Unique Heritage Tour: Bregant House by Preserve Council Bluffs
Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes
Fitness Level
No physical exertion required; suitable for all ages and ability levels.
Overview
Discover the Bregant House in Council Bluffs, Iowa—a uniquely scaled home designed for its tiny owners. This 30-minute tour reveals a compelling story of adaptation and local history few know.
Bregant House tours
$5 | 30 Minutes
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About This Adventure
Duration
30 Minutes
About
The house was built for Jean and Inez Bregant, who were respectively 45 and 42 inches tall. The couple worked as sales and promotional representatives for the nationally-popular Woodward Candy factory. Dubbed "The Doll House," the interior of their home was specially designed to accommodate the physical stature of its occupants. The fireplace mantle is to other people about waist-high. The china cabinet, light switches, doorknobs, windows, bathtub, thermostat and other features were also scaled to meet their needs.
The tour includes a 12 minute video about how the couple met at Coney Island's Midget City, a look at the use of "little people" in advertising at that time, and a brief history of the Woodward Candy Factory.
Allow 25-30 minutes for the tour and video.
NOTE: Tours can't be booked online less than 24 hours before the requested tour time. If you see an available time slot on the calendar and it is less than 24 hours away phone Michelle at 712-314-7123. Tours may be scheduled at times other than those posted if a volunteer is available. Please email PreserveCBI@gmail.com with your request.
GROUP TOURS: Group size is limited to six. We are glad to accommodate larger groups with advance notice
Adventure Tips
Book Tours in Advance
Tours cannot be booked online less than 24 hours before your visit; call ahead to secure your spot.
Allow 30 Minutes for the Tour
Plan for a half-hour visit to fully experience the house and the included video presentation.
Small Group Size
Group tours are capped at six people to maintain an intimate experience; larger groups require advance notice.
Accessible Downtown Location
The Bregant House is located at 517 S 4th St, convenient for visitors staying in Council Bluffs or Omaha.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern gray squirrels common in downtown greenspaces
- Migratory songbirds visible seasonally in Council Bluffs parks
History
The Bregant House reflects a fascinating story of accommodation and social history tied to early 20th-century advertising and the Woodward Candy factory.
Conservation
Preserve Council Bluffs supports local heritage conservation by maintaining this unique home, fostering public awareness about architectural adaptation and inclusive history.
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Adventure Hotspots in Omaha
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
You’ll likely walk short distances around downtown Council Bluffs before and after the tour.
Light jacket or sweater
Spring evenings can be cool, so bring an extra layer just in case.
spring specific
Water bottle
Stay hydrated while exploring downtown before or after your tour.
summer specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture the uniquely proportioned interiors and historic details of the Bregant House.