If you’re a birder (or just someone who loves an excuse for a crisp fall road trip), Pottawattamie County should be on your autumn bucket list. Nestled in western Iowa along the Loess Hills, this area offers some of the best seasonal birding in the state—complete with sweeping views, waterfowl-packed lakes, and even a chance to paddle a scenic water trail while you birdwatch. Plan your trip anytime from mid-September through early November, when the leaves blaze gold and crimson and migration is at its peak. Make Council Bluffs your home base, with comfortable hotels that put you close to every stop along the way.
Raptors on the Move at Hitchcock Nature Center
First stop is Hitchcock Nature Center, a must-visit for any fall birder. This park isn’t just beautiful—it’s historically significant as the first place in Iowa to be designated an Important Bird Area. Every autumn, Hitchcock becomes a hotspot for migrating raptors, and the HawkWatch program makes it easy for visitors to experience the action. Climb up to the observation tower to join bundled-up birders as volunteers call out sightings—“Red-tailed hawk! Sharp-shinned! Bald eagle!”—while these magnificent birds soar overhead.
Waterfowl Wonders at Lake Manawa State Park
The wide-open water and surrounding wetlands at Lake Manawa State Park near Council Bluffs attract huge numbers of ducks, geese, and swans each fall. Walk along the shoreline and just listen—hundreds of geese honking over the wind, the soft whistle of ducks settling on the lake. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time with binoculars in hand.
A Quirky Gem: The Stempel Bird Museum
Take a detour to the little town of Macedonia in eastern Pottawattamie County to visit the Stempel Bird Museum. It’s one of those hidden gems you only find on a backroads road trip—a small but fascinating collection of mounted bird specimens that gives you an up-close look at Iowa’s avian diversity. It’s the perfect way to balance the thrill of spotting birds in the wild with the quiet appreciation of studying them up close.
Open by Appointment: Ruby (712) 486-2568; Donna (712) 486-2580; City Hall (712) 486-2323.
Paddling the West Nishnabotna Water Trail
If you want to mix some adventure into your birding, plan time for the West Nishnabotna Water Trail. Even in fall, it’s a peaceful float, winding through the countryside with herons fishing along the banks and kingfishers darting ahead of your canoe. It’s a slower, quieter way to take in the season—and a great reminder that birding isn’t just about the species you see but the places you get to explore.
When to Go
The peak of raptor migration at Hitchcock is mid-September through mid-November, with October being especially active. Waterfowl numbers at Lake Manawa are typically highest in late October through early November, making mid-to-late fall an ideal time to plan your trip.
Sample One-Day Birding Itinerary
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8 AM – Arrive at Hitchcock Nature Center to catch early raptor activity and chat with HawkWatch volunteers.
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11:30 AM – Head to Macedonia for a quick lunch at the Back Forty Bar & Grill and a visit to the Stempel Bird Museum.
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1:30 PM – Launch onto the West Nishnabotna Water Trail for an afternoon paddle and birdwatching along the scenic waterway.
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4:30 PM – Wrap up the day at Lake Manawa State Park, where you can watch flocks of waterfowl settling in for the evening.
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Evening – Enjoy dinner in nearby Council Bluffs, then settle in for the night. With a hotel stay, you’ll be perfectly positioned to catch even more birding magic the next morning.
Keep Exploring This Fall in Pottawattamie County
Birding is just one of the many ways to enjoy the beauty of the season in Pottawattamie County. From colorful fall foliage to pumpkin patches and outdoor adventures, autumn here is full of opportunities to slow down and soak in the scenery. Plan your perfect fall day—and book your stay using the button below!
