Illinois Central Missouri River Bridge

The Illinois Central Missouri River Bridge is a railway swing bridge that spans the Missouri River, connecting Council Bluffs in Iowa with Omaha in Nebraska through two major structural spans. The crossing combines wrought iron elements on the Iowa side with steel construction on the Nebraska side.

The bridge was originally built in 1893 and underwent major reconstruction between 1904 and 1908 to strengthen its design. It operated as a primary rail corridor for passenger and freight traffic until operations stopped in 1980.

The bridge connects the two river towns visually and historically, serving as a landmark that marks the boundary between two states. The structure itself tells the story of how railroads once shaped the relationship between these neighboring communities.

The bridge is accessible on foot and by bicycle from both sides of the river, making it easy to explore from either town. The Iowa section remains open to allow river traffic to pass through, which is an important detail when visiting.

The Iowa half of the bridge remains permanently open to allow river traffic to pass, while the Nebraska side stays fixed in place. This makes it a working example of how historical infrastructure continues to serve contemporary river transportation needs.

Location: Pottawattamie County

Location: Douglas County

Official opening: 1903

GPS coordinates: 41.27810,-95.89110

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:03