Casinos are far from the only thing to see in the area, though. In fact, there are many great activities for the whole family to enjoy throughout the city. Here are just a few of them.

Museums

One of the great things about Council Bluffs is that it’s full of some wonderful museums, especially museums related to the rich railroad history within the city. Visiting those museums can be a great activity that the whole family can enjoy.

The RailsWest Railroad Museum is one of the best railroad museums in the city. It even has several historic train cars on display outside. Among them is a Burlington Lounge car. Adults and children alike will love seeing all of the different old train cars and learning about the history of the railroad in the area.

A Walk In The Park

Another area attraction is Bayliss Park. The park has always been a favorite of locals and visitors but, thanks to some wonderful renovations, it’s now better than ever before. The fountain, known as Wellspring, and the Oculus performance pavilion are not to be missed.

Theaters And Shows

Speaking of performances, there are many great shows to catch at various places in the city. The Chanticleer Community Theater and the Westfair Amphitheater are not to be missed. On top of that, of course, there are other performances at the various casinos in the area. There are also a lot of sporting events held in the area that the whole family an enjoy.

Dining And Shopping

Of course, two of the biggest activities of choice in Council Bluffs are dining and shopping. There are many great restaurants to visit, both inside and outside of the casinos. Jack Binion’s Steak House has a wonderful reputation for both steaks and seafood, for instance. TJ Cinnamon’s, HuHot Mongolian Grill and the Scott Street Grill are just a few of them.

As for shopping, there are many great places for that, too. Mall of the Bluffs, for example, is full of great shopping. It also features plenty of entertainment and lots of great dining opportunities. There are also many other shopping venues spread throughout the city that whole families can enjoy.

Other Things To Do

Of course, there’s always the gambling to consider. The casinos at Council Bluffs are full of every type of table game imaginable. They also host frequent poker tournaments, including WSOP events.

On top of that, many of the casinos and hotels in the area feature swimming pools, golfing, sight seeing tours and more. In fact, many of the great attractions are inside, including several swimming pools, so they can be enjoyed at any time of year.

Council Bluffs is rapidly gaining a reputation as a gambling venue. Clearly, though, that isn’t all it has to offer. There’s plenty to keep the noon-gamblers or the under age visitors busy. So, Council Bluffs is fun for everyone, regardless of their age or interests.

Your Casino Hotels Options

Council Bluffs is a city full of gambling options. The first choice is, of course, where to gamble, or is it? Really, before you can decide where to gamble, you need to look at some of what each gambling establishment has to offer. For example, at the Horseshoe, they have live greyhound racing telecasts, for those that like that sort of thing.

If you’re there strictly for slots and table gaming, once casino is similar to another. All of them feature great slots and great table games. Some just feature slightly different table games than others. For example, if you’re coming to Council Bluffs in hopes of playing baccarat, be sure to stay at a casino with lots of baccarat games.

On the other hand, if your game is poker, you can enjoy visiting any of the casinos in the city. They all offer great poker games and most of them offer those games twenty-four hours a day. The poker games can be played at various stakes levels. You can even find some unusual new poker games to try, such as Razz, at some of them On the other hand, if you choose to stick to the more traditional Texas Holdem, you might be able to enjoy watching some of your favorite famous players play, or even play right along with them.

Other Offerings

Of course, when you choose a casino, you also have to consider its other offerings, not just its games. For example, think about what you plan to eat. The Horseshoe is home to one of the famous Jack Binion’s Steakhouses. You won’t find that at other casinos in Council Bluffs, but you will find other great restaurants. So, a lot depends on what you like.

There are also amenities offered by all of the casinos. Some of them include swimming pools, on site hotels, indoor arcades and midway games for the kids and, of course, plenty of shops and shopping kiosks. Each casino is a little different, so you should take the time to select one that has the amenities that you will enjoy the most.

Location

Location of each casino is another thing to consider. Some hotel casinos may be closer to other things you plan to do in the city than others, after all. Most of them, though, offer shuttle bus services, maps and friendly employees who will help to get you where you need to go.

So, as you can see, there are many casino offerings in Council Bluffs. It’s not just all about the games. Be sure to consider everything that each casino has to offer, as you plan a vacation there. Then, you can make the most of your Casino time in Council Bluffs.

