HomeIowaCouncil Bluffs › Lewis and Clark Park & Monument

Lewis and Clark Park & Monument

4.7 ★★★★★ 813 Google reviews · Running trail in Council Bluffs, Iowa · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Lewis and Clark Park & Monument's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicRestroomsTrailhead parking

Sweeping overlook & monument commemorating the expedition's meeting with Oto and Missouria Indians.

What runners say about Lewis and Clark Park & Monument

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (813 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“The vibrant colors of the flowers paint a stunning landscape, while the gentle rustle of leaves creates a soothing melody.”

I can see my house from here! Probably. If I had binoculars. You can watch planes land and take off from the airport, and see the whole Omaha skyline. It’s a really nice place to sit and enjoy the view! If you’re brave, there’s some steep mountain bike trails.

★★★★★ — Gray , Nov 2023

Nice to come and sit and overlook part of the city with beautiful views. Wish there was hiking that wasn't steep most people use them for bikes. However it does say hiking but you don't want to twist an ankle. Has picnic tables, restrooms.

★★★★☆ — Marshallcamronty74 , Jun 2023

The view over downtown Omaha is probably one of the coolest features of the Lewis and Clark Park. The park is on the bluff side, and the view is incredible. The monument located here is nice and historical. There are several signs around explaining about the expedition of Lewis and Clark.

★★★★★ — B , Dec 2024

Beautiful place for nature and history. Scenic views and hiking trails.

★★★★★ — Cody , Jun 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 813 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 22 mentions

“Captivating panoramic views of Omaha skyline and Missouri River which Lewis and Clark used to navigate during their famous journey centuries ago.”

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🚻 Restrooms 8 mentions

“Only downside is the public restrooms, which as of 2024 are pretty dirty, so make sure you use the bathroom beforehand.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“It’s a short drive up the bluff to the top with plenty of parking.”

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Plan your run at Lewis and Clark Park & Monument

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • Websitelewisandclarktrail.com
  • Phone+1 712-328-4650

Hours

Monday 8 am–10 pm
Tuesday 8 am–10 pm
Wednesday 8 am–10 pm
Thursday 8 am–10 pm
Friday 8 am–10 pm
Saturday 8 am–10 pm
Sunday 8 am–10 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Lewis and Clark Park & Monument

19962 Monument Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Get directions

Running trails near Council Bluffs

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

4.8 ★★★★★ 5,106 reviews

Omaha, NE

PavedLitScenicDog-friendly

Open to pedestrians & cyclists, this modern bridge crosses the Missouri River & connects 2 states.

4.2 miles away

Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,154 reviews

Council Bluffs, IA

LitScenic

Public park with a naturalistic wetland & forest as well as sports facilities & a playground.

4.3 miles away

Vincent Bluff State Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 86 reviews

Council Bluffs, IA

MixedScenic

Natural area known for hiking, picnicking, and scenic views.

4.4 miles away

Lewis & Clark Landing at The RiverFront

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,558 reviews

Omaha, NE

Scenic

Large riverfront plaza featuring Lewis & Clark exhibits plus a trail & marina.

4.5 miles away

Omaha Riverfront Trail

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

Omaha, NE

5.4 miles away

Wabash Trace Nature Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 206 reviews

Council Bluffs, IA

MixedShadedScenicDog-friendly

Route for walking, biking and running with a crushed-limestone surface and several bridges.

6.2 miles away

All running trails in Council Bluffs, IA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.