20+ Things To Look Forward To This Fall In Council Bluffs
There is no shortage of fall fun in Council Bluffs. Whether you want to spend a day outdoors soaking up the colorful scenery or you’re looking for entertainment options, you’ll find the answer in this city along the Missouri River. I’ve spent years working in Council Bluffs and exploring the city with my family, so when I say you’ll be surprised by all there is to do there, I really mean it!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Unleash CB. All thoughts, opinions and typos are my own. This post may include affiliate links.
Outdoor Autumn Adventures
The first things I think of when I think of fall are apple orchards, pumpkin patches and autumn leaves. Those are my reasons for planning a fall outing, at least. If you want to go pick your own apples, head to Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard. There’s plenty more to do there on a beautiful fall day, especially if you’re bringing kids along, so plan for a couple of hours there. Every September, Ditmars hosts the super popular hot air balloon event, Fields of Flight. Later in the season, Ditmars has a large pumpkin patch for picking your own pumpkins. The Pumpkin Festival at Ditmars is Oct. 10, 11, 17 and 18. If you’re looking for a free pumpkin patch (just paying for the pumpkins you grab), Welch’s Pumpkin Patch is a great option.
Seeking fall colors? There are a few memorable places in Council Bluffs I recommend for changing leaves: Lake Manawa State Park, Wabash Trace Trail, and most stops along the Lewis & Clark Monument Scenic Overlook. I recommend the Wabash Trace Trail if you want a bike ride through the fall foliage. It’s not a good trail for road bikes, though. One place I’m looking forward to visiting for the first time this fall is the Borman Family Treetop Walk along the Missouri River. It just opened in the summer of 2026, and I’m wondering if the trees it passes through will put on a show.
Arts & Culture
Arts organizations in Council Bluffs start their seasons in the fall. American Midwest Ballet always starts their season with “Momentum,” which is Oct. 17 and 18 at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center. The Hoff is also home to Chanticleer Community Theater, whose 26-27 season kicks off with “Wizard of Oz (Youth Addition)” from Sept. 17-27. Year-round, The Hoff holds Hoff Fourth Fridays, a fun and free event featuring live performances, a pop-up restaurant and more.
The Arts Center at Iowa Western Community College hosts a variety of live performances from national touring acts, as well as student productions. A couple upcoming events include Pat Hazell’s Permanent Record, a one-man comedy show, on Sept. 18 and Matthew & Gunnar Nelson in concert on Oct. 2.
If it’s live music you enjoy, be sure to check the calendars for Stir Cove, the Mid-America Center and Whiskey Roadhouse. Stir Cove is particularly fun if you want a huge outdoor concert experience.
Halloween Season in Council Bluffs
Closing out the fall season is Halloween. Council Bluffs has varying degrees of scares each year. Madness Haunted House is the go-to for haunted houses in the area. The season starts Sept. 18.
If you prefer your chills coming from the paranormal and ghost tours, there are several options. Try a guided tour of Squirrel Cage Jail. There’s one the evening of Oct. 1. I’ve toured the jail with my kids during the day, and it’s not scary at all, though you do hear light-hearted stories about the resident ghosts.
On Oct. 3, head to the Historic General Dodge House for Legends and Lore – The Dark History of Council Bluffs or come back on Oct. 24 for Halloween Candlelight Tours of the Historic General Dodge House. Listen to a paranormal investigator talk at the Council Bluffs Public Library on Oct. 12 during his presentation of Paranormal in the Metro.
Not everyone wants Halloween scares, though. A couple annual Halloween-inspired events that are zero-screams include Costume Night at Cochran Park on Oct. 9 and the indoor trick-or-treating event Field of Treats on Oct. 20 at Iowa West SportsPlex.