Booking For Intent

Booking for intent means, basically, booking a hotel based on what you plan to do. For example, if you plan to go to Council Bluffs to gamble, you may want to book your stay at one of the hotel casino combinations. That way, you don’t even have to leave the building to accomplish your goal, let alone drive straight across town.

Booking For Central Location

If you plan to do several things around Council bluffs, such as visit one or more of the railroad museums, you might want to think a little differently. You may want to pick a hotel to stay in that is centrally located between all of the things you plan to see and do. That way, you’ll cut back on your travel time.

Booking For Budget

Of course, especially with the state of today’s economy, booking for budget is also important. Staying in one of the popular hotel casinos in the city can be fun, but it can also be expensive. It can really cut costs, sometimes, if you’re willing to stay in one of the smaller hotels within the city.

Many such hotels offer shuttle service to the casinos or coupons for gambling or nighttime entertainment shows. So, it can be advantageous to use their special offers.

Booking With Discounts

Speaking of special offers, there are many ways to get a deal on hotel stays, if you plan to visit council bluffs. One way is to go during the off season. By doing so, you can often get discounted rates on hotels, shows, meals and more.

Another way to get great hotel discounts in Council Bluffs is to book your vacation through a travel agent. Often, you can get complete plans that include meal vouchers and show tickets. That can help you to save money, over all.

A third way to get discounts is to order online well ahead of time. The Internet is full of great deals. The further ahead you book, the deeper discounts you can generally get.

Last Minute Booking

Of course, you can’t always book ahead of time. Sometimes, things pop up at the last minute. If you need to book in a hurry, your best bet is to call a few of the hotels in the area and talk to them one on one on the telephone. That way, you should be able to negotiate the best possible rates for your stay.

The Buddy System

Finally, if you’re planning to vacation in Council Bluffs, bring friends or family. Things are always more fun with other people along. Also, other people can help to split the costs for hotels, meals and other expenses that you might encounter during your visit. That way, you can have a fun and inexpensive stay in Council Bluffs.

Waking Up

Waking up in your hotel, regardless of where you stay in Council Bluffs, is bound to be a great experience. The hotels are top notch. Most offer great amenities and features, including wonderful breakfast buffets or room service options. Even if breakfast isn’t served right where you choose to stay, there are many great eateries in the bluffs. Visiting one of the many bakery shops, diners or cafes in the area is as simple as a short walk down the street, in most cases.

Morning Activities

Early morning is a great time to shop in Council Bluffs. Many people sleep late, so the crowds are low. Yet, the casinos are open around the clock, so many of the stores within them are, too. Morning is also a great time to take a walk through Bayliss Park or one of the many similar parks in the area.

Lunch

For lunch, the possibilities are practically limitless. There are many buffets, sandwich shops and pizza parlors in the area. Aside from those, though, you can find many different foods from around the world within the casinos themselves or the rest of the city. So, whether you’d like a sandwich for lunch, Chinese food, Mexican or Italian, there’s something for everyone.

Post Lunch Activities

There are many great post-lunch activities in Council Bluffs, too. For instance, why not take the family to one or more of the many museums in the area? The museums are full of great stories and exhibits about the rich history of Council Bluffs, especially with relation tot he railroads.

On top of that, there are swimming pools, golf courses and theater shows to experience. There are also some great sporting events going on all the time. So, whether you want to take in a ballgame or try your own luck on the golf course, you can do it in Council Bluffs.

Supper

For supper, or dinner, as some people call it, you can’t beat Jack Binion’s Steak House. It has the best seafood and steaks in the city. If that doesn’t appeal to you, though, don’t worry. There are literally hundreds of late night venues where you can get various meals from around the globe.

Late Night Activities

Finally, don’t ignore the night life at Council Bluffs. Late at night, after the kids have gone to bed, the city really starts to shine. There are wonderful experiences to be had, such as enjoying music concerts, stage shows and karaoke bars. Of course, late at night is also a great time to gamble at the casino tables, too. So, be sure that, no matter what time of day it is, you don’t ignore any of what Council Bluffs, Iowa has to offer.

Plan Ahead

If you know you’re going to Council Bluffs, do some research about things to do in the area ahead of time. That way, you can make the most of time spent when you get there. That can be especially helpful if it’s a family vacation and/or if you have severely limited vacation time.

