January – Winterfest Xtreme Bike Ride
Kick off the year by joining Council Bluffs’ Xtreme Winterfest Bike Ride at the Western Historic Trails Center. For those with New Year’s resolutions to better their health in 2019, this is a great activity to help you meet those goals.
February – Dinner at Harrah’s 360 Steakhouse
Whether you have someone to celebrate Valentine’s Day with or not, this February, treat yourself to a fabulous dinner at Harrah’s 360 Steakhouse. The restaurant boasts fantastic views of the metro area and is even on OpenTable’s 100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America for 2017.
March – Tour The Historic General Dodge House
After being closed for the winter months, The Historic General Dodge House reopens in March. The house beckons visitors back in time to the 1800s with antique furnishings and décor. The three-story Victorian home is a must-see for history buffs.
April – Hike at Hitchcock Nature Center
Enjoy April’s warmer weather at Hitchcock Nature Center. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. Springtime at Hitchcock is great for songbird sighting, camping, and hiking. There’s also a playground for your little ones!
May –Celebrate CB & Loessfest
Council Bluffs has a lot to celebrate in May! First, enjoy a week of community pride with Celebrate CB! Last year’s event included a concert at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, the annual Celebrate CB parade, a superhero event for kids, and a selfie contest! There’s something for everyone.
Keep the celebration going at Loessfest on Memorial Day weekend. Previous headliners have included The Beach Boys and John Stamos, Chicago, and KC and the Sunshine Band.
P.S. May is also the month our farmers markets tend to come back like Council Bluffs Farmers Market in Bayliss Park and River City Farmers Market. Keep an eye out for their start dates!
June – Float down the West Nishnabotna Water Trail
Celebrate the beginning of summer with a trip down the West Nishnabotna Water Trail. Rubber Duck Outfitters in Hancock offers tube, canoe, kayak, and tanking rentals. It’s a fantastic way to spend a warm summer day!
July – Choo choo! Check out Railroad Days
This annual event takes place at five different locations throughout Council Bluffs and Omaha, celebrating all things train and track. Visit Council Bluffs’ Union Pacific Railroad Museum, Historic General Dodge House, and the RailsWest Museum and Omaha’s Lauritzen Gardens and The Durham Museum. Visitors will be able to climb aboard old steam engines, learn more about the story of the Transcontinental Railroad, see model train exhibits, and much more!
This year also happens to be the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad. As mile zero, Council Bluffs will definitely be celebrating! We’re excited to see what’s in store.
August – Rock out at Stir Concert Cove
Throughout the summer months, Harrah’s Stir Concert Cove hosts some of music’s best acts. While only a few artists for the 2019 season have been announced, the season is already looking great with May performances by Chicago and Dwight Yoakam followed by Train and Goo Goo Dolls in June. We can’t wait to find out who is coming in August!
September – A Visit to Ditmars Orchard
Welcome the coming of fall with a trip to Ditmars. Walk amongst apple orchards, sip on wine, and try apple cider doughnuts! The orchard usually has live music on select nights, and you’ll want to make a special trip out for their annual hot air balloon festival.
October – Take a Squirrel Cage Jail Flashlight Tour
In celebration of the Halloween season, Council Bluffs’ Squirrel Cage Jail hosts flashlight tours on select evenings in October. The tours are similar to the ones given during normal business hours, except with a spooky twist: no lights and folks in costume sneak around the jail.
Rest assured, it’s not too scary or too dark. It can be a family-friendly event, depending on your child’s tolerance of the dark.
November – See the view at Lewis & Clark Monument Scenic Overlook
As the air begins to chill, enjoy the last of the fall weather and colors with an outing to the Lewis & Clark Monument Scenic Overlook. The outlook oversees Council Bluffs, the Missouri River, and the Omaha skyline. Nearby trails are available for hikers and nature lovers.
December – Join the 5th Annual 100 Block Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
End the year on a holly jolly note and head down to the 100 Block for a festive pub crawl. Just don’t forget your ugly sweater! The yearly event is a great way to try out different bars and restaurants on the block. Plus, what better way to end the year than with good food and holiday spirit?
