Whether you're commuting to work or out on your bicycle recreationally, Council Bluffs and rural Pottawattamie County have many fantastic routes. In fact, CB is home to a 41-mile continuous system of trails used by walkers, runners, and cyclists. The trails wind from the east side of Council Bluffs and connect to the Omaha metro through the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.
We've gathered all the information you need for cycling in Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County, including the best trails, bike rental options, and bike shop!
Bike Trails:
Wabash Trace Nature Trail
Length: 63 miles
Parking: Parking is available at the Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail spans 63 miles and over 72 bridges through southwest Iowa as part of a converted railroad right-of-way that runs from Council Bluffs on the north to Blanchard on the Iowa/Missouri Border. It's home to the weekly Thursday Taco Ride and connects to the Lake Manawa Recreational Trail.
First Ave Trail
Length: 2 miles (trail is still under construction)
1st Avenue, a former railroad corridor, is a 66' wide right-of-way stretching from I-29 in the west to Indian Creek in the east. It is one block south of West Broadway and represents an opportunity to link downtown Council Bluffs with downtown Omaha and all points in between. When finished, the trail will run from 16th to 35th Street, about 1.8 miles, and will connect with other trails within Council Bluffs.
Iowa Riverfront Trail
Length: 7.8 miles
Parking: Parking available at Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park
Bike along the scenic Missouri River on the Iowa Riverfront Trail! This trail connects to the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and opens up to Tom Hanafan's River's Edge Park. Traveling south, you'll connect to the Western Historic Trails Center.
Western Historic Trail Center Loop
Length: 1.5-mile loop
Parking: Parking available at Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park or outside the Western Historic Trail Center
The Western Historic Trail Center building is closed, but there is a beautiful trail loop on the property that is still open! The trail takes you along a scenic prairie and connects to the Iowa Riverfront Trail to the northwest, Indian Creek Trail to the west, and Lake Manawa Trail to the southeast.
Indian Creek Trail
Length: 3.5 miles
Parking: Parking available at Sunset Park
Running north to south in Council Bluffs, you'll find the Indian Creek Trail, which runs along Indian Creek from US 275, where it meets the Veterans Memorial Trail and Lake Manawa Trail, to the southwestern edge of Sunset Park on 16th Avenue.
Lake Manawa Recreation Trail
Length: 7.5 miles
Parking: There are several parking lots available at Lake Manawa State Park
Take a scenic ride around Lake Manawa State Park! This trail connects to the Veterans Memorial Trail, the Western Historic Trail Center Loop, and the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, giving you unlimited options for the remainder of your ride!
Valley View Trail
Length: 7.2 miles
Parking: Parking available at Valley View Park or the Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park
The Valley View Trail spans the eastern side of Council Bluffs. The southern end of the trail links with Lake Manawa Trail and the Wabash Trace Nature Trail. The trail's northern end used to end at Iowa Western Community College but is now extended to US 6.
Trail Maps:
Click here to view a digital map of the Council Bluff sand Omaha area trails. For a printed version, click here to download a metro area trail map.
Bike Rentals:
Heartland Bike Share
Looking to explore all of the wonderful trails in Council Bluffs but don't have your own bicycle? No worries! There are several Heartland Bike Share stations throughout town where you can rent electric bikes. For information on purchasing a pass and renting a bike, visit Heartland Bike Share's website..
Heartland Bike Share Locations in Council Bluffs:
- 113 West Broadway (In-between Caddy's Kitchen & Cocktails and the Verizon Store)
- 209 Pearl Street (At the intersection of Pearl Street and Willow Avenue)
- Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park
- Ameristar Casino
- Dodge Riverside Golf Club
- Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park
- FIRST AVE Trail - 1001 W Broadway
Bike Shop:
Xtreme Wheels Bike and Sport
33 South Main Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Xtreme Wheels has been a staple serving the Council Bluffs area for over 20 years. Stop in and see them for new and used bikes, bike repair, gear, and trade-in offers.
But Wait! There's More
There are so many unforgettable activities, events, and attractions to visit in Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County! Uncover a special day in Council Bluffs by browsing our attractions, restaurants, and hotels packages.
For a complete list of attractions, click here!
For a complete list of places to eat, click here!
For a complete list of hotel properties and lodging options, click here!
