Deals on vacations and trips to Council Bluffs

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!