Pottawattamie County is an excellent place to visit when you want to unplug and enjoy the great outdoors. Not only do we have fantastic county parks, but we also have other recreational opportunities that are unique and completely unexpected. Here are some ways to celebrate Earth Day and soak up the sun in Pottawattamie County.
Have we mentioned how wonderful the Pottawattamie Conservation parks and conservation areas are? Each location offers up a new and exciting way to explore the beautiful natural landscape. You can visit bison at Botna Bend Park, hike the Loess Hills at Hitchcock Nature Center, explore the 17-acre lake at Arrowhead Park, hike the new trails at Mt. Crescent Ski Area, enjoy the peaceful sounds of the West Nishnabotna River Water Trail at Olde Town Park, or enjoy a picnic lunch at Narrows River Park. Whichever park you choose, you are sure to have a great day! As an added bonus, it's free to visit the Pottawattamie County parks on Earth Day (Saturday, April 20)
If you love to be around the water, an afternoon at Wavecrest Park in Carter Lake might be the best fit for you. The park includes boat access, a fishing jetty, an accessible pier, beach, picnic area, trails, and even a playground! There is so much fun to have here, and it is a great place to take the family. Lake Manawa State Park and the West Nishnabotna River Water Trail are other great places in Pottawattamie County to enjoy various water activities!
Pickleball is a sport that combines tennis and badminton, and it has gained a lot of popularity in the last several years. Did you know there are pickleball courts in Carson and Cochran Park in Council Bluffs? This is a great way to spend time outdoors while playing a fun and exciting sport with your friends or family. Escape the spring showers by playing at Iowa West Pickleball in Council Bluffs!
Pottawattamie County is home to several top-notch recreational trails ideal for biking and walking. Hop on your bicycle and enjoy a scenic ride through southwest Iowa starting in Council Bluffs. The Wabash Trace Nature Trail has a relatively flat surface and some great shade cover, making it an excellent trail for cyclists of all skill levels. Looking for a scenic place to walk? Check out the Railroad Highway Multi-Use Trail or the Rock Island Stone Arch Nature Trail! For a full list of trails in Pottawattamie County, check out our trails map.
In addition to the fun activities mentioned above, some extraordinary nature-based events are happening soon in Pottawattamie County that are worth checking out.
For a complete list of upcoming events in Pottawattamie County, check out our calendar of events!
