Iowa Riverfront Woodland Being Turned Into Adventure Course

A unique outdoor experience is coming to Council Bluffs. Plans for Council Bluffs' riverfront have been revealed, and what's coming is pretty awesome. The once wooded, underutilized area will soon have a treetop walk, observation tower, adventure course and a pier.

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According to KETV, the riverfront revitalization has already added commercial developments, trail connections, and more to the area, and the progress will continue with Phase Four. During this phase, 90 acres of woodland restoration, including debris removal, will take place north of Thomas Hanafan Park to establish hiking trails. This Phase is set to begin in the spring, according to the report. During this time, a team will be designing a treetop walk, which will give pedestrians access to the wooded canopy. Construction for the walk is set for November 2021 to September 2022, according to KETV.

It doesn't end there, either. KETV reports that there are also plans for a climbing adventure course that will involve "challenging outdoor experiences with a 50-foot climbing wall, ropes course, zip line, caving and roll gliding," and a 130-foot observation tower. Both of those are planned for 2022-2023. In 2024, the intention is to have a "pier that offers an above-water experience taking visitors beyond the water’s edge". Pretty sweet! Check out some photos of the new attractions below.

The estimated budget for River's Edge Phase Four is approximately $50 million, according to the city's website, and is funded entirely through private donations.