Beat the winter blues by planning the ultimate winter weekend family getaway to Council Bluffs. This bustling city boasts the best of snowy thrills and indoor adventures. It's already been planned for you, so it's time to hit the road.
Day One: Embrace the Snow
Morning: Stella & Irene's Cafe and Boutique
Prepare for the day's adventures with a flavorful breakfast from Stella and Irene's. Their menu places a heavy focus on nutrition, ensuring that the freshly baked pastries, cinnamon rolls, parfaits, oatmeal, bagel sandwiches, crepes and more sufficiently fuel your body for the thrills ahead.
Afternoon: Mount Crescent Ski Area
Then, make the short drive to Mount Crescent to race down Honey Creek's snow-covered Loess Hills. Mount Crescent is known as a learner's paradise, making it a great place to introduce the family to skiing and snowboarding. Book a lesson to master your skills before taking on the 2,400 feet of slopes. If you need to rest, stop by the Swiss-style lodge for a hot chocolate and snack. They also offer snow tubing and sledding for younger visitors who may not be ready for slopes.
For more fun in the snow, stop by the Hitchcock Nature Center. Bring your own sleds to slide down its famous sledding hill, the Chute Trail. Or rent snowshoes and hike the Loess Hills.
Evening: Pizza King
After a fun-filled day, enjoy the best of comfort food at the Pizza King. They've been serving some of the area'ss best pies, pastas, steaks and seafood dishes since 1965. Every menu item is crafted with fresh and locally-produced ingredients, a practice that's earned them Reader's Choice awards throughout the years.
Stay: Ameristar Casino & Hotel
Cater to your food coma by booking a room at the The Ameristar Hotel, which is located in a complex that's a AAA Four Diamond rated property. Spend the evening relaxing in your room, or venture out to the indoor pool, casino and free entertainment opportunities that are available most weekends.
Day Two: Indoor Thrills
Joe's Indoor Karting Center
Morning: J's Coffee & Donuts
Get a taste of Council Bluff's Historic 100 Block of West Broadway and specialty flavors at J's Coffee & Donuts. Enjoy a breakfast burrito, mini donuts, scones, oatmeal, bagels and more paired with a crazy caffeinated beverage like Chocolate Chip cookie Dough and lavender-vanilla, or choose from "all the boring flavors, too."
Afternoon: Joe's Indoor Karting Center
Then, get your heart racing with the speed and thrills of the fastest indoor racing track in Iowa. Joe's features a professionally designed indoor go kart track paired with European karts that can reach speeds of 45 miles per hour. So, strap on your helmet, buckle up and compete with your friends and family to see who can get the fastest lap times. Racers must be at least 14 years old.
Evening: Tish's Restaurant
Once the adrenaline has worn off, settle down with more comfort food from Tish's. This local favorite has been serving diners since 1980 and features a menu that's jam-packed with steak, signature fettuccine and variety of delicious burgers and sandwiches that are sure to satisfy all appetites.
