COMMUNITY PROFILES / CITY OF COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA
City Offices
209 Pearl Street
Council Bluffs, IA 712-328-4616
https://www.councilbluffs-ia.gov/
County Offices
227 South 6th Street
Council Bluffs, IA 712-328-5644
https://www.pottcounty-ia.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
7 North Sixth Street
Council Bluffs, IA 712-325-1000
800-228-6878
https://www.councilbluffsiowa.com/
Services
Council Bluffs enjoys an enviable reputation for educational excellence, which parallel’s Iowa’s statewide high academic standing. Secondary schools offer a pupil/teacher ratio that is among the lowest in the nation, and more than 78 percent of graduating seniors continue on to pursue post-secondary training or higher education. Complementing the quality public and private schools from preschool through 12th grade, the city offers vocational and technical education options through the public education system, dozens of private schools, and community college opportunities. Within a 20-minute drive away from Council Bluffs, the options for higher education include two community colleges, five universities, and two respected medical schools.
Newcomers will discover state-of-the-art healthcare services and facilities in Council Bluffs, where one of the leading employers is the Jennie Edmundson Hospital. This regional 255-bed hospital has been serving residents of southwestern Iowa for nearly 120 years. Alegent Health Mercy Hospital is another major healthcare provider, part of a health system that consistently ranks among the best in the nation’s Top 100 integrated health-care networks. Community education, classes and screenings, and wellness programs underline the commitment to progressive and proactive support.
Quality of Life
The growing community of Council Bluffs may be situated across the Nebraska state line in Iowa, but the city plays an integral role within the Metropolitan Omaha region. Dazzling casino resorts are among the area’s largest employers, drawing regional crowds and millions of tourists to first-rate amenities and live entertainment. More than $600 million has been invested in public improvements over the past decade, enhancing the city’s position as a highly desirable place to live, raise a family, and begin or expand a business.
The city’s most dominant natural feature, the unique Loess Hills, provides some of Iowa’s finest scenery and outdoor recreation. Well-developed parks, recreational lakes, golf courses, tennis courts, sports leagues, and recreational programs for all ages contribute to the area’s reputation for a family-friendly environment. Dozens of sites around Council Bluffs celebrate the community’s rich history as the leading edge of western expansion and its designation as the eastern terminus of the first transcontinental railroad. The new Qwest Center crowns a lineup of sports and cultural attractions that showcase theatre, music, and dance. Bargain hunters will enjoy the thriving downtown district, bustling shopping centers, and the Mall of the Bluffs. The past decade has also seen a tremendous surge of residential development in Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County, blending vibrant new construction with lovely older homes graced by mature greenery. Without a doubt, Council Bluffs’ dedication to a high quality of life is enhancing its appeal as a wonderful place to call home in Metropolitan Omaha.
Glenwood
Municipal Offices
712-527-4717
http://cityofglenwood.org/
Chamber of Commerce
712-527-3298
https://glenwoodia.com/
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Loess Hills of western Iowa, the welcoming the city of Glenwood is only minutes from the many attractions in the Omaha and Council Bluffs metropolitan areas. The panoramic surroundings and natural beauty, many well-preserved historical buildings, and easy access to first-rate urban amenities combine to make Glenwood a highly desirable hometown. Residents who desire a friendly town where many of the activities revolve around school, social, and church activities will find an idyllic home. The city is the largest in Mills County and houses the county historical Museum. Another celebrated local attraction is the Davies Amphitheater in Glenwood Lake Park. This award-winning venue offers quality families entertainment in the summertime.
Missouri Valley
Municipal Offices
712-642-3502
https://cityofmissourivalley.com/
Chamber of Commerce
712- 642-2553
https://missourivalleychamber.org/
Situated on a bluff that overlooks the scenic Missouri and Boyer river basins, Missouri Valley serves as a gateway to the unique Loess Hills region and the entire state of Iowa. The city is approximately 20 miles from the metropolitan centers of Omaha in Nebraska and Council Bluffs in Iowa. The major highways that serve the area are Interstates 29 and 680 and U.S. Highway 30. Strong schools, a rich sense of community heritage, and quiet neighborhoods characterize this comfortable hometown. One of the major attractions to this area is the Desoto National Wildlife Refuge, where spring and fall visitors can see spectacular flights of ducks and geese along a traditional waterfowl flyway. More than 400,000 snow and blue geese rely on the refuge to rest and feed, although the preserve features abundant wildlife from deer to fox squirrels. Miles of paved and gravel roads along the river and hiking trails make this a popular recreational site.
Red Oak
Municipal Offices
712-623-6510
https://www.redoakiowa.com/
Chamber of Commerce
712-623-4821
https://www.redoakiowa.com/
Named for the abundant oak trees that lined the banks of a small stream known as Red Oak Creek, the growing city of Red Oak offers a balanced community with a strongly agricultural economy. Thriving commerce, tree-shaded neighborhoods, a sense of history, and a cooperative attitude make this area popular with newcomers. The city is nestled along the Nishnabotna River at the intersection of U.S. Highway 34 and Iowa Highway 48. Proud of its strong military history and beautiful Victorian architecture, Red Oak serves as the hub of Montgomery County and provides a comfortable and charming hometown atmosphere for approximately half of the county residents. Recreational highlights include the Montgomery County Family YMCA and the Red Oak Country Club with its 18-hole golf course, lighted tennis courts, outdoor swimming pool, and fine dining. Five colleges and universities are available within a 50-minute drive from home, although Southwestern Community College maintains a campus right in Red Oak.
Shenandoah
Municipal Offices
712-246-1213
https://shenandoahiowa.net/
Chamber of Commerce
712-246-3455
https://www.shenandoahcountychamber.com/
The welcoming city of Shenandoah is expanding from its strongly agricultural roots into a bustling center for commerce and industry. A growing retail base, new businesses, lovely new homes, and the Shenandoah Medical Center are all evidence of the area’s progressive attitude. At the same time, the community honors the past in the preservation of grand architecture, the Shenandoah Historical Society Museum, and the Iowa Walk of Fame along Sheridan Avenue. Strong cultural and arts groups combine with wonderful recreational areas to fill leisure hours with creativity and activity. The Wabash Trace Nature Trail opens miles of scenic countryside to walkers and joggers, while the Riverton Wildlife Refuge protects a Missouri River Flyway. The unique formations of Loess Hills and Waubonsie State Park are nearby, the latter offering camping, hiking, and family recreation areas.
