Kanesville Memorial — Attraction in Council Bluffs

An interesting story of Mormon history that few know about. After the death of the founder, Joseph Smith, there was no prophet-leader for many years. Brigham Young led the church west as the leader of the 12 Apostles. As the Saints wintered at Council Bluffs, Young had a vision that it was time to have a church elect a President/Prophet again. To treat this event with respect and decorum, 200 Mormon Pioneers spent two and a half weeks building a large log-cabin like hall where everyone could assemble within to witness the restoration of the Church Presidency. The building lasted two years and was torn down. Over a hundred years later the Pottawattamie County Mormon Trails Association recreated the building and then donated it to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Missionaries on site will share this story and many more...

For history buffs, the Kanesville Tabernacle is a step back to the mid 1800s. This Tabernacle was built by the Mormons as they stopped in this area. Winter Quarters, across the river, is where many Pioneers stayed for the winter on their way across the plains during the 1800s. Stop and see the first odometer for a wagon and a working foot pump organ along with many other period pieces. The Tabernacle has been restored to be like it was during that time period. It is made of huge cottonwood logs and has a large sod fireplace. This is a great place to stop...

A Christmas delight with gingerbread villages, barns, covered wagons, with nice music playing. A search & find sheet for children with a small candy cane as a reward.

All of this is located inside of the Kanesville Tabernacle. The original log cabin was erected in 1847 under the direction of Brigham Young. It was reconstructed in the 1990's and is quite an interesting structure to tour. A bit of Midwest history...