General Dodge House

This lovely three-story Victorian mansion, now a museum and national historic landmark, was once the home of General Grenville Dodge and his family. Dodge, a railroad pioneer, Civil War officer, banker, and friend and counsel to presidents and statesmen, is credited with convincing President Abraham Lincoln to bring the first intercontinental railroad through Council Bluffs, Iowa, essentially putting the city on the map. The Historic General Dodge House sits on a high terrace, overlooking the Missouri Valley. Dodge built the 14-room home in 1869. The restored mansion, with its parquet floors and cherry, walnut and butternut woodwork, contains Victorian furnishings and many of the family’s possessions, including the general’s extensive library. While in Council Bluffs, visit the Union Pacific Railroad Museum and the historic revolving Squirrel Cage Jail. Try your luck at the casinos, and enjoy the great outdoors while camping, hiking or biking your way around the city.