Much of the world knows about iconic cities by the bay, by the sea, and by the mountains. But what about a city by the bluffs?
If this sounds intriguing it’s time to take a closer look at Iowa. The landscapes boast far more than the undulating row crops it’s known for. In fact, the heartland state hides one of the rarest landforms in the world. The Loess Hills.
And alongside these spectacular hilly dunes is a Midwest city you might not know either. The City by the Bluffs aka Council Bluffs, Iowa. It’s a sleepy city, quaint and cozy, perched on the water, and nestled in the hills. And it’s brimming with historical significance, charming urban parks, and surprising sustainability initiatives.
What are the Loess Hills?
The Loess Hills are a fragile, unique, and temporary landform known to exist in only two geographic locations around the globe: Iowa and China.
The Loess Hills get their name from their Loess soil composition, a unique sugar-like dirt (also known as glacial flour) that once drifted across The Great Plains following the last ice age. Eventually, the dunes solidified into today’s regal hills, thanks to the flourishing prairie that rooted and covered Iowa.
So while the rest of Iowa is composed mostly of sweeping plains covered in row crops, the Loess Hills presents a unique landscape; a 200-mile swathe of scenic ridges peaking 200 feet above the Missouri River flat plains.
The Best Places to See the Loess Hills in Council Bluffs
Hitchcock Nature Center
Just 13 miles north of Council Bluffs, find the Hitchcock Nature Center, the pole star of Loess Hills adventures! It’s a 1,300-acre parcel of publicly accessible conservation lands bursting with scenery, an incredible interpretive lodge, primitive cabins, campgrounds, RV sites, hiking trails, bird watching & more.
Arrowhead Park
Arrowhead Park is a favorite outdoor destination for Council Bluffs families, a 147-acre park just 25 miles northeast of Council Bluffs. It’s a great place for fishing, paddle boat or canoe rentals, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing plus it has several sports courts, primitive cabins, modern cabins, tent camping, picnic shelters, and playgrounds.
Many visitors enjoy the unique diversity of wildlife in the Loess Hills including migratory waterfowl and raptors, deer, coyotes, bison, elk, and the occasional black bear. There are even several endangered species in the region like the red-cockaded woodpecker, the upland sandpiper, the western spadefoot toad, the yucca moth, and the northern grasshopper mouse.
Sustainable Things to do in Council Bluffs
Walk on the World-famous Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Visiting Council Bluffs without stopping to see Bob would be a serious blunder. Bob, as the locals call it, is actually a bridge. It’s formally known as the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, and at nearly 3,000 feet in length, it’s one of the longest pedestrian bridges ever built. It’s also an inspiring social collaboration; the result of two cities and two states partnering to connect their remarkable green spaces across a major river - and a border!
Visit an Icon of American History: the Union Pacific Railroad Museum
The city of Council Bluffs first became a township in the mid 19th Century and was a pivotal part of numerous historic trails including the Oregon Trail, the Mormon Trail, and the Lewis & Clark Trail. And later, in 1863, Council Bluffs was designated by President Abraham Lincoln, as the official starting point of the Transcontinental Railroad.
Therefore, it makes perfect sense for The Union Pacific Railroad Museum to be located in the heart of the Council Bluffs historic district. It includes three floors of exquisite, interactive exhibits designed to invoke a love of history, presidents, and railroads in visitors of all ages. The museum is free, but it’s so impressively done it’s hard to exit without leaving a donation.
Support a Local Farm at Ditmar’s Orchard
One of the most sustainable things we can do as locals and travelers is to buy locally-grown seasonal fruits and food products. Orchards like Ditmars, located just 6 miles from downtown Council Bluffs provide the perfect opportunity to do just that. Ditmars provides endless experiences like hayrack rides, creative play zones, and outdoor music.
Where to Eat at Sustainable Restaurants in Council Bluffs
If you need help learning where to eat in Council Bluffs, start with these two commendable restaurants:
Boxer Barbeque
Located on Main street, just a few minutes' walk from the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, Boxer Barbeque is the perfect stop for lunch after a tour. The menu is a complication of classic Midwest barbeque with in-house rubs and sauces served in monstrous portions. And the chef is dedicated to sourcing Choice and Prime grade Certified Angus Beef, best quality Butchers Block Pork, and local ingredients whenever possible.
Boxer Barbeque has been serving the community for 15 years and recently moved to its current historic location. During the renovation, an intact mural from 1877 was uncovered. It has been preserved and is now the focal point of the banquet hall that feels a lot like an underground pub.
712 Eat + Drink
712 Eat + Drink is the epitome of urban sustainable food options, serving from its graffiti-inspired open-concept kitchen and breezy, outdoor patio. The menu subtly caters to all, with garden fresh flavors suitable for traditional diets, vegan, and vegetarian palates. Not to mention, they have a better-than-average kids' menu, and a very long list of cocktails, too! They are uber passionate about local ingredients and recipes from scratch (don’t miss their house ranch dressing), and it shows!
About Family Travel Nomads
In October, the Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau invited Family Travel Nomads to visit Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County to explore the Loess Hills during the fall season. This blog was written and provided by them after their visit. They run an awesome Instagram page where their goal is to teach families how to plan sustainable travel in both rural and urban areas! Check them out by clicking here.
