Ah, Council Bluffs. The land of endless gas stations, 24-hour casinos, and an inexplicable number of fireworks stands open all year round. If you’ve spent any time in Omaha, you’ve probably heard at least one person refer to our neighbor across the river as “Counciltucky.”
But why? Is it just friendly Midwestern teasing? Is there some deep historical feud between Iowa and Nebraska? Or is it just because of the sheer number of mullets per capita? Let’s dive in.
1. The Kentucky Connection (That Doesn’t Actually Exist)
First off, let’s clear something up—Council Bluffs is in Iowa. Not Kentucky. So why the comparison? Well, in the grand tradition of people making fun of their next-door neighbors (think Missouri vs. Kansas, Illinois vs. Indiana, and literally every state vs. Florida), Omaha decided that Council Bluffs needed a fun, slightly insulting nickname.
Since some folks in Council Bluffs embrace a certain “country” lifestyle—think lifted trucks, country music, and a casual approach to fireworks safety—the name Counciltucky was born. It’s an affectionate nod to stereotypes of rural Kentucky: big trucks, beer, and questionable decision-making.
2. The Casinos, the Fireworks, and the ‘Anything Goes’ Vibe
You know how some people go to Vegas for a wild weekend? Omaha folks go to Council Bluffs. Whether it’s losing rent money at Ameristar, buying illegal-in-Nebraska fireworks at one of the 100+ stands, or hitting up Bass Pro Shops like it’s a theme park, CB is where Omaha lets loose.
And let’s be real—if you can buy explosives and a boat in the same parking lot, you’re officially in Counciltucky territory.
3. The Deep-Fried County Fair Energy
Council Bluffs has a vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can see a guy driving a riding lawnmower to Casey’s for a pizza, a woman in full pajamas at the grocery store at 2 PM, and a whole family treating Walmart as an amusement park. If you’ve ever been to a county fair and thought, Wow, what a time to be alive, you’ll understand why Omaha lovingly calls it Counciltucky.
4. The Rivalry That No One Acknowledges
Omaha folks joke about Counciltucky, but let’s be honest—half of them secretly love it. Where else can you get gas 30 cents cheaper, gamble at 9 AM on a Tuesday, and buy a Confederate flag next to a convenience store selling “World’s Best Fried Chicken”?
Omaha people pretend they’re too sophisticated for CB, but just wait until Nebraska bans something fun—then suddenly, everyone’s speeding across the river like it’s the Oregon Trail, hoping their wagon (Ford F-150) doesn’t break down before they hit the Horseshoe Casino.
5. The People of Council Bluffs Just Roll With It
The best part? Council Bluffs folks have fully embraced Counciltucky. They know they have the cheapest beer, the wildest gas station encounters, and the ability to legally own whatever exotic animal they want. Why be mad when you can just lean into it?
In the end, Omaha and Council Bluffs are like two siblings. Omaha pretends to be classy, while CB is out here lighting off Roman candles in their backyard while drinking Busch Light. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.
Final Thoughts
So next time you hear someone call it Counciltucky, just smile, nod, and enjoy the show. Whether you’re an Omahan looking for adventure or a CB local who knows where the real fun is, there’s one thing we can all agree on: it may be a little wild, but it’s home.
And if you disagree, well… meet me in the Ameristar parking lot at midnight. We’ll settle this over a $5 blackjack table and a plate of questionable buffet shrimp.
Would you like any tweaks? Maybe add a few more CB-specific details? 😆
4o
Ah, Council Bluffs. The land of endless gas stations, 24-hour casinos, and an inexplicable number of fireworks stands open all year round. If you’ve spent any time in Omaha, you’ve probably heard at least one person refer to our neighbor across the river as “Counciltucky.”
But why? Is it just friendly Midwestern teasing? Is there some deep historical feud between Iowa and Nebraska? Or is it just because of the sheer number of mullets per capita? Let’s dive in.
1. The Kentucky Connection (That Doesn’t Actually Exist)
First off, let’s clear something up—Council Bluffs is in Iowa. Not Kentucky. So why the comparison? Well, in the grand tradition of people making fun of their next-door neighbors (think Missouri vs. Kansas, Illinois vs. Indiana, and literally every state vs. Florida), Omaha decided that Council Bluffs needed a fun, slightly insulting nickname.
Since some folks in Council Bluffs embrace a certain “country” lifestyle—think lifted trucks, country music, and a casual approach to fireworks safety—the name Counciltucky was born. It’s an affectionate nod to stereotypes of rural Kentucky: big trucks, beer, and questionable decision-making.
2. The Casinos, the Fireworks, and the ‘Anything Goes’ Vibe
You know how some people go to Vegas for a wild weekend? Omaha folks go to Council Bluffs. Whether it’s losing rent money at Ameristar, buying illegal-in-Nebraska fireworks at one of the 100+ stands, or hitting up Bass Pro Shops like it’s a theme park, CB is where Omaha lets loose.
And let’s be real—if you can buy explosives and a boat in the same parking lot, you’re officially in Counciltucky territory.
3. The Deep-Fried County Fair Energy
Council Bluffs has a vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can see a guy driving a riding lawnmower to Casey’s for a pizza, a woman in full pajamas at the grocery store at 2 PM, and a whole family treating Walmart as an amusement park. If you’ve ever been to a county fair and thought, Wow, what a time to be alive, you’ll understand why Omaha lovingly calls it Counciltucky.
4. The Rivalry That No One Acknowledges
Omaha folks joke about Counciltucky, but let’s be honest—half of them secretly love it. Where else can you get gas 30 cents cheaper, gamble at 9 AM on a Tuesday, and buy a Confederate flag next to a convenience store selling “World’s Best Fried Chicken”?
Omaha people pretend they’re too sophisticated for CB, but just wait until Nebraska bans something fun—then suddenly, everyone’s speeding across the river like it’s the Oregon Trail, hoping their wagon (Ford F-150) doesn’t break down before they hit the Horseshoe Casino.
5. The People of Council Bluffs Just Roll With It
The best part? Council Bluffs folks have fully embraced Counciltucky. They know they have the cheapest beer, the wildest gas station encounters, and the ability to legally own whatever exotic animal they want. Why be mad when you can just lean into it?
In the end, Omaha and Council Bluffs are like two siblings. Omaha pretends to be classy, while CB is out here lighting off Roman candles in their backyard while drinking Busch Light. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.
Final Thoughts
So next time you hear someone call it Counciltucky, just smile, nod, and enjoy the show. Whether you’re an Omahan looking for adventure or a CB local who knows where the real fun is, there’s one thing we can all agree on: it may be a little wild, but it’s home.
And if you disagree, well… meet me in the Ameristar parking lot at midnight. We’ll settle this over a $5 blackjack table and a plate of questionable buffet shrimp.
