We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Lake Manawa State Park

20 Reviews

#13 of 22 things to do in Council Bluffs

Features Animals

Outdoor Activities, Nature & Parks, More

1100 S Shore Dr, Council Bluffs, IA 51501-7354

Review Highlights

“Drove around and caught a sunset ”

Drove around the lake. There were people parked and sitting on chairs, enjoying the evening. Some... read more

Reviewed 4 days ago

Bee80015

Denver, Colorado

via mobile

“Lovely Spot Right Off the Freeway”

This lake is right off of Interstate 80, could be an easy place to stop and picnic or play if... read more

Reviewed 3 weeks ago

crayolabird

Logan, Utah

Read all 20 reviews

All photos (16)

Full view

Traveler Overview

4.0 20 reviews

Excellent20%
Very good50%
Average25%
Poor5%
Terrible0%

Local Weather

F°C°

80°

60°

Aug

73°

49°

Sep

60°

37°

Oct

What travelers are saying

Seeing deer along the roadway is common.

Fishing, boating, and even a swimming area - which they charge a small fee.

Lots of picnic shelters and playgrounds.

Contact

1100 S Shore Dr, Council Bluffs, IA 51501-7354

Website

+1 712-366-0220

Call

Improve This Listing

Filter

1 - 10 of 20 reviews

Bee80015

Denver, Colorado

27545

Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile

Drove around and caught a sunset

Drove around the lake. There were people parked and sitting on chairs, enjoying the evening. Some people fishing, others out in their boats. The sun was orange and setting. Went to the beach area and found the boat piers. Sat and watched the sun set...More

Date of experience: August 2019

Thank Bee80015

crayolabird

Logan, Utah

268202

Reviewed 3 weeks ago

Lovely Spot Right Off the Freeway

This lake is right off of Interstate 80, could be an easy place to stop and picnic or play if you're roadtripping East/West. We met up with local friends here who had jet skis. The beach area where we were didn't have a sandy entrance...More

Date of experience: June 2019

Thank crayolabird

3waves

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

186

Reviewed July 9, 2019

Great local find

Clean beach with lots of space and very large swimming area. I think it's more of a local haunt, because it was off the beaten path, tucked into a state park and not crowded at all. We went in June and water was clean and...More

Date of experience: June 2019

1 Thank 3waves

Charles P

New Port Richey, Florida

29751

Reviewed May 23, 2019

Nice

We went there to take the grandchildren to the dream playground. The playground was a big hit and was well maintained. The ride around the lake is also worth the trip.

Date of experience: May 2019

1 Thank Charles P

CastlePerson

Council Bluffs, Iowa

447

Reviewed November 25, 2018

Beautiful and peaceful.

Always a beautiful, peaceful place to visit. There are birds and waterfowl here all year round. Lots of eagles in the wintertime. Love to watch them sit on the ice waiting for fish. Pelicans migrate thru here in the spring and fall. Always lots of...More

Date of experience: November 2018

2 Thank CastlePerson

torpdo

Des Moines, Iowa

28249

Reviewed November 22, 2018

Quiet and scenic

I stopped to take my daily walk. It was chilly (about 40 degrees) and very few people. This is a scenic area with a great road around the lake. There was a thin layer of ice on the water and, being it was November, the...More

Date of experience: November 2018

1 Thank torpdo

Avidtravelbug

Omaha, Nebraska

22460

Reviewed September 26, 2018

Great drive around the lake!

There are also some nice places to pull off the roadside and picnic near the lake. Some really nice pavilions that are reservable, too. There is a fenced-in, paid swimming beach with sand volleyball courts as well - snack bar and changing rooms. The dream...More

Date of experience: August 2018

3 Thank Avidtravelbug

171Scott

Omaha, Nebraska

14415

Reviewed September 4, 2018 via mobile

Fun for our dog

We wanted to go somewhere where our dog could splash in the water a little and run around to get out some energy. The weather was nice and he had a blast in the water. Lots of picnic shelters and playgrounds. Bring your bug repellent,...More

Date of experience: September 2018

1 Thank 171Scott

l0uettas

43257

Reviewed July 22, 2018 via mobile

Gorgeous always:)

We enjoy lake manawa no matter the season.we were delighted to find literally 1000s of GIANT water lilies. Quiet places to sit, read, chat & photo ops.!! Also, a great place for eagle sightings!

Date of experience: July 2018

1 Thank l0uettas

shawnierhoades

293

Reviewed July 10, 2018 via mobile

Family Fun

Lots of water fun! Plenty of fishing, boating and swimming. Lots of shelters for picnics and a really neat playground for kids...and adults who are still kids at heart! Very peaceful, lots of wildlife and good trails to walk on. Beautiful place to go for...More

Date of experience: July 2018

2 Thank shawnierhoades

View more reviews

Previous Next

1 2

Nearby

See all 26 nearby hotels See all 171 nearby restaurants See all 39 nearby attractions

Questions & Answers

Ask a question

Bobby S

Do you have cabins to rent

June 9, 2018|

AnswerShow all 2 answers

I have no clue. We go their for photo ops., bird watching & relaxing. We are close & do not spend the night. Though Council Bluffs, ia. Has several nice hotels with in driving distance. Good luck.

Lynece M

Just wondering how popular jet boats are on any lakes there. Is there lots of residue in water or is it good for swimming?

January 23, 2018|

Answer

All types of boating, from fishing boats, pontoons, sailboats to jet ski's, water skiiers, tubers, etc. Regarding swimming, I'd keep to the beach area for safety reasons.