Why travelers keep coming back to Council Bluffs
Join Family Travel Nomads as they share why they now consider our area one of the top winter destinations in the region. In this blog, they offer a firsthand look at their journey through local gems, highlighting what makes our area a must-visit for winter adventurers.
Family Travel Nomads’ Winter Getaway Begins
When late winter leaves you twiddling your thumbs, step up and step out to explore what’s new in the Council Bluffs and Omaha metro!
February and March are the perfect time to test your affinity for local finds, and you’ll be stoked to know there’s plenty brewing on both sides of the Missouri River. So saddle up, lace up those adventure boots, and seize the weekend. We’ve got a few things you’re gonna want to see!
Skiing at the Revamped Mt. Crescent Ski Area
We’re officially in ‘Season Three’ of Mt. Crescent Ski Area, owned by Pottawattamie County Conservation. And despite a fickle winter, with Mt. Crescent making its own snow, there's always a 100% chance of fresh powder – the hill is where everybody goes! And we mean everybody from the un-skiers, to the newbs, to kids from toddlers to tweens, the tricky teens, their ‘rents, and even ski gramps. It doesn’t get much more family-friendly than this. Everybody is welcome to ski (or at least try to) at Mt. Crescent, and the hill culture emphatically represents all of that.
Know the Slopes Before You Go
Mt. Crescent Ski Area is a 40-acre ski park located 15 miles north of downtown Council Bluffs and Omaha. It has a summit elevation of 1,500 feet and a 300-foot vertical descent. In total, you’ll find nine different ski trails, a terrain park, and a tubing hill. Most of the park caters to beginner and intermediate skiers, but there are also a few small areas for black diamond and double black diamond skiing.
Before your visit, fill out waivers and personal details online to speed up the entry process, especially on high-traffic days. If you plan to rent equipment, it’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes before any scheduled ski lessons.
Mt. Crescent Ski Area supplies the following equipment & services:
- Ski and snowboard rentals, ski and snowboarding boots, helmets & ski poles
- Ski lifts that require the purchase of a lift ticket
- Individual and group skiing and snowboarding lessons
- On-site food, snacks, and bar
- On-site lockers
- Warming huts
Days and hours of operation vary based on the season, weather, and snow accumulation.
Please visit the Mt. Crescent website for current conditions.
Checking into Science at Omaha’s Kiewit Luminarium
The Kiewit Luminarium opened along the Missouri River in April 2023. The stunner of a building flanks the Omaha banks, quickly drawing in eyes from the Council Bluffs’ Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park.
Don’t resist the urge to stroll across the river via the Bob the Bridge to check it out. ‘Kiewit’ or ‘The Luminarium,’ as locals are beginning to call it, has quickly become a staple of the riverfront scene and a must-do in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. You can also drive to Kiewit and park in the front parking lot on the west side of the museum.
What is the Kiewit Luminarium?
The Kiewit Luminarium is a state-of-the-art museum in Omaha. It’s designed with a revolutionary concept that combines science, math, art, play, and human perception. The massive 82,000-foot building features over 100 unique exhibits designed as full-sensory experiences. More or less, it’s a hands-on museum for the big kids (and the kids who never grew up)!
By the big kids, we mean Kiewit isn’t a children’s museum for preschoolers and younger. Instead, it was developed with kids aged 6+ in mind, although younger children are not prohibited. And attending with children certainly isn’t required! It’s truly a museum for all ages, with exhibits to challenge and amuse visitors with any curiosity.
Kiewit Luminarium Tickets
Making reservations for your visit in advance is required as Kiewit honors a timed entry system to ensure the enjoyment of all visitors. Reservations and tickets can be purchased online at Kiewit Luminarium.
Tickets are $19.95 for kids ages 5-17 and $24.95 for adults. Special rates are available for teachers, military members, and seniors. Children under five and Indigenous people visit for free.
Kiewit Luminarium Hours
Kiewit is closed on Tuesdays. It is open on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays are adult-only nights from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Escape the City at the Refreshed Arrowhead Park Cabins
Arrowhead Park is a go-to spot for in-the-know locals looking for a city escape and peaceful outdoor adventure. The 147-acre park is located in Neola, about 25 miles northeast of the downtown Council Bluffs/Omaha area. The park remains open through the winter and offers incredible opportunities for wildlife sightings, bird watching, ice fishing, and hiking. Additionally, the five cabins have recently been updated and are available for winter bookings.
Renovated Camping Cabins at Arrowhead Park
All five cabins at Arrowhead Park have undergone extensive renovations and have been fully converted from camping cabins to modern, full-use cabins. Yet they remain incredibly affordable and convenient for small and large groups!
Each cabin now has separate bedrooms, a kitchen, and modern restrooms. Choose from 1-bedroom cabins that sleep 6 for $100 per night, 3-bedroom cabins that sleep 10 for $165 per night, or the 4-bedroom loft that sleeps 12 for $175 per night.
Cabin rentals must be booked online at least 3 nights before your stay, and you must book for at least two nights. Pets and smoking are not allowed.
About Family Travel Nomads
The Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau invited Family Travel Nomads to visit Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County during the winter season to explore Mt. Crescent Ski Area and other regional offerings. After their visit, they wrote and provided this blog. They run an awesome Instagram page to teach families how to plan sustainable travel in rural and urban areas! Check them out by clicking here.
