We've all been waiting anxiously for the weather to cool down, the leaves to start changing colors, and to pull our favorite sweater out from the back of our closet. Fall has officially arrived, and it's time to enjoy all that mother nature offers this time of year. We've listed our favorite outdoor activities to enjoy in the Pottawattamie County area below so you can plan your next autumn adventure! After a long day exploring the outdoors, unwind with a relaxing stay in a Council Bluffs hotel.
Hiking through the Hills!
There are so many places to hike and enjoy the crisp fall air in the Council Bluffs area! In the city's heart, you will find Fairmount Park, an autumn paradise. The park is lined with various native trees, and numerous trails and lookout spots exist to enjoy.
Enjoy the fiery hues of the prairie at Vincent Bluff State Preserve, which is just minutes away from Fairmount Park. The trails at Vincent Bluff take you to the top of the Loess Hills and gives you spectacular views of the entire metro.
About 20 minutes away from Council Bluffs, you'll find Hitchcock Nature Center, a nature lovers' paradise! Choose from hiking the trails, walking on the boardwalk, watching for birds atop the 45-foot HawkWatch tower, or camping. You won't run out of things to do here!
Bike Riding
The weather is cooling off, and the days are getting shorter, but cycling in autumn is an unbelievable experience! Hit the trails and explore the countryside on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail. The majority of the crushed limestone path is shaded by trees making this a perfect place to check out the changing colors.
Council Bluffs is also home to a 41-mile continuous trail system giving you unlimited amounts of routes to choose from! These paved trails link together, and you can access some of the most popular trails, including the Lake Manawa Recreation Trail, Iowa Riverfront Trail, and FIRST AVE Trail.
Disc Golf + Pickleball
Nestled among the Loess Hills, the Treasure Cove Disc Golf Course has 18 holes and is the perfect place to enjoy a game of frisbee golf! The course is located on Iowa Western Community College's beautiful campus and offers various throw placements, making it an excellent place for beginners and professionals alike.
The sport of pickleball has increased in popularity in the last few years, and there are both indoor and outdoor courts available in Pottawattamie County! At Cochran Park, a small neighborhood park in CB, you will find two recently added pickleball courts which are perfect for a fun autumn game. Located further out in the county, you will find another court in Carson, IA! If the weather is a bit too chilly for your liking, head over to the Iowa West Pickleball Courts for unforgettable fun! Six courts allow you to drop in for a session, but please note that you need to pre-register to play by emailing [email protected].
Find Hotels Near Pickleball Fun
Explore Council Bluffs' + Omaha's Riverfront
Council Bluffs and Omaha are located along the Missouri River, and both offer several activities along the riverfront to fill an afternoon quickly! Start your adventure at Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park, exploring our unforgettable public art. Take the kiddos to play at Belles' Play Garden before you walk across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. This unique bridge allows you to stand in two states simultaneously as you cross the Mighty Mo! Check out our riverfront guide to learn more about nearby dining, Omaha's newly opened parks, and the Kiewit Luminarium.
Embrace Fall in Pottawattamie County
Crisp air, colorful leaves, and endless opportunities for adventure make fall one of the best times to explore Pottawattamie County. Discover more outdoor fall activities in the blogs below!
