I used to visited Council Bluffs every Fall and spend a few days. Because of the curious name I began a tradition, a pilgrimage actually, to Beebeetown. Loess Hills are a big draw for me in the fall - I love Hazel Dell Township too. And when the Boy Scouts were taken in that horrible Tornado it hit home that I had spent weeks and camped out at the Little Sioux Camp. Really is an overlooked area and recommend a visit to the hawk watch tower at Hitchcock Wildlife area. You are many 100s of feet above the Missouri and can see well into Nebraska. (I have been in over 80% of all towns in named towns in Iowa due to my former job and have many great memories like Balltown near Dubuque!). California Junction, Logan, Magnolia are all in that area and more.