bluffs vacation packages for the end of May to attend Council Bluffs' biggest annual festival, Loessfest. Named after the Loess Hills—rugged hills formed thousands of years ago that surround the city—Loessfest is a celebration of everything Council Bluffs has to offer, including music, movies, arts, and sports. Council Bluffs' Mid America Center arena also hosts a multitude of different festivals and events throughout the year, including model train shows, monster truck rallies, and concerts.
If you're looking to get the best deal on Council Bluffs hotels so you can check out this quintessential small U.S. city for yourself, Council Bluffs packages from Travelocity are the way to go. Download the Travelocity app for mobile exclusive deals that allow you to save even more!
Frequently asked questions
Where to stay in Council Bluffs: Best areas for travelers
- Carter Lake: This is a top pick for many visitors looking to explore Council Bluffs. The La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Omaha Airport Downtown and the Best Western Plus Omaha Airport Inn make this neighborhood an even more attractive option.
- Missouri Valley: Sure, the city center is full of fun, but you'll discover loads to do in this neighborhood too. Desoto National Wildlife Refuge is one thing you shouldn't miss during your stay. The Hillside Cottages, the Travelodge by Wyndham Missouri Valley and the Americas Best Value Inn Missouri Valley are great options to look into.
Photos of local treasures
Browse Council Bluffs vacation photos for more inspiration