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Lake Manawa Recreational Trails

Overview

Enjoy one of Council Bluffs' most popular outdoor destinations along the Lake Manawa Recreational Trails, a scenic network of paved, multi-use paths winding through Lake Manawa State Park. Ideal for walking, biking, jogging, and year-round recreation, the trails provide an easy, family-friendly way to experience the park's lake views, wooded areas, wildlife, and changing seasonal beauty while remaining accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities.

The Lake Manawa Recreational Trails include three easy, paved routes that can be enjoyed individually or combined into a longer outing:

Lake Manawa Trail (2 miles) – The park's primary trail, offering scenic lake views and connections to the surrounding trail network.
Lake Manawa Loop Trail (0.5 miles) – A short loop that's perfect for a leisurely walk, family bike ride, or enjoying the scenery.
Interior Trail (0.65 miles) – An easy connector linking recreational amenities throughout the park and complementing the larger trail system.

Together, the trails connect with the Indian Creek Trail and Wabash Trace Nature Trail, providing access to Council Bluffs' 41-mile connected trail system. Visitors without their own bikes can rent one from the nearby Heartland Bike Share station at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park before exploring Lake Manawa and connecting to additional trails throughout the community. Looking to add more adventure? The nearby Lake Manawa Mountain Bike Trails on the south side of the park offer technical off-road riding for thrill-seekers and experienced cyclists.

Beyond the trails, Lake Manawa State Park offers countless opportunities to extend your visit. Spend time at the beach, launch a kayak or paddleboard, cast a fishing line, enjoy a picnic, or stay overnight at the campground. Families won't want to miss Dream Playground, Iowa's largest ADA-accessible playground, thoughtfully designed to provide an inclusive play experience for children of all ages and abilities. Throughout the year, the park's forests provide colorful fall foliage, spectacular summer sunsets, and opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and other native wildlife.

After exploring the park, enjoy slow-smoked barbecue at BBQ Brother's Cafe, cool off with a treat from Doozies, or park your bike at The Dock Bar & Grill and relax on the patio with food, drinks, and seasonal live outdoor music overlooking the lake.

The Lake Manawa Recreational Trails combine scenic paved paths, family-friendly recreation, and seamless connections to the greater Council Bluffs trail network, making Lake Manawa State Park one of western Iowa's premier destinations for family-friendly outdoor recreation.