My Local Guide

Loess Hills, River History, and Western Iowa Energy

Pottawattamie County, Iowa

Pottawattamie County stretches from the Missouri River and Council Bluffs into the dramatic Loess Hills and wide-open agricultural landscapes of western Iowa. The county combines metro energy, railroad history, outdoor recreation, small-town communities, and major transportation corridors. Visitors can walk across the Missouri River, explore world-class Loess Hills scenery, learn railroad history, camp beside lakes and rivers, shop antique districts, and experience both city life and quiet county roads in the same trip.

Pottawattamie County at a Glance

Population92,996 (2025 estimate)
County SeatCouncil Bluffs
Largest CityCouncil Bluffs
Established1847
ZIP CodesMultiple community ZIP Codes
Total Area959 sq mi
Major RoutesI-29, I-80, I-680, US 6, US 59, US 92
Area Code712
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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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Greenfield County courthouse
Discover Pottawattamie County

Pottawattamie County

Pottawattamie County was established in 1847 and organized in 1848, growing from a Missouri River frontier region into one of western Iowa’s most important transportation and trade centers. Council Bluffs became deeply tied to migration, the transcontinental railroad, and regional commerce. Beyond the city, farming communities, historic towns, and the unique Loess Hills shaped the county’s identity. Today the county still connects riverfront metro life with transportation, agriculture, natural landscapes, and strong local communities.

Start in Council Bluffs with railroad history, the riverfront, Bayliss Park, and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, then head north into the Loess Hills at Hitchcock Nature Center. Lake Manawa adds boating and trails, while Arrowhead and Botna Bend offer camping and family recreation. Farther east, Avoca, Oakland, Walnut, and smaller towns reveal another side of the county through local restaurants, historic streets, antiques, festivals, and agricultural landscapes.

What Shapes Us

Rail & River

The Missouri River, migration routes, railroad expansion, and Council Bluffs’ transportation history shaped Pottawattamie County into a major western Iowa gateway.

Loess Hills

Globally significant windblown hills, prairie, woodland, river valleys, lakes, and county parks give the region a landscape unlike most of Iowa.

Western Communities

Council Bluffs and the county’s smaller cities support schools, businesses, parks, fairs, libraries, agriculture, industry, and strong local connections.

Where river routes, railroads, hills, and hometowns meet
My Local Guide

Pottawattamie County

Our County - Our Stories
Pottawattamie County Wire

Pottawattamie County Wire

Local Stories - DailyPhoto Credits
Radio Iowa

Iowa Business Council survey shows postive outlook on state’s economy

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has released its third quarter Economic Outlook Survey that gauges the outlook for…

Read the Story Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Around Pottawattamie County

Stories from every corner of Pottawattamie County.

Iowa Business Council survey shows postive outlook on state’s economy

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has released its third quarter Economic Outlook Survey that gauges the outlook for…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Horror film fest is highlight of Ottumwa’s Halloweenapalooza

The leaves are starting to change color, pumpkins are appearing on porches, and a scare is in the…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Names of northeast Iowa boaters who died in Mississippi River accident released

The Iowa DNR has identified two northeast Iowa men who drowned after their fishing boat hit a submerged…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Iowa farmers didn’t get much field time last week waiting for drier conditions

The harvest didn’t advance much last week as farmers waited for fields to dry out. The lastest U.S.D.A.…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Celebrating Iowa 4H from calves and canning to astronomy and robots

This is National 4H Week, recognizing the accomplishments of the program that reaches more than 120,000 young people…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY WEATHER
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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

C Electric advertisement
Dodge Riverside Golf Club advertisement
Pottawattamie County Resources

Everything You Need. All in One Place.

Find practical Pottawattamie County links for government, schools, health care, public safety, parks, trails, utilities, libraries, courts, transportation, veterans services, and employment.

Government

Pottawattamie County Government
County departments, services, public records, notices, and courthouse information.
Official Website
Phone: 712-328-5600

Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors
County legislative and administrative oversight.
Official Website

Pottawattamie County Auditor
Elections, county records, and administrative services.
Official Website

Pottawattamie County Treasurer
Property tax, motor vehicle, and related county services.
Official Website

City of Council Bluffs
Municipal government and services for the county seat and largest city.
Official Website
Phone: 712-890-5100

City of Avoca
Municipal services and community information for Avoca.
Official Website
Phone: 712-343-2424

City of Carter Lake
Municipal government and services for Carter Lake.
Official Website
Phone: 712-347-6320

We’re Here To Help.

Useful answers for exploring, visiting, and living in Pottawattamie County.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

From Council Bluffs and the Missouri River to Hitchcock Nature Center, Lake Manawa, rural communities, and western Iowa highways, these answers focus on the details people actually ask about Pottawattamie County.

Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

C Electric advertisement
Dodge Riverside Golf Club advertisement
My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Top Picks for Every Kind of Day

Build a Pottawattamie County day around riverfront attractions, Loess Hills hikes, lake recreation, railroad history, local food, shopping, and small-town stops.

Kids’ Fun

  1. Union Pacific Railroad Museum
  2. Lake Manawa State Park
  3. Hitchcock Nature Center
  4. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Restaurants

  1. 712 Eat + Drink
  2. Barley’s Bar & Grill
  3. Caddy’s Kitchen & Cocktails
  4. Christy Creme
  5. The Buck Snort

Shopping & Retail

  1. Metro Crossing Shopping Center
  2. Historic 100 Block Shops
  3. Walnut Antique District
  4. Main Street Council Bluffs Shops

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Council Bluffs Local Boutiques
  2. Historic 100 Block Retailers
  3. Walnut Specialty Shops

Outdoor Fun

  1. Hitchcock Nature Center
  2. Lake Manawa State Park
  3. Arrowhead Park
  4. Wabash Trace Nature Trail
  5. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Free Things To Do

  1. Union Pacific Railroad Museum
  2. Walk the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
  3. Bayliss Park
  4. Explore Historic Downtown Council Bluffs
  5. Council Bluffs Public Library
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.
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