Our Park System
The Council Bluffs Parks and Recreation Department manages a park system of approximately 755 acres with 28 parks.
Splash Pads
Kids of all ages love water play! Cool off at one of the Council Bluffs splash pads. Don't forget your beach towels and sunscreen!
Fairmount Park (East Graham Ave and Park Entrance) is home to an extensive interactive water playground with multiple elements that are fun for children of all ages. While at Fairmount Park, you'll also find a scenic overlook, a playground, hiking trails, a fire pit, picnic shelters, and ample parking.
Bayliss Park (100 Pearl St) features a small splash area on the north side of the fountain. This quaint splash pad is perfect for young children. While at Bayliss, you'll also find historical monuments, picnic spaces, and the sights and sounds of our iconic fountain.
River's Edge Pavilion (4250 River's Edge Parkway) The splash area at River's Edge Pavilion reopens this summer!
Hiking Trails
Hiking is a great way to explore Council Bluffs and engage with nature. Enjoy your next hike at one of these locations:
Lewis and Clark (19962 Monument Rd) is home to multiple hiking and biking trails. In addition to the trails, you'll find breathtaking views, historical monuments, picnic tables, public restrooms, and ample parking.
Fairmount Park (East Graham Ave and Park Entrance) hiking trails wind through the hills. At Fairmount Park, you'll also find a scenic overlook, a playground, a splash pad, a firepit, picnic shelters, and ample parking.
Gibraltar Trailhead (9th Ave and High St) has picnic tables and direct access to the Fairmount Park hiking trails making it a great place to meet up with friends.
Vincent Bluff (Thallas St) is a quiet and primitive place to explore the Loess Hills while enjoying expansive views of Council Bluffs.
- Bahnsen Park - 1720 Ave L
- Belles' Play Garden - River's Edge Pavilion
- Big Lake Park - 2600 N 8th St
- Broadway Skate Park - 1300 W Broadway
- CB Rec Complex - 2900 Richard Downing Ave
- Cochran Park - 100 S 21st St (NEW PLAYGROUND!)
- Eastern Hills Trail Stop Park - Greenview Road (NEW PLAYGROUND!)
- Fairmount Park - E Graham and Park Entrance
- Graham Park - Frank St and Gleason Ave
- Iowa West Trailhead Park - Wabash Ave
- Kimball Park - 1801 N Broadway
- Kirn Park - 100 1/2 5th Ave
- Malmore Park - 3600 Scott Dr
- Manawa City Park - Navajo and Mohawk St
- Peterson Park - 2500 S 8th St
- Prospect Park - 100 Harrison St
- Roberts Park - 1000 N 25th St
- Sternhill Park - 1031 N 8th St
- Sunset Park - 1000 16th Ave
- Trolley Park - 2803 Ave B
- Twin City Park - 3300 Renner Dr
- Valley View Park - 1300 Franklin Ave
- Westwood Park - 1200 S 35th St
Picnic Shelters
If you're looking for a fun place to have a picnic, check out the Council Bluffs picnic shelters! Enjoy your next picnic at one of these locations:
- Bahnsen Park - 1720 Ave L
- Big Lake Park - 2600 N 8th St
- Eastern Hills Trail Stop Park - Greenview Rd and Eastern Hills Dr
- Fairmount Park - E Graham Ave and Park Entrance
- Kimball Park - 1801 N Broadway
- Kirn Park - 100 1/2 5th Ave
- Malmore Park - 3600 Scott Dr
- Peterson Park - 2500 S 8th St
- Sternhill Park - 1031 N 8th St
- Sunset Park - 1000 16th Ave
- Trolley Park - 2803 Ave B
- Valley View Park - 1300 Franklin Ave
- Vincent Bluff - Thallas St
- Westwood Park - 1200 S 35th St
8.44.044 - Public parks—Prohibited acts.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to be in a city park if the park is closed and the park hours are posted.
(b) No person shall offer for sale any merchandise or services within a Council Bluffs city park without the written authorization of the director of parks. If written authorization is granted, no sales or attempted sales shall occur without the written authorization being in the vendor's possession.
(c) For purposes of this section, 'city park' shall mean all parks identified in the Council Bluffs Parks catalog and all recreation trails. A list of the parks and trails is maintained of record in the Council Bluffs Department of Parks, Recreation and Public Property. This information is also available on the city's website at: http://parksandrec.councilbluffs-ia.gov/documents/pdf-park-catalog.pdf.
(Ord. 5228 § 3, 1995).
(Ord. No. 6034, § 1, 5-11-2009).
8.44.050 - Public fountains—Prohibited acts.
It is unlawful for any person or persons to trespass upon or within any public fountain, or to play, swim or wade in the same, or to deposit materials therein.
(Ord. 4349 § 1 (part), 1980). --------------------------------- END