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10 Reasons to Come to CB on Labor Day Weekend

Enjoy the long Labor Day weekend in the Council Bluffs metro! Check out our list of ten things to do, including live music, family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and more. There's plenty of time to unleash a weekend getaway before summer ends!

1. Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Imagine being completely immersed in more than 300 of Vincent Van Goghs greatest creations, including The Starry Night, Wheatfield with Crows, his famous self-portraits, and more. His artwork comes to life, flowing across multiple surfaces, making you feel like you stepped directly into his paintings!

The exhibit is open throughout the weekend and on Monday, September 5, for the Labor Day weekend! Visit their website to purchase your tickets.

2. Stir Concert Cove Presents: Foreigner on Friday, September 2

Unleash the beat at Stir Concert Cove! On Labor Day weekend, Foreigner will play their greatest hits on the big stage in Council Bluffs. Enjoy a summer evening as the famous rock act play your favorites, including "Juke Box Hero," "I Want to Know What Love Is," and so many more.

Visit Stir Concert Cove's website to purchase your tickets today!

3. Explore the newly opened Gene Leahy Mall in Downtown Omaha

Did you know that downtown Omaha is just minutes away from Council Bluffs? Hop across the river to check out Omaha's most exciting development that was recently unveiled to the public. The Gene Leahy Mall is a beautiful green space in Downtown Omaha featuring tons of seating and picnic tables, a sculpture garden, a performance pavilion, Arches Playground, slides, a dog park, water features, and more.

It's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. Check out Oh My Omaha's blog to learn more and to plan your visit!

4. Live Music by Freddy & John at Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard on Saturday, September 3

Enjoy a relaxing evening at the beloved Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard as you listen to live music by Freddy & John! They play your favorite classic rock and blues hits, making it perfect for date night! The Orchard offers a wide variety of wines, hard ciders, sweets, and treats to accompany the live music.

5. Namaste India at Omaha Children's Museum

Labor Day weekend is the last opportunity to check out the Namaste India cultural exhibit at the Omaha Children's Museum! Children and their families will experience the wonders of India as they play cricket, practice yoga, and examine the vibrant art, food, and colorful traditions of this culture.

Check out Visit Omaha's website for more information!

6. Play the day away at Belles' Play Garden

This summer, Belles' Play Garden opened at Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park in CB. The play structure features a series of Missouri River-inspired play and educational elements, interpretive seating and surface textures, and rich native plantings. Kids love the 15-foot pelican play feature they can climb on!  

7. Complete the 0.9k over the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Have you ever stood in two states at the same time? How about over a river? Unleash this unique experience by visiting the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which connects Council Bluffs to Omaha, Nebraska, over the Missouri River! Try the 0.9K challenge to receive an official 0.9K marathon sticker! Head over to Visit Omaha's website for more information about the challenge.

8. Camping at Lake Manawa State Park

The recently opened modern campground at Lake Manawa State Park is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway! The campground features 40 sites with modern amenities and is connected to the Lake Manawa State Park Beach, Dream Playground, and the park's beautiful trail system. You won't run out of things to do here!

Visit our website to learn more and to book your stay!

9. Travel down the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway for the best views

Check out the summer glow of the Loess Hills by driving the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway! Rated among the best in the nation, the 220 miles of paved highway span seven counties along the Missouri River and offer views of the steep, sharply ridged hills that are unique to our area.

10. Ice Cream!

What's summer without a delicious ice cream cone?! Council Bluffs is home to five locally owned ice cream shops that each offer something unique and delicious. Check out Christy Crème for their daily rotating sherbet flavors,  Doozies for a pint of their well-known homemade ice cream, Tastee Treet for their dairy-free Dole Whip, Sugar Makery for their ice cream nachos, and Zaltes for their hard pack home churned ice cream!

But Wait! There's More!

Hidden gems and long-standing favorites abound in Council Bluffs, whether you want to unplug or amp up. Or if you're looking to unveil the nightlife or create your own still life. Discover the fantastic food scene, or take in the unbelievable scenery. You don't have to search far for your new favorite place in Council Bluffs! Check out our recent blogs to get the insider's scoop on all things CB.

For a complete list of attractions, click here!

For a complete list of places to eat, click here!

Are you looking for overnight accommodations? Click here to browse and book your stay!

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Council Bluffs, IA 51501
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