Exploring the History of Sports and Local Culture in Council Bluffs, IA

Council Bluffs, Iowa is known for its rich history and welcoming community. For sports enthusiasts looking to explore the areas past, there are plenty of historic venues and events that capture the towns industrious spirit.

One mustsee destination is the RailsWest Railroad Museum (200 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, IA 51503), which showcases how trains helped shape not only travel but also sports in Council Bluffs. The town became a hub for transportation which led to many professional baseball teams playing at Omahas famous Sokol Park Stadium or Saturday games with family members on team fields located near train depots.

Another important site is Loess Hills HarleyDavidson (57408 190th St., Pacific Junction, IA 51561) where visitors can learn about local motorcycle racing legends such as Dick Krieg who won numerous awards during his career spanning from midcentury through late century races. Riders from all around would come together in rallies like Western Iowa ABATE Poker Run held close by at Wabash Trace Trailhead or Midway Tavern Bike Night an event that has been a weekly tradition since 1947 showcasing vintage motorcycles and offering opportunities for competition among riders.

For those interested in water activities, Lake Manawa State Park (1100 S Shore Dr., Council Bluffs, IA 51501) offers kayaking and paddleboarding as well as swimming areas commemorating onetime Olympic swimmer Audrey Krone who honed her technique here years ago. Relaxing day trips were often taken by locals to walk along beautiful shorelines or watch daring ski shows hosted annually by American Water Ski Association Overton Wakeboard Academy formerly known as Baldys Boathouse.

Visitors can also enjoy exploring Tucker Hill Cemetery with its markers dating back decades honoring early council members who loved baseball so much they oversaw construction of the famed CooCoo Baseball Park (now called Lake Manawa Beach), and enjoy catching a game in that park to experience an important local tradition.

Council Bluffs has always been passionate about sports, and exploring its history is a great way to experience the friendly, historic, communityoriented, welcoming, resilient aspects of this proud town.

Websites:

RailsWest Railroad Museum: https://www.iowahistory.org/visit/museum/railswestrailroadmuseum.html

Loess Hills HarleyDavidson: https://loesshillshd.com/

Lake Manawa State Park: https://www.iowadnr.gov/PlacestoGo/StateParks/IowaStateParks/LakeManawaStatePark

American Water Ski Association Overton Wakeboard Academy: http://overtonwakeacademy.net/

Tucker Hill Cemetery: http://tuckerhillcemetery.org/