This summer, we’re exploring Council Bluffs through firsthand adventures — one local gem at a time. Follow along as Emily Newby, an intern with the Council Bluffs CVB, shares authentic experiences from trails to treats, and everything in between.
A Scenic Walk Surrounded by Art
After construction finished for the new First Avenue Trail, the City of Council Bluffs teamed up with the Iowa West Foundation to bring life to the trail with a stunning lineup of Council Bluffs-inspired murals by local artists on buildings and electrical boxes.
Before starting my journey, I grabbed a hot chocolate and a cinnamon crunch muffin from Backpacker’s Brew, a new local coffee shop just steps from the trailhead.
I decided to start at the trail’s end on First Ave and 35th Street and work my way up to the eastern end on 15th Street. The first mural I saw was the eye-catching Fabric of Council Bluffs mural, featuring a streetcar and an homage to World Radio Laboratories.
One of the stops along the First Avenue Trail is Cochran Park. This spot is a must-see, as it features three murals all in the same place: the electrical box mural, the empowering youth for global change mural, and the Council Bluffs Public Library Kiosk mural. The First Avenue Trail also includes the convenient Council Bluffs Public Library kiosk, where visitors of all ages can check out books and movies for free with their library card. How cool is that?
While observing the Dream Builder Mural on South 21st Street, I noticed a group of artists actively creating a new mural at the building across the street. It looked to be a massive locomotive with different boxcars. It’s wonderful to see that this project is continuing to grow, bringing even more color and life to the area.
Overall, my favorites were the 28th Street electrical box mural with butterflies, which was vibrant and detailed, and the 20th Street building with a beautiful transportation tribute from rails to trails.
This trail is a perfect way to enjoy the Midwest weather year-round, get some exercise with family or friends, and admire incredible local artwork. Be sure to pause at Cochran Park along the way to soak it all in!
