Fall is here, and Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County are the perfect places to enjoy the season! Discover outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, and unique autumn experiences, then make a weekend of it with an overnight stay in Council Bluffs.
Festive Fall Events
This season brings community traditions, hands-on creativity, and outdoor adventures across Council Bluffs and beyond. Explore local history, create festive projects, unwind at the orchard, and connect with neighbors through events that capture the spirit of fall.
- Field of Treats
October 20 | 5:30 PM | Iowa West Sports Plex - PACE | Halloween at the Hoff
October 23 | 4 PM | Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center - Squirrel Cage Jail Flashlight Tours
October 23 | 8 PM | Squirrel Cage Jail Museum - Char-BOO-Terie Board Class
October 24 | 12 PM | Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center - 7th Annual Halloween Witchy Woods Walk with Dustin Clayton
October 24 | 2 PM | Hitchcock Nature Center - Trunk-or-Treat
October 24 | 2 PM | Emanuel Lutheran Church ELCA - Trunk or Treat
October 24 | 4 PM | Sherwood Plaza - Trunk or treat
October 24 | 5 PM | Citylight West Council Bluffs - Halloween Candlelight Tours
October 24 | 6 PM | Historic General Dodge House - PACE | Halloween Delights: Culinary class
October 24 | 6:30 PM | Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center - Squirrel Cage Jail Flashlight Tours
October 24 | 8 PM | Squirrel Cage Jail Museum - Spook and Shine Car Show
October 25 | 11 AM | Albright's Auto Parts - Treynor Spooktacular Trunk or Treat & Carnival
October 25 | 1 PM | Treynor Community Center - Iowa Army National Guard Trunk or Treat
October 25 | 2 PM | Council Bluffs Readiness Center - Trunk or Treat
October 25 | 2 PM | St. Patrick Parish Neola - Oakland Trunk and Treat
October 25 | 4 PM | Main Street Oakland - 100 Block Trick or Treat
October 26 | 4 PM | 100 Block of West Broadway - Full Moon Seeds & Cider | Loess Hills Prairie Seed Harvest
October 26 | 5 PM | Hitchcock Nature Center - Halloween Cookie Decorating Class
October 27 | 6:30 PM | The Backyard Event Room - Haunted Bluffs: Session 6 - Evidence Review
October 27 | 7 PM | Looft Hall at Iowa Western - Drop-In! Trick or Treat
October 28 | 10:30 AM | Council Bluffs Public Library - Creekside Trunk or Treat
October 28 | 5:30 PM | Creekside Church - Guided Tour: Squirrel Cage Jail
October 29 | 5 PM | Historic Squirrel Cage Jail - Halloween Costume Party
October 29 | 6 PM | The Coffee Cabin - Willow Wreath Craft
October 29 | 6 PM | Council Bluffs Public Library - Trunk or Treat
October 30 | 6 PM | Living Grace Fellowship Church - Howl-O-Ween Night Hike
October 30 | 6:30 PM | Hitchcock Nature Center - Squirrel Cage Jail Flashlight Tours
October 30 | 8 PM | Historic Squirrel Cage Jail - The Mercantile Market
October 31 | 9 AM | East Pottawattamie Fairgrounds - Spooky Self Care
October 31 | 2 PM | Council Bluffs Public Library - Harvest Party
October 31 | 4 PM | Southside Christian Church - Fall Festival
November 1 | 11 AM | St. Patrick Parish Neola - Bison Fest at Botna Bend
November 7 | 11 AM | Botna Bend Park - Fall Craft: Button Art
November 16 | 6:30 PM | Council Bluffs Public Library - Fall Candles
November 23 | 4 PM | Council Bluffs Public Library
Festive Fall Attractions
Historic Squirrel Cage Jail
Step inside one of Council Bluffs’ most fascinating (and haunted!) landmarks—the Historic Squirrel Cage Jail. Built in 1885, this rare three-story Victorian-Gothic structure is one of only three rotating jails left in the world. In use until 1969, the jail has since become the subject of countless ghost stories and local legends. Visit our blog for dates and information on their flashlight tours that occur through October 30.
Haunted History of the Squirrel Cage Jail
Madness Haunted House
As the leaves turn and the nights grow longer, the spirit of Halloween awakens in Council Bluffs, and there's no better place to embrace the thrill than at Madness Haunted House. This local gem has been scaring and delighting guests since its humble beginnings in 2012, and it has evolved into an unforgettable seasonal attraction housed at the scenic Pioneer Trail Orchard. Tickets are available both on-site and online—if you dare!
Find Hotels Near Fall Attractions
Pumpkin Patches & Orchards
Fall wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a local family-owned pumpkin patch and orchard. Lucky for you, the area has several unforgettable patches and orchards that are sure to give you the best fall vibes!
Experience Rural Iowa
From farmers markets and historic farmsteads to orchards, festivals, and farm-to-table dining, agritourism is at the heart of Pottawattamie County’s identity. Each stop offers a chance to connect with local growers, makers, and traditions that define the region.
Agritourism in Pottawattamie County
Keep the Fall Fun Going!
Fall in Council Bluffs is full of seasonal charm, from outdoor adventures to festive community events. Grab your favorite pumpkin spice treat, soak in the autumn atmosphere, and make the most of the season. Extend your visit with a cozy stay at a Council Bluffs hotel for the perfect fall getaway.
