Council Bluffs Travel and Things to Do Guide

Conveniently located just 10 minutes west of Omaha, Nebraska, across the border in Iowa, Council Bluffs offers Midwestern hospitality and big-city amenities, including more than 85,000 square feet of meeting space, plenty of sporting event venues, and vibrant dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Perched along the banks of the Missouri River at one end of the beautiful Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, Council Bluffs is also a recreation destination, thanks to its citywide trail system and natural wonders such as the Loess Hills, Lake Manawa, and more.

Meeting attendees gathering in Council Bluffs can fly into the nearby Omaha Eppley Airfield, which offers nonstop flights to more than 20 major domestic locations and serves more than 4 million passengers a year. Once in the area, travelers can ride Omaha Metro Bus, which serves downtown Omaha and Omaha Eppley Airfield, as well as downtown Council Bluffs and the Mid-America Center.

As the largest meeting venue in Council Bluffs, the Mid-America Center spans 64,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and is within walking distance of more than 400 hotel rooms. The 24,000-square-foot convention center boasts two ballrooms and eight breakout rooms, as well as a 24,500-square-foot exhibition hall, 30,000-square-foot pillar-free arena, 9,000-person arena with 12 suites, and more.

Visitors have their pick of after-meeting activities in Council Bluffs, with many venues offering private event space. Learn the story of the railroad at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, take in beautiful Missouri River views from the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park, hike the trails at Hitchcock Nature Center or Lake Manawa State Park, engage in team-building activities at Mount Crescent Ski Area, or enjoy a meal at one of Council Bluffs' many group-friendly restaurants.