Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

For being over the water, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge sure is a local hangout. The Nebraska side is especially nice, with the bridge leading to the 3-acre (1-hectare) Omaha Plaza—check out the interactive fountains and live music on Fridays. “Bob” also offers direct access to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center, Kiewit Luminarium, Heartland of America Park, and more.

The bridge is a symbol of both Omaha and Council Bluffs, and scavenger hunt–style tours often take visitors here for its landmark nature, plus the views, which glow by nightfall.

• Public restrooms can be found at the various parks on either end, plus at the NPS visitor center on the Nebraska side.

• The bridge maxes out at a 4.9-percent grade, so expect a short uphill climb.

• The bridge is both wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.

If you’re driving, parking can be found on the Nebraska side at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center; in Iowa, park at River’s Edge Park. Otherwise, from downtown Omaha, there’s pedestrian access from the intersection of 10th and Capitol. Rideshares, taxis, and biking are options, too.

There’s no bad time to visit Bob—by day, you’ll take in fabulous views of the Missouri River and these two historic cities; by night, the bridge is lit up, glowing like the Omaha skyline at the bridge’s western end. If nothing else, Bob is buzziest on warm-weather weekends, when events take place at the various connected parks, such as the Omaha Plaza.

There’s one photo to get while crossing Bob the Bridge: the “bobbing” photo. That’s the term for striking a pose while standing up or lying down in two states at the same time, right on the Nebraska–Iowa line. The spot’s delineated on the bridge, so you can’t miss it (or just look for the crowds lying down on the concrete).