Lake Manawa State Park Tours

Photo by Norwegian Girl
Photo by Norwegian Girl


Keep your eyes open for native plant and animal life while you hike the trails of Lake Manawa State Park. That's when you're not being distracted by the gorgeous landscapes!

This protected natural landscape in Council Bluffs is popular with fellow travelers, so leave a spot for it on your must-see list. Don't think that's all there is to do here, though. There are plenty more spots waiting for you to discover after Lake Manawa State Park. Henry Doorly Zoo, CHI Health Center Omaha, and Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino are close by.

Plan a trip to see Lake Manawa State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Embassy Suites Omaha-La Vista/Hotel & Conference Center
Hotel Arthur by OYO Glenwood Hwy 34
Hilton Omaha

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Lake Manawa State Park

Countryside Inn & Suites

Countryside Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
3208 S 7th St, Council Bluffs, IA
Countryside Inn & Suites
Cozy Lakeside Cottage for Families and Fun Seekers. Game room - Large Soaker Tub

Cozy Lakeside Cottage for Families and Fun Seekers. Game room - Large Soaker Tub

Council Bluffs
Cozy Lakeside Cottage for Families and Fun Seekers. Game room - Large Soaker Tub
Fairfield Inn & Suites Omaha East/Council Bluffs, IA

Fairfield Inn & Suites Omaha East/Council Bluffs, IA

2.5 out of 5
520 30th Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA
Fairfield Inn & Suites Omaha East/Council Bluffs, IA
Red Roof Inn & Suites Omaha - Council Bluffs

Red Roof Inn & Suites Omaha - Council Bluffs

2.5 out of 5
500 30th Ave, Council Bluffs, IA
Red Roof Inn & Suites Omaha - Council Bluffs
Motel 6 Council Bluffs, IA - Omaha East

Motel 6 Council Bluffs, IA - Omaha East

2 out of 5
3032 S Expressway St, Council Bluffs, IA
Motel 6 Council Bluffs, IA - Omaha East
Best Western Crossroads Of The Bluffs

Best Western Crossroads Of The Bluffs

2.5 out of 5
2216 27th Ave, Council Bluffs, IA
Best Western Crossroads Of The Bluffs
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Council Bluffs, IA

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Council Bluffs, IA

2.5 out of 5
17 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, IA
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Council Bluffs, IA
Super 8 by Wyndham Council Bluffs IA Omaha NE Area

Super 8 by Wyndham Council Bluffs IA Omaha NE Area

2 out of 5
2712 South 24th Street, Council Bluffs, IA
Super 8 by Wyndham Council Bluffs IA Omaha NE Area
Courtyard by Marriott Omaha East/Council Bluffs, IA

Courtyard by Marriott Omaha East/Council Bluffs, IA

3 out of 5
2501 Bass Pro Drive, Council Bluffs, IA
Courtyard by Marriott Omaha East/Council Bluffs, IA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lake Manawa State Park

Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs, Iowa, offers a variety of activities for visitors. Enjoy thrilling water adventures at nearby water parks, explore scenic nature trails, and let kids have fun at the well-equipped playground. For those who love recreation, the park features beautiful trails perfect for walking, biking, or jogging, all while soaking in the park's natural beauty and wildlife.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, Sarpy Mall is a great option located 5 miles away, offering a variety of shops in a family-friendly atmosphere. Closer to Lake Manawa, Olde Towne and Cornhusker Pointe provide unique shopping experiences with a blend of city and family vibes, both also 5 miles away.

Recreation

Charles Schwab Field Omaha offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, just 6 miles from Lake Manawa State Park. For music lovers, Stir Cove, located 5 miles away, provides vibrant entertainment vibes. Additionally, Spring Lake Golf Course, also 5 miles away, invites guests to enjoy its scenic outdoor golfing experience.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of kart racing at Joe's Karting, located 4 miles from Lake Manawa State Park. Enjoy the scenic Back-to-the-River Trail for outdoor adventures, 6 miles away, or challenge yourself at the Hanscom-Brandeis Indoor Tennis Center, also 6 miles from the park.

Nightlife

At Lake Manawa State Park, enjoy a vibrant nightlife with nearby Bellevue Little Theatre, just 5 miles away. Experience captivating performances in a cozy setting, perfect for a romantic evening or family outing, blending culture and entertainment for a memorable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Lake Manawa State Park

Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs, Iowa, offers a variety of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can enjoy the scenic lake, relax at the beach, and explore the park's natural beauty. Additionally, nearby points of interest include urban parks and entertainment facilities, ensuring a well-rounded experience for those looking to soak in the local culture and outdoor activities.

  • Mid-America Center: Located 3 miles from Lake Manawa State Park, this vibrant entertainment facility hosts a variety of events, from concerts to family shows. Enjoy a lively atmosphere and catch a performance that suits your interests.
  • Lake Manawa Beach: Just 0.2 miles away, this picturesque beach offers stunning scenery and a perfect spot for outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or enjoy a romantic sunset, it’s an ideal getaway.
  • Lauritzen Gardens: Situated 4 miles from the park, this beautiful botanical garden features meticulously curated landscapes. Perfect for families and couples alike, it provides a serene environment to explore nature's beauty.

Best time to go to Lake Manawa State Park

The best time to visit Lake Manawa State Park is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January23.7°F (-4.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February26.1°F (-3.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
June73.2°F (22.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
July76.1°F (24.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August74.5°F (23.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
November41.4°F (5.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
December29.1°F (-1.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Manawa State Park

To save money on your visit to Lake Manawa State Park, consider traveling between November and January for lower accommodation rates, with Tuesdays being the cheapest days to stay. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future bookings. For affordable transportation, look into local public transport options or enjoy the park's natural beauty through free activities like hiking and picnicking.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lake Manawa State Park are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lake Manawa State Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Lake Manawa State Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you tailor your search according to your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily organize the results to display hotels from the most affordable to the more expensive options, ensuring you find the best deals first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will highlight sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can cut costs by combining your hotel stay at Lake Manawa State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia