Council Bluffs
Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, located on the Missouri River and named after the city’s longstanding Mayor Tom Hanafan, celebrated its dedication ceremony and opening music festival with the Beach Boys in May.
In July, Harrah’s Council Bluffs Hotel and Casino opened a new gaming floor to take place of the now closed Riverboat.
Okoboji
Boji Bay Fun House Pavilion opened in spring 2013. The pavilion accommodates up to 600 for corporate retreats, banquets and other gatherings. There is also a conference room that seats up to 250 attendees.
The Okoboji Classic Car Museum opened in spring 2013. Tours are available Tuesday through Saturday for $10 per person.
Creative Spirits Okoboji, a place to paint and enjoy a glass of wine, opened in summer 2012. Private events are accommodated.
Sioux City
Construction has begun on the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City, which is scheduled to open in summer 2014. Plans include a brand-new 30,000-square-foot gaming floor, as well as three restaurants, a retail store, a 54-room boutique-style hotel, an outdoor event lawn and an indoor concert venue.
Scheduled to open in May 2015 is the Children’s Museum of Siouxland, a family-oriented, hands-on venue targeting children ages 6 months to 10 years. The building will measure more than 15,000 square feet and is expected to lure roughly 50,000 visitors in its first year.
Clay County
Clay County Heritage Center opened in Spencer in July 2012. The facility offers two museum galleries, houses the Clay County CVB, and has a meeting room and a kitchen making it well-suited for small meetings and receptions.
InnSpiration Winery, which produces a wine list ranging from sweet wines to dark reds, opened in Linn Grove in March. Tours and tastings are available.