Hotel Booking

Hotels fill up fast in Council Bluffs. So, book your hotel stay as far ahead of time as you can. Also, book as part of a travel package or book online, if you want better discounts.

Remember, when booking a hotel, to keep the hotel’s reputation and location in mind. After all, it can be worth it to stay at a centrally located hotel or a hotel that you know has a reputation for excellence. Also, consider your budget. If your budget is tight, see if some friends want to go along. That way, you can share costs.

Here’s A Tip – Leave A Tip

Another great tip is, once you’re in the city, be sure to tip generously. By giving a generous tip to your waiters, the hotel desk clerk and other strategic people, you may find your stay much improved. Often, you can get into restaurants faster and possibly get upgraded hotel rooms, too.

When In Doubt, Ask

It never hurts to ask for help. So, if you want to try to upgrade your hotel room, get better seats at a show or get quicker service at a restaurant, go for it. The worst that will happen is people will say no. A tip and a polite request can go a long way in Council Bluffs, or almost anywhere, for that matter.

Casino Gambling Tips

If you’re in the city to gamble, you should keep several things in mind. First of all, resist the free drinks. Casinos tend to comp drinks because it alters your reasoning and logic capabilities and makes you lose more. Keep your faculties intact and you should do better at the tables.

Second, try to gamble during off hours. The casinos are open around the clock. So, if you gamble when everyone else seems most tired, you can often maximize your winnings. Just be sure that you aren’t tired at the time yourself. Your chances won’t be improved, after all, if you fall asleep at the tables.

Third, stay in your casino of choice. You can often get discounts for joining the casino’s frequent player program. Sometimes, you can also get discounts for booking your hotel stay within the same casino that you’re gambling in. Casinos like to reward loyalty, after all.

Council Bluffs is a great city to stay in. They have lots of casinos, shows, museums and restaurants there. So, use these tips to make the most of the dining, gambling and attractions. Enjoy your stay in Council Bluffs!

How The City Got Its Name

One of the most important and interesting facts about any city is how it was named. Council Bluffs is no exception to that. It all began in 1804. That was when the famous explorers, Lewis and Clark, met the Otoe Indian tribe.

The meeting was held near what is now called Ft. Calhoun, Nebraska. Then, much later, Council Bluffs became the name for the entire area east of Bellevue, Nebraska.

The Potawatomi

The Potawatomi people were some of the first people to settle in the area that is now called Council Bluffs. That happened after they were forced out of their homes, which were located in what is now Chicago, Illinois.

The Potawatomi were befriended by Father Pierre-Jean De Smet. Father De Smet ran a mission amongst the tribe members.

Kanesville And The Mormon Movement

Around the late 1840’s, what is now Council Bluffs was actually called Kanesville. Kanesville was known for one thing, Mormons. Brigham Young became the second leader of the Mormon Church around that time and all the Mormons who wanted to migrate to Utah began that migration from Kanesville.

Searching for Gold

In 1849, the California gold rush had a major impact on the city of Kanesville, which was a major travel and trading hub. The area was renamed from Kanesville to Council Bluffs and continued to be a major part of the steamboat trade business.

The Railroad Comes To Council Bluffs

In 1867, the Northwestern Railroad came to Council Bluffs. It was followed, two years later, by the Transcontinental Railroad. Then, upon completion of the Union Pacific Missouri River Bridge, Council Bluffs became a major transportation hub for the railroads and the city was booming with business.

Stagnation Encourages Relaxed Laws

Although the mayor opened a greyhound racing park in the 1940’s, it seemed like Council Bluffs had outlived its usefulness. Business was declining and the city was in a state of decay. That all changed when gambling laws were relaxed and casinos began to open up in Council Bluffs in the late 1900’s, though.

Hooray For Harrah’s

Now that Harrah’s and other casinos have moved into Council Bluffs, business is, once again, soaring. The many great casinos offer fun and games for everyone. There are blackjack tables, poker tables, slot machines and more. In fact, players even flock to Council Bluffs to play major poker tournament events, such as WSOP events.

It’s not just the gaming that Harrah’s and other area casinos have helped with, though. They’ve also brought more shopping and more fine dining to the area. Plus, they’ve added many great attractions and events that the entire family can enjoy.

So, the next time you plan a family trip, consider going to Council Bluffs. Just be sure to soak in some if its rich history, while you’re there.

