Western Trails Historic Trails Center - Council Bluffs, Iowa

This center was developed by the National Park Service to interpret four major historic trails that branched off from this western Iowa area. These trails are the Lewis & Clark, Mormon Pioneer, Oregon, and California. In the exhibit hall, visitors can look at over 200 pieces of sculpture that reflect early westward migration and the Native American tribal areas crossed. Also displayed are maps, reproduction antique prints, journal and diary entries. There are also interactive exhibits.

Western Trails Historic Trails Center is located on approximately 425 acres of land. Visitors will find hiking/biking trails that wind through the Missouri River bottomland. One trail allows observers to view the river; another trail allows bikers to link up with the Wabash Trace. The grounds have been planted with a mixture of wildflowers and prairie grasses.

Admission – None

Directions – south of Exit 1B, Interstate Highways 80/29 Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501

Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00, daily, winter; 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., daily summer (closed January 1, Thanksgiving, and December 25)

Phone – (712) 366-4900