Council Bluffs is a busy city and the county seat of Iowa's Pottawattamie County. Originally, the city was known as Kanesville, although it was renamed Council Bluffs in 1852. Council Bluffs was the historic starting point of the 1,300-mile Mormon Trail. The city was officially incorporated on January 19, 1853. Later, Council Bluffs was designated as the official starting point of the transcontinental railroad, which was completed in 1869.
Nowadays, Council Bluffs has a population of around 63,000 and is known for its rich history. If you'd like to learn more about that history while you're visiting, you can do so at places like the Union Pacific Railroad Museum and the Western Historic Trails Center. There's also the RailsWest Railroad Museum, where you can learn more about Council Bluffs' unique railroad heritage.
There are some great opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation in the Council Bluffs area. One of the most popular spots is Lake Manawa State Park, where you can spend a fun day of fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, or biking. You could also enjoy a picnic at the picturesque Bayliss Park, take a bike ride through Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, or even pick some delicious fruit at Ditmars Orchard. A few other unique places worth visiting around the city are the Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail and Museum, the Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook, and the Historic General Dodge House.
Holiday Arts & Crafts Show in Council Bluffs - The annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show in Council Bluffs will be happening in early December at the Mid-America Center. The event will feature over 200 exhibitors selling thousands of unique, handmade products.
Autumn Festival - Taking place in early November, the annual Autumn Festival in Ralston, NE will feature many of the nation's finest artists and crafters displaying their wonderful works. This fun event is happening at Liberty First Credit Union Arena.
Annual Holiday Beerfest - Held in early December at Crescent Moon in Omaha, this event is a holiday-themed tasting with beers from many wonderful breweries.
Situated among the plains of Nebraska, Waubonsie State Park lies along the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail. The park features miles of scenic trails, lush woodlands, and green prairies. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling are all popular activities for visitors. There are also opportunities for fishing and boating in nearby Lake Virginia.
Prairie Rose State Park is a tranquil nature area in southwestern Iowa. The park's main feature is its 218-acre lake, which is a perfect destination for boating, swimming, and fishing for bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. There are also several miles of scenic trails in the area, which are great for hiking during summer and snowmobiling during winter.
If you're a history buff, it's absolutely worth visiting Lewis and Clark State Park. Part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the park features a visitors center where you can learn all about the famous 1804 expedition. If you prefer to enjoy some outdoor recreation, the park is also a wonderful spot for boating, fishing, bird-watching, swimming, and hiking.
If you like visiting unique monuments and landmarks, it's worth stopping by a few of the many that Iowa has to offer. You could start by visiting Ledges State Park, which is located about an hour outside of Des Moines. The park is home to many unique natural landmarks, including the gorge that Pea's Creek has carved into the area's sandstone.
You can also visit one or more of the famous Bridges of Madison County, which were the inspiration for the book and movie of the same name. There were originally 19 of these covered bridges, and there are six remaining to this day. If you're a fan of the film, it's definitely worth seeing a few of them in person.
Another unique landmark near Des Moines is the home where iconic Hollywood star John Wayne was born. Located in the town of Winterset, IA, the quaint home has been preserved as a museum and contains many interesting artifacts from Wayne's life.
Louisville State Recreation Area is one of the many excellent places to camp in the greater Council Bluffs area. The campground boasts 223 RV campsites starting at just $15 per night. Some sites feature full hookups, and the park also offers many activities for campers to enjoy.
If you're looking for fun, you may want to stay at West Omaha KOA. There, you can choose from 95 RV campsites and enjoy activities like swimming, riding the mini zip line, and playing sand volleyball. The park also features a snack bar, and outdoor pavilions are available for gatherings.
Another lovely campground in the area is Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, which is a perfect choice if you're traveling with the whole family. The park has 148 RV sites available for $10 to $35 per night. The sites are spacious and shady.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Council Bluffs, IA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Council Bluffs?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Council Bluffs from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Council Bluffs?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.