HomeIowaCouncil Bluffs › Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park

Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,154 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 Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park'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.

Lit at nightScenicTrailhead parking

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

What runners say about Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (1,154 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“This is really a gorgeous park, especially with the bridge in its view.”

🏃 great for running 2 mentions

“Great walking/running trails that connect Omaha and CB for a great ride/jog”

We went to the "No Kings" anti-Trump rally and had a long walk to the park. The area was well designed for such events. Parking could be difficult at the park, so we walked about 10 blocks from the casino parking lot (Harrah's).

★★★★☆ — D , Jun 2025

Really fun spot! We liked the looking up sculpture and the pedestrian bridge is a great walk. There was a playground that wasn't opened yet but it looks like it will be neat when it is We didn't go there after dark but the field with all the lights is a very clever idea! Visit if you are in the area!

★★★★★ — Robbie , May 2022

Such a fun and fairly space! After the bridge walk it was the perfect place to play and rest our legs before the walk back. Not to mention the amazing artwork! There are restrooms and free water is provided in the visitor building.

★★★★★ — Naturegirl , Oct 2025

While acknowledging a history where Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park may have experienced periods of regrettable underutilization or neglect, the current trajectory is demonstrably one of thoughtful and assertive revitalization.

★★★★★ — Omaha'S , Oct 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 1,154 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 10 mentions

“This is really a gorgeous park, especially with the bridge in its view.”

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💡 Lit for night running 3 mentions

“There was a playground that wasn't opened yet but it looks like it will be neat when it is We didn't go there after dark but the field with all the lights is a very clever idea!”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“DESPERATELY need parking solutions 😆 the foot bridge was pretty at night but not much fun after a 9 hour concert.”

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Plan your run at Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park

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.
  • LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Websitecouncilbluffs-ia.gov
  • Phone+1 712-328-4650
  • Social Instagram

Hours

Monday 5 am–10 pm
Tuesday 5 am–10 pm
Wednesday 5 am–10 pm
Thursday 5 am–10 pm
Friday 5 am–10 pm
Saturday 5 am–10 pm
Sunday 5 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 Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park

4200 Avenue B, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

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.

under a mile 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.

under a mile away

South Omaha Trail

3.8 ★★★★☆ 4 reviews

Omaha, NE

4.0 miles away

Lewis and Clark Park & Monument

4.7 ★★★★★ 813 reviews

Council Bluffs, IA

Scenic

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

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.

4.6 miles away

Mandan Park

3.8 ★★★★☆ 264 reviews

Omaha, NE

Scenic

Park with trails for mountain biking and walking, picnic areas, and a playground.

4.8 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.