Soar above the Missouri River on this 3,000-foot pedestrian bridge
Omaha’s Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge connects Iowa and Nebraska, bringing delight to hikers and bikers.
The mighty Missouri River is an impressive sight. But it’s not easy to get a good view of this massive waterway.
Omaha’s Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge meets this need and more. This 15-foot-wide walkway, for pedestrian and bicycle traffic only, is about 3,000-feet long. It begins on Omaha’s busy riverfront next to a regional office of the National Park Service. It spans the river and then “lands” in Council Bluffs, Iowa, at Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park.
“This is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world.”
You can take in sweeping views of the river, the Omaha skyline and the Loess Hills bluffs in the distance. The bridge takes on a different appearance at night when it’s illuminated by colorful lights fixed throughout its length.
Not only is the bridge an attraction, but the riverfronts in both states offer sights worth seeing.
The Omaha side includes the urban park and walking area called Gene Leahy Mall. Heartland Park includes walking trails, lake and a playground. Lewis & Clark Landing, the site of the bridge, includes the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center. There’s also an epic children’s playground.
The Iowa side is home to Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park in Council Bluffs. The 90-acre park includes an amphitheater, views of the Missouri River and walking and biking trails.
