Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge | Omaha

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is a 3,000-foot-long pedestrian bridge spanning the Missouri River, connecting Omaha, Nebraska, and Council Bluffs, Iowa.

It is a modern cable-stayed bridge designed for pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

Visual Characteristics

The bridge features a distinctive Y-shaped single pylon, reaching a height of 200 feet above the deck. The deck itself is constructed from concrete and steel, with a width of 19 feet. The railing system is made of steel, providing a clear view of the river and surrounding landscape. The color palette is primarily grey concrete and silver steel, with accents of blue on the cable stays.

Location & Access Logistics

The bridge's Nebraska entrance is located at 705 Douglas Street, Omaha, NE 68102, approximately 1 mile East of downtown Omaha. Parking is available in the Old Market District garages and street parking. Public transport options include Metro bus routes that stop near the Old Market, with a short walk to the bridge entrance. The Iowa entrance is accessible from the River's Edge Park in Council Bluffs.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge began in 2006 and was completed in 2008. The bridge was designed by the architectural firm Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK). Its primary purpose is to connect the pedestrian and bicycle trail systems of Omaha and Council Bluffs, promoting recreation and inter-state connectivity across the Missouri River.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can walk or bike across the entire length of the bridge. A specific marker on the bridge deck indicates the exact geographical center of the continental United States. Photography of the Omaha skyline and the Missouri River is a common activity. The bridge is accessible 24 hours a day.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the River's Edge Park on the Iowa side and at designated points along the Omaha riverfront trail system. Shade is limited on the bridge itself, with most provided by the structure's design. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong across the bridge. Food vendors are not located directly on the bridge but are abundant in the nearby Old Market district in Omaha and along the Council Bluffs riverfront.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon provides optimal lighting conditions for the skyline. The months of April through October offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. There are no tide requirements as the bridge is elevated above the river's water level.

Facts & Legends

A unique aspect of the bridge is its designation as the "Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge," named after former Nebraska Congressman Bob Kerrey. It is also known colloquially as the "Omaha-Council Bluffs Pedestrian Bridge." A local point of interest is the "Center of the Nation" marker, though its precise geographical accuracy is debated.

Nearby Landmarks

• Old Market District (0.8km West)
• Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (3.5km West)
• Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum (25km West - outside 5km radius, but significant)
• Lauritzen Gardens (2.1km Southwest)
• Union Pacific Center (1.2km West)