You see, in the late 1980’s, Council Bluffs was slowing down. Business was declining. Buildings were deteriorating. Tourists just weren’t coming. In short, it was a mess and it looked like it would stay that way. There were no signs at all that tourism would ever pick up again.

Iowa Government

The situation very well might have stayed that way, too, if not for the Iowa government officials. They recognized the need for renewal within Council Bluffs. They also recognized the need for more tourism and income for the state. They settled on one simple solution, to bring gambling to Council Bluffs.

Casinos Popping Up All Over

Once that decision was made, casinos began popping up all over Council Bluffs. The concept was simple. The state would earn revenue from gambling taxes and tourism and the city would get a major reprieve. Harrah’s and Harrah’s Horseshoe, which was redone in 2006, quickly became major tourist spots.

A Face Lift And A Name Change

When Harrah’s Horseshoe was redone, back in 2006, it really revolutionized some ideas about what casino gaming could truly be like. With the new face lift came a new name, too. It was now known as the Horseshoe Council Bluffs.

Gaming At Its Best

Although the name Harrah’s conjures up some great gaming images for many of us, the Horseshoe’s name change didn’t hurt it any. It got out of the shadow of the Harrah’s name so that people could enjoy it in its own right and enjoy it they do. The Horseshoe is gaming at its best.

First of all, it features live broadcasts and special events for those that enjoy greyhound racing or even horse racing. That way, you can feel like you’re at the races and experience the thrill without leaving the casino.

On top of that, it features all of the casino games you might expect to find, and then some. There’s Roulette, Blackjack and slot machines, of course. There’s also Baccarat and, of course, poker.

In fact, there are many different types of poker games available and major events like the WSOP are even scheduled there at various times. So, whether you want to play low stakes Omaha or high stakes Holdem, all you have to do is buy in and pull up a chair. You might even find yourself playing with your favorite poker personalities that you see on TV all the time.

Gambling In The City

Of course, the Horseshoe isn’t the only place to gamble in the city. Ameristar, Harrah’s and other great gambling destinations abound. So, if you enjoy trying your luck at the tables, be sure to stop and experience all of the great gambling activities that Council Bluffs, Iowa has to offer you.

A River Runs By It

The next WSOP Event Spot – Council Bluffs is located near the Missouri River. So, over the years, it’s been a major meeting place for both trade and travel. In fact, the steamboat trade saw the city booming, even when other cities were failing. Also, the California gold rush played a major factor in travelers going through the city. It was around that time that the city got its name.

Mormon Madness

You see, prior to that, the city had been known as Kanesville. Kanesville was a huge gathering spot for Mormons who were looking to travel west to Utah. That meant that business was steady and the city was thriving.

Railroad Ties Improve Travel Trend:

Another big thing that caused gambling to come to Council Bluffs was the railroads. There was no gambling in the late 1860’s, when the railroads first began to converge at the city. However, those railroad lines paved, or int his case railed, the way for casinos and big business to come.

It started in 1867, with the Northwestern Railroad. That was soon followed up by the Transcontinental Railroad. These days, railroads are still a huge part of the city and you can come and go to any number of destinations across the country.

Economic Decline

Despite the railroads, the city eventually began to decline. Business shut down and travel cut back. That lasted for much of the mid to late 1900’s. Then, Iowa officials did something that helped to save the city. They relaxed the gambling laws.

Rebirth Of The City

Shortly after gambling was legalized in Council Bluffs, the city saw a return to the greyhound racing that had originally been tried in the 1940’s. The Bluffs Run Greyhound Park opened in 1986.

The park was followed closely by three casinos coming to the area between 1986 and 2006. Harrah’s, Ameristar and Harrah’s Horseshoe. The Horseshoe actually underwent a major renovation a few years ago. Since then, it’s been the favorite gambling spot for almost all of the travelers visiting the city.

The Influence Of Gambling

Once gambling came to the city, business started to return. Not only do people enjoy the gambling tables, but other businesses have thrived, as a result. For example, there are now more hotels, restaurants and retail stores in the casinos and around the city. All of that means more people spending both time and money within the city limits.

An Uncertain Future

Of course, with the state of today’s economy, the future is uncertain for everyone, regardless of where they are. Council Bluffs, though, is currently the top gambling destination in Iowa. So, the future for it is brighter than you might think. After all, who doesn’t like trying their luck at the casino tables?

