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.
Walking in the Footsteps of History in Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs is steeped in history, especially in the Lincoln-Fairview Historic District and Oakland Avenue neighborhood just north of downtown. From scenic overlooks to centuries-old landmarks, this area offers an immersive glimpse into the city’s storied past—and the influential people who helped shape it.
On my way to explore the neighborhood, I grabbed lunch at 3rd Base Bar & Grill, a local sports bar I’ve driven past countless times but never tried. The menu had a range of daily specials and burgers, and my Southwestern burger—stacked with bacon, cheese, BBQ sauce, and onion straws—was absolutely worth the stop.
With a full stomach, I made my way up Oakland Avenue to the Lincoln Monument, where a statue and plaque commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s 1859 visit to Council Bluffs. During that visit, he met with General Grenville Dodge to scout routes for westward expansion—a conversation that ultimately led to the city being named Mile Zero of the Union Pacific Transcontinental Railroad. The view from the monument is breathtaking, offering a sweeping look at the city below and a quiet moment to reflect on its remarkable past.
The Fairview District itself is full of charm. The hilly streets are lined with historic homes, each one with its own distinctive architectural style from the mid-1800s. I loved seeing how much detail had been preserved, especially on the exteriors. At the top of Oakland Avenue, I arrived at Fairview Cemetery—Council Bluffs’ oldest burial ground, where several notable figures rest.
Thanks to a posted map, I easily found the grave of Amelia Bloomer, a pioneering women’s rights advocate and Council Bluffs resident. Farther into the cemetery is a more secluded site: the ornate memorial for Colonel William Kinsman, a Civil War hero who served under General Dodge. I had no idea either of these landmarks existed before my visit.
Just outside the cemetery gates stands the Ruth Anne Dodge Memorial, often referred to locally as the Black Angel. Ruth was the wife of General Dodge, and the statue was commissioned by her daughters after a powerful dream she experienced before her death—one in which an angel visited her three times. The result is a hauntingly beautiful sculpture with a rich backstory. Around Halloween, the Council Bluffs Historical Society leads paranormal tours in the area, which I’m definitely adding to my fall bucket list.
I’d love to return in autumn to take one of those historical tours and see the tree-lined neighborhood glowing in fall colors. But honestly, no matter the season, this corner of Council Bluffs is a must-visit for history lovers, architecture buffs, or anyone looking to uncover a lesser-known side of the city. Between the Lincoln Monument views, century-old homes, and meaningful monuments, this historic district feels like a walk through time.
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