Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is 910 meter walk-bridge across Missouri River which connects Omaha, Nebraska to Council Bluffs, Iowa. Bridge is very popular among tourists and local residents. We have been there multiple times, my most recent visit was 2 weeks back.
Place is very lively, always full of crowd. Cyclists and pedestrians can be seen almost any time of the day. It takes around 10-15 minutes to cover the bridge on foot. Just few steps away from the middle of the bridge, there is a point which divides it in both states. Basically you can stand with one leg in Nebraska and other in Iowa. Kind of funny, isn’t it ? :)
Nebraska Side :- Area is divided into National Park Service Visitor Center, a fountain and Heartland B cycle service stations. There is riverboat tour facility near bridge where private/public cruises can be booked. Cruises provide a unique experience of pedestrian bridge and Omaha Skyline.
Iowa Side :- There is a big plaza which hosts free live music on each Fridays of the summer (currently impacted due to COVID). It is surrounded by large amphitheater-fashioned ground seating. At the rear end of the plaza, there is high ground pavement with sitting arrangements to watch beautiful sun-set and Omaha’s Skyline. If you have watched “The Haunting of Hill House” or read the book, you must be familiar with infamous “Bent Neck Lady”. You can find Bent Neck Man standing here :)
There are trails on both sides, so renting a bicycle for an hour or two is not a bad option. Rental bicycle costs 8$ per hour and thereafter 5$ for every additional hour. Bringing your own cycle is also a good option. There is no entrance or parking fee and area is pet-friendly, big treat for pet lovers
In my recent trip 2 weeks back, I had to struggle for the parking space due to some ongoing road construction. All parking spaces were occupied, after taking 2-3 rounds of the area, I finally spotted an empty space along the road, that means parallel parking, my worst nightmare. I somehow managed.
Bridge was less crowded, never witnessed like this, but still decent number of people. Few were wearing masks (including me) and everyone was following basic social distancing rules. Everything else was normal. Just before the sunset, I noticed the dying battery of my camera and to my disappointment, I forgot to bring extra batteries. I had to literally save that battery for the rest of the day by turning off the camera after every click.
I would put this place after Zorinsky lake to enjoy the sunset. Best point to view sunset is of course from Iowa side with Omaha’s beautiful skyline in foreground. In one of our earlier trips, we spent a good amount of time there and bridge looks more beautiful in the night with colorful frequently-changing lights. So make sure to stay there till night to view its beauty.
Activities to do
- Walking
- Skateboarding
- Cycling
- Cruising
- Photography
- Sunset Viewing
Points to Consider :-
- Make sure not to miss the sunset and bridge at night.
- Heartland of America Park is very close to the bridge. If you have time, visit that as well, it’s just wonderful.
- Place is pet friendly, so you can enjoy time with your little buddies.
- Bicycles are available for renting on both sides of the bridge.
- Bring extra camera batteries
So next time you are in the town, don’t forget to visit this lovely place.
Happy Reading ! Keep Traveling !!!
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Summer months are best ones to visit the place, although it is open year around.
Which is the best month to visit ? And great itinerary
stunning!
Beautiful bridge pics