United States
Iowa (IA)
Council Bluffs
Things to Do in Council Bluffs
Lake Manawa State Park
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Lake Manawa State Park

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See all things to do
Lake Manawa State Park
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#13 of 24 things to do in Council Bluffs
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2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
46 within 3 miles
Doozies
19
1.3 mi$ • Dessert
Jimmy's All American Diner
8
1.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American
Pizza Counter
10
1.7 mi$ • Italian • Pizza
McAlister's Deli
8
2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Deli • Soups
Firehouse Subs
20
2.1 mi$ • Fast Food • Vegan Options
LongHorn Steakhouse
101
2.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Steakhouse • Gluten Free Options
Buffalo Wild Wings
19
2.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Sakura Sushi & Hibachi
23
2.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
9
2.2 mi$$ - $$$
QDOBA Mexican Eats
2
2.2 mi
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Attractions
60 within 6 miles
Lake Manawa Beach
37
0.4 miBeaches
Lauritzen Gardens Omaha's Botanical Center
1,136
Gardens
The Durham Museum
1,208
History Museums
Henry Doorly Zoo
5,938
Theaters • Zoos
Horseshoe Council Bluffs
8,609
2.5 miCasinos
First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park
239
Parks
Union Pacific Railroad Museum
299
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1,464
Bridges
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493
Children's Museums
Old Market
2,563
Neighborhoods
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
21 reviews
Excellent
4
Very good
11
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Avidtravelbug
Omaha, NE262 contributions
Great drive around the lake!
Aug 2018 • Couples
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 playground is getting a full make-over, but has always been a favorite for families ... lots of big, shady trees. We enjoy an evening drive, watching for eagles, deer, and other wildlife spotting.
Written September 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
3waves
Milwaukee, WI20 contributions
Great local find
Jun 2019
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 warm. It's got a cute little store with everything you need, and a snack shop, restrooms, changing areas, outdoor shower, etc. So glad we found this spot!
Written July 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CastlePerson
Council Bluffs, IA47 contributions
Beautiful and peaceful.
Nov 2018 • Friends
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 geese and different kinds of ducks. Seeing deer along the roadway is common. We drive around the lake every couple of weeks to see the wildlife and enjoy nature. We don't fish, boat, swim, camp or picnic but if you do this is a great place for it.
Written November 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
shawnierhoades
40 contributions
Family Fun
Jul 2018 • Friends
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 a quiet drive around the lake while getting ice cream.
Written July 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kevin a
Milwaukee, WI65 contributions
Took a drive through park.
Jun 2018 • Couples
Was visiting Harrahs in Omaha , decided to take drive , 3 mile loop around lake , very nice homes on west side of lake, Saw deer ,turkeys.
Written June 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
crayolabird
Savage, MD608 contributions
Lovely Spot Right Off the Freeway
Jun 2019 • Family
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 or anything, it was just rocks and grass with lots of shade. The kids still had a ball playing in the water, though, and riding on the jet skiis. We were informed by a ranger that due to the flooding, we couldn't ride them fast, though, so that was a bummer. Maybe call ahead and find out what the wake rules are before you come, if you want to do water sports.

I heard there was a fabulous playground nearby, we just didn't get to it. There were clearly trails also, we just only had time for lakeside fun but it entertained my kids for two hours! There was lots of big trash cans nearby and where we were was super clean and well maintained. I'd stop here again, especially to try the playground.
Written July 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charles P
New Port Richey, FL305 contributions
Nice
May 2019 • Family
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.
Written May 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
torpdo
Des Moines, IA542 contributions
Quiet and scenic
Nov 2018 • Solo
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 marina and beach were closed. I enjoyed walking around and looking at the trees and animals.
Written November 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
171Scott
Omaha, NE211 contributions
Fun for our dog
Sep 2018
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, and maybe pack a picnic.
Written September 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Louetta S
Omaha, NE1,511 contributions
Gorgeous always:)
Jul 2018 • Couples
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!
Written July 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Lake Manawa State Park (Council Bluffs) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Manawa State Park