Council Bluffs isn't just that place you see across the river from Omaha. Honestly, it’s a massive transportation hub in its own right, tucked into the Loess Hills of Southwest Iowa. If you’re looking for directions to Council Bluffs Iowa, you’re likely coming from one of three directions: the endless cornfields of the east, the urban sprawl of Omaha to the west, or the long stretch of I-29 from the north or south. It's easy to get here. Staying here? That's when you realize the city has a weirdly fascinating history involving Abraham Lincoln and a whole lot of railroads.
Getting here is basically a choice between two massive interstates. You have Interstate 80 and Interstate 29. They meet here like a giant concrete handshake.
The Interstate 80 Route: Coming from the East or West
If you're driving in from Des Moines or Chicago, you're on I-80 West. It’s a straight shot. You’ll know you’re getting close when the landscape starts to roll a bit more. The Iowa countryside is flatter than a pancake until you hit the western edge of the state. Then, the Loess Hills show up. These are unique glacial deposits that only exist in a few places on Earth, and Council Bluffs is built right into them.
Take Exit 8. That’s the big one. It drops you right near the Mid-America Center.
Coming from the west? You’re crossing the Missouri River from Omaha. You’ve got the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge on your left—look for the big white pylons. You'll likely use the I-80/I-480 split. If you want to hit the casinos or the historic Haymarket District, stay in the right lanes as you cross the bridge. The "Dual Divided Freeway" setup they have going on now is a bit intense. They spent years and millions of dollars on the Council Bluffs Interstate System (CBIS) project to make sure people didn't lose their minds during rush hour.
It’s way better than it used to be. Usually.
North and South: The I-29 Corridor
Interstate 29 is the lifeline for anyone coming from Kansas City or Sioux City. If you’re heading north from KC, it’s about a three-hour drive. You’ll pass through a lot of floodplain land. When you see the giant grain elevators of the Council Bluffs south side, you’re there.
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Exit 50 is a common entry point. It puts you near the Manawa area.
Lake Manawa State Park is a huge draw here. If your directions to Council Bluffs Iowa are leading you to a weekend of boating, this is your exit. It's a "cutoff lake," which is basically a fancy way of saying the Missouri River moved and left a giant hole filled with water behind.
One thing to watch out for is the interchange where I-29 and I-80 merge. It’s a "confluence." For a few miles, you are on both highways at the same time. It can be confusing if you aren't paying attention to the signs. Just keep an eye on the overhead gantries. They’re pretty well-marked since the 2024-2025 roadwork completions.
Getting to the Historic 100 Block
So, you’ve made it into the city limits. Now what?
Most people want the 100 Block of West Broadway. This is the heart of the old city. To get there, take the Broadway exit off I-29 (Exit 53A). Follow Broadway east. You’ll pass a lot of fast food and car dealerships, but keep going. Eventually, the buildings get older, the brickwork gets more intricate, and you’ll see the iconic signage.
The 100 Block is where the nightlife is.
- Barley’s is a staple for beer lovers.
- The 1892 Beer House has that old-school vibe.
- 712 Eat + Drink is further out but worth the drive for actual local flavors.
The streets here are on a grid, mostly. But because of the hills, some roads just... end. Or they turn into 45-degree inclines that will test your car’s transmission in the winter. If you're heading toward the Lincoln Monument, prepare for some winding climbs.
The "Shortcut" No One Tells You About
If you’re coming from the Omaha airport (Eppley Airfield) and want to avoid the mess of downtown Omaha traffic, don't take the interstate.
Take Abbott Drive south. It turns into Cuming Street, but you want to hang a left on Locust. Follow that across the Locust Street Bridge. It’s a much quieter way to enter Council Bluffs from the north. You’ll come in right by the casinos (Ameristar and Harrah’s). It saves you about ten minutes of staring at brake lights on the I-480 bridge during peak hours.
Navigating the Bridges
There are three main bridges connecting Omaha and Council Bluffs.
- The I-480 Bridge (Bridge of Hope): Connects downtown Omaha to Broadway in Council Bluffs.
- The I-80 Bridge: The heavy lifter for cross-country travelers.
- The South Omaha Bridge (Hwy 275): Great if you’re trying to get to the south side of the city without dealing with the main interstate junction.
Locals call the Missouri River "The Big Muddy." It’s earned the name. When the river is high, some of the low-lying roads near the casinos can get sketchy, but after the levee reinforcements of the last decade, it’s rarely an issue for travelers anymore.
Rail Fans and the Golden Spike
Council Bluffs is Mile Zero for the Union Pacific Railroad. If your directions to Council Bluffs Iowa are specifically for the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, you're heading to 200 Pearl Street.
It’s a gorgeous Beaux-Arts building.
You can’t miss it—it looks like a temple to the gods of locomotives. To get there from the interstate, take the 4th Street exit and head north. Parking is usually easy unless there’s a massive event at Bayliss Park across the street.
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Practical Logistics and Weather Tips
Iowa weather is basically a mood swing.
If you are following directions to Council Bluffs Iowa in January, check the DOT "511" app. Black ice on the I-80/I-29 interchange is a real thing. The wind whips across the river and turns the bridges into skating rinks. In the summer? It's the humidity. You'll feel like you're breathing through a warm, wet washcloth.
Gas stations are everywhere, but the ones near the Mid-America Center are usually priced higher. Drive five minutes into the residential areas or toward the 24th Street corridor to save a few cents per gallon.
Essential Stops for the Weary Traveler
If you’ve been driving for six hours and just hit the city limits, you need a break.
- Dittmer’s Service: If you need a real mechanic and not just a chain shop.
- Cascio’s Steakhouse: Technically across the river, but a Council Bluffs favorite for decades.
- The Black Squirrel: You’ll see statues of them everywhere. Yes, they are real. No, they aren't dyed. They are a genetic quirk of the local squirrel population.
Finding the Hidden Gems
Don't just stick to the GPS. Sometimes the "fastest route" isn't the best one. If you have time, take the Loess Hills Scenic Byway. You can jump on it just north of the city. It’s a winding two-lane road that gives you views of the valley that you simply won't get from the interstate.
You’ll see the Omaha skyline glowing in the distance, framed by ancient golden hills. It’s probably the most "Instagrammable" spot in the region.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you put the car in gear, do these three things:
- Check the Iowa 511 Map: The CBIS project is mostly done, but "maintenance" is a permanent state of being in the Midwest.
- Download an Offline Map: The Loess Hills can be spotty for cell service if you wander too far off the main drag.
- Set Your Destination to "The 100 Block": If you're looking for the soul of the city, start there and branch out.
Council Bluffs is a city of layers. It’s a railroad town, a gambling town, and a gateway to the West. Following the right directions to Council Bluffs Iowa is just the start—the real trick is knowing which exit leads to the best tenderloin sandwich.
Head toward the hills. You can't miss them.