Bayliss Park and the black squirrels
Some towns have a signature landmark. Council Bluffs has black squirrels. You’ll find them represented in local artwork and community branding, and you might spot a living one during your visit, too.
Bayliss Park brings that connection to life with a family of bronze squirrel sculptures, a striking fountain, and a performance pavilion in the heart of downtown. Add a summer splash pad and a railroad museum across the street, and you’ve got several reasons to stop and explore.
The park dates to 1853, when Samuel Bayliss donated the land. Today, it remains a gathering place for Council Bluffs, with public art, shaded walkways, and monuments throughout the grounds.
Why does Council Bluffs have black squirrels?
Their dark fur comes from a genetic variation that increases pigmentation. Black squirrels have a long history in the area. Naturalist John James Audubon recorded seeing them along the eastern bank of the Missouri River between St. Joseph and Council Bluffs in 1843.
The squirrels you’re guaranteed to find at Bayliss Park are the bronze versions near the splash pad. Created by artist Brower Hatcher, they’re a playful tribute to one of the city’s best-known residents.
Where is Bayliss Park?
Address: 100 Pearl Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa
General park hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
You can explore the park on its own or combine it with a visit to the Union Pacific Railroad Museum at 200 Pearl Street.
The photos below are from a previous winter visit. Seasonal decorations shown in the images aren’t part of the park’s year-round appearance.
Wellspring Fountain
Wellspring is the centerpiece of Bayliss Park. Created by artist Brower Hatcher, its curved stainless steel framework echoes the shape of spraying water. During the warmer months, water rises through the sculpture and cascades into the pool below.
The fountain and its nighttime illumination give you reasons to visit during the day and after dark. Even when the water is off for winter, the sculpture remains a focal point of the park.
Wellspring was unveiled as part of the park’s 2007 rededication, along with Hatcher’s nearby performance pavilion, Oculus. The two works helped launch the Iowa West Public Art initiative in Council Bluffs.
Oculus Performance Pavilion
Oculus is another creation by artist Brower Hatcher. Its open dome stands above the park’s performance area, providing a setting for concerts, ceremonies, weddings, and community gatherings.
Look closely at the canopy and you’ll see colored rods and mirrored discs woven into its framework. These details give the structure color and reflection, making it worth a look even when the stage is quiet.
Together, Oculus and Wellspring connect the park’s gathering spaces through Hatcher’s distinctive sculptural designs.
Black Squirrel Sculptures and Summer Splash Pad
On the north side of the fountain, a family of bronze black squirrels adds a playful touch to Bayliss Park. Created by Brower Hatcher, the sculptures celebrate the city’s connection to its furry mascot and make a fun photo stop.
Nearby, a small splash pad gives younger children a place to cool off during the summer. The city lists seasonal splash pad hours as 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The splash pad is separate from Wellspring, so families can enjoy the water play area while leaving the decorative fountain for viewing.
Veterans Plaza and Park Monuments
Take a little time to explore beyond the fountain and squirrel sculptures. On the east side of Bayliss Park, Veterans Plaza provides a place to pause and remember those who served.
Created by sculptor John Lajba and dedicated on July 4, 2003, the plaza includes a memorial wall honoring those who died or are missing in action.
Other monuments throughout the park recognize local history, including the Mormon Trail and veterans of the Spanish-American War.
Visit the Union Pacific Railroad Museum Across the Street
Pair your walk through Bayliss Park with a visit to the Union Pacific Railroad Museum at 200 Pearl Street. Housed in a historic Carnegie library building, the museum explores American history through the railroad, with artifacts, photographs, documents, and equipment spanning more than 150 years.
Self-guided general admission is free. The museum currently lists hours of Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Check the Union Pacific Railroad Museum website for current hours and special events before visiting.
Location: Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, Iowa
All photos by Brian Abeling / Iowa Road Trip