Casino Entertainment

Of course, within each of the casinos, there are plenty of live shows to entertain you. For example, the Horseshoe Council Bluffs is the home of the Whiskey Roadhouse. At the Whiskey Roadhouse, you can enjoy a wide variety of acts from around the city and even around the country.

While you’re watching one of the many acts, including Eric Church and Gavin Rossdale, you can enjoy great drinks. The Whiskey Girls can be entertaining, too. But that’s far from the only entertainment to be had in the city.

Performing Arts Abound

Council Bluffs is a mecca for the performing arts. The Mid-America Center is just one example. It’s becoming the most popular entertainment spot in Southwest Iowa. There’s always a lot of fun to be had there.

Another hot spot is Stir Outdoor Cove. Although it’s a seasonal venue, it’s a great place to catch a show. Some great artists have performed for up to 2,500 or so guests at once on its outdoor grassy knoll. Some of the great names who have stopped by to sing their songs include Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson and the Black Crows.

Other Venues

There are many other performance art venues throughout the city. The Westfair Amphitheater, the Arts Center at Iowa Western Community College and the Chanticleer Community Theater have some of the best shows in the city. Although some of them are seasonal, they’re well worth seeing, if you happen to be in the city at the right times.

More Entertainment

Of course, there are many ways to define entertainment. If your idea of entertainment is to frequent nightclubs, there are plenty in the city. On the other hand, you might prefer to take in the sights at a museum. Well, Council bluffs has many of those, too, especially railroad museums.

Wining, dining and relaxing are also popular entertainment for many people. If you’d rather have a romantic dinner and a soak in a hot tub, there are plenty of places in the city to experience that, too.

Gambling

Then there’s the obvious, the gambling. Gambling, as you know, is entertaining in and of itself. At the many casinos throughout the city, you can find almost any game you can imagine.

Casinos aren’t just for poker and slots, though there are plenty of those. If you prefer more of a challenge, be sure to check out the multitude of other games, including baccarat, that the casinos have to offer.

So, the bottom line is that you can define your own idea of entertainment. Regardless of how you define it, though, you can find it in Council Bluffs, Iowa. All you have to do is take the time to look and you can discover some great shows and fun times.

Horseshoe Council Bluffs

The Horseshoe Council Bluffs casino features many eclectic restaurants and eateries. For breakfast, lunch or just to satisfy that sweet tooth, stop into JB’s Cafe. The cafe is open around the clock and provides visitors with great soups and sandwiches. The big draw, though, is the bakery. The cookies, brownies and cakes are fabulous.

Then there’s Jack Binion’s Steakhouse. The Steakhouse, of course, can be found in several casinos throughout the country. The Binion’s Steakhouse chain is known for its great seafood, excellent steaks and wonderful atmosphere.

If you’d like some great live entertainment with your food, you shouldn’t miss the Whiskey Roadhouse at the Horseshoe Council Bluffs. They have live entertainers come in that are both local and national. So, you never know who you might encounter, but it will always be a great place to both eat and see a show.

Harrah’s Council Bluffs

If you plan to stay at the Harrah’s Council Bluffs casino, on the other hand, you may want to dine at the 360 Steakhouse up on the 12th floor. The view from there is incredible and the atmosphere is one of relaxation and fun.

Of course, you can’t eat a view, but the 360 has great food, too. Their seafood and steaks are delicious. Although, you might find yourself eating too many appetizers to stay hungry for the main course, since the appetizers are great too. Even better is the fact that 10% of your bill will be donated to charity if you happen to be dining there on the second Wednesday of a month.

Finding Great Dining Deals

Of course, there are other great restaurants throughout the city. It’s a good idea to explore all of your options. Many times, you can find some great dining deals by looking at online coupons or brochures that are displayed in your hotel.

Also, though, if you book your hotel stay in a casino and you gamble in a casino, that casino is likely to want to keep your business. So, if you stay at one of the many casinos in the area, they may give you comped meals or meal discounts, if you dine at one of the many restaurants within their casino.

In addition to that, you can often get dining discounts if you are part of a frequent player program, frequent diner program or some other program that provides loyalty bonuses to valued customers.

So, when you visit council bluffs, enjoy the gambling and enjoy the entertainment. Just don’t overlook the food. It would be a real shame to miss out on all of the fabulous dining options that the city has to offer. They aren’t to be missed!