A bold new outdoor experience is on the horizon in Council Bluffs! Rising along the Missouri River, the MidAmerican Energy Adventure Tower is set to add an exciting vertical element to Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park. After a brief construction delay due to flooding, work on the innovative tower is back in motion and gaining momentum.
Climb Higher. Explore Deeper. Glide Farther.
This two-phase project designed to bring more activity and adventure to the Iowa side of the riverfront is being led by the Southwest Iowa Nonprofit for Collective Impact (SINC) in partnership with the City of Council Bluffs. Phase one of the tower is expected to be completed in Summer 2026 and will feature three adrenaline-pumping attractions:
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A world-class climbing wall, built to standards used in Olympic-style speed climbing competitions
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An immersive caving experience built right into the tower
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A thrilling roller glide ride that soars through the trees and loops back to the structure
Access to the tower will come via an elevated walkway from the levee, and public seating areas will be built in to encourage gathering and relaxation. Although these features will be ticketed, SINC is actively working with local partners to ensure that families of all income levels can take part.
Into The Wilds
This isn’t just about high-flying fun, it’s also about embracing the natural beauty of the area. The design team intentionally leaned into the character of “The Wilds”, a nickname for the lush tree-filled area nearby. The Wilds will make the Iowa side of the riverfront feel distinctively more green and grounded than its urban counterpart across the water.
More to Explore at River’s Edge
This transformation is already underway across River’s Edge. Visitors can explore Belles’ Play Garden, a completed nature-inspired play space featuring Missouri River-themed elements and a 15-foot-tall pelican structure.
Looking ahead, a treetop walk is set to open in 2026, offering a half-mile of elevated pathways through the trees and connecting to both the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and the Adventure Tower. The experience will extend even further with the addition of a new pier, giving visitors the chance to step out above the water and take in the river from an entirely new perspective.
Looking ahead, a dog park and a playground are expected to open in 2027. Get ready, River’s Edge is going vertical, and the adventure is just beginning!
