Every night, countless UFO buffs keep their eyes on the sky, hoping to see something unusual and unexplainable. Most of the time, objects in the sky are simply a plane, a celestial body, or a trick of the clouds – but once in a while, there’s something else there: something truly bizarre that, if you ask believers, could only be explained by the presence of extraterrestrials. Iowa isn’t generally considered a hub of UFO activity – which makes what happened in Council Bluffs in 1977 all the more fascinating. Most sightings leave behind little trace, but the most famous UFO sighting in Iowa didn’t just leave multiple witnesses – it left physical evidence, and it has not been fully explained to this day. Read on for the mysterious tale of the UFO over Big Creek Park.

Please note that there are no known photographs of the UFOs discussed in this story. The pictures used are for representative purposes and are either other reported UFOs or artist representations.

UFOs have been fascinating people for well over a century, and countless sightings are reported over the United States every year.
Unknown Author/Wikipedia
But some are more credible than others.
The year was 1977, in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Jared Winkler/Wikipedia
On December 17th, around 7:45 p.m., all eyes would be on the sky.
The site was Big Creek Lake - usually one of Council Bluffs' top recreation destination.
Chanchal/Google Local
Local resident Criss Moore, visiting the park, saw something very strange hovering in the air.

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Described as a "Big Round Thing," it did something that few UFOs do - it crashed into the middle of the park, leaving behind flaming, smoking wreckage that attracted 11 witnesses, including firefighters.
Chanchal/Google Local
It would be a while before the flames were put out and the debris could be identified.
Afedchenko/Wikipedia
No remnants of alien life were found - but the carbon steel remains of the mysterious craft didn't have an easy explanation.
Theories about what the mysterious craft was range from a secret government aircraft to a test flight gone wrong - but true believers have been saying that Iowa was visited by extraterrestrials for about half a century.
Thumperward/Wikipedia

Did you know about this famous UFO sighting in Iowa? What are your theories about the strange events in Council Bluffs in 1977? Let us know in the comments section. Council Bluffs is also home to some amazing barbecue and the Ameristar Casino Hotel, if you’re looking to make a trip to follow this UFO’s trail,

Looking for more mysterious events out of Iowa’s past? Check out the Van Meter Visitor Festival, celebrating Iowa’s most famous cryptid.

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Council Bluffs, IA, USA