Picnickers at the Nelson Unit can enjoy beautiful views of the Mississippi River. Open picnic shelters may be reserved for a fee through the park office. The lodge is an ideal spot for group events such as wedding receptions and family events and is available on a reservation basis.

In the Nelson Unit, four trails provide a variety of hiking opportunities. One trail leads out to scenic overlook of the Mississippi, one winds past Indian burial mounds, one wanders through a restored prairie and a "Garden Sanctuary for Butterflies", and one takes you past an old limestone rock quarry.

The Dyas Unit encompasses almost 4 miles of foot trails, scenic overlooks, a stream with beaver dams, and aquatic and other wildlife. In winter, bald eagles concentrate to feed near the open waters below Lock and Dam 12. Pileated woodpeckers are occasionally seen in isolated areas.

Biking enthusiasts can explore two main trails. Be aware, the terrain varies from flat to steep and rugged.

The 4-mile Prairie Trail offers a moderate ride with scenic views of prairies and woodlands; caution is advised.

For more experienced cyclists, there's an adventurous option - the challenging Ridgetop Trail that spans over three miles.

Remember: safety first! Always wear helmets while biking these routes due to their varying levels of difficulty.

Also note that some sections may be closed during certain seasons for wildlife protection purposes.

The South Bluff Nature Center in the Nelson Unit contains a variety of interesting displays on the plants, animals and geology of Bellevue State Park. The center is open seasonally and offers a variety of programs in the summer.

The center is a remodeled golf course country club, rebuilt with mostly donated labor and supplies. It has been open to park visitors since its dedication in 1984. It is open 1:00 to 4:00 pm Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, and by appointment. Hours may vary depending on volunteer and staff availability.

The "Garden Sanctuary for Butterflies" is located nearby. This unique area contains over one hundred separate plots, each featuring plants which provide food and habitat for butterflies. A network of pathways allows visitors to walk through the garden and see a wide variety of butterflies as well as enjoy the beautiful array of flowers and the pond in the center.

High bluffs with scenic views of the Mississippi River, 770 acres with timbered walking trails, a unique butterfly sanctuary and an enclosed nature center are just some of the features that make Bellevue State Park so special. Located just south of the picturesque town of Bellevue, the park offers spectacular views of the river, the wildlife, and the unique butterfly garden.

The park lies in two separate tracts. The Nelson Unit is at the immediate south edge of Bellevue on U.S. 52, atop a 300 foot limestone bluff. The Dyas Unit is two miles further south on U.S. 52.

The park offers two bird observation decks, providing views of over 220 species including migratory birds. It also features a butterfly garden attracting various types of hummingbirds and butterflies.

From Dubuque, IA:
- Take US-52 S toward St. Donatus for about 23 miles.
- Turn left onto IA-62 E and continue for approximately 9 miles.

From Davenport, IA:
- Head north on Brady Street towards W River Drive/US67 N/IA - 461 N.
- Merge onto I-80 West via the ramp to Des Moines and travel for around 18 miles.
- Take exit number 295A to merge into US-61 North towards De Witt/Maquoketa; follow this route for roughly 50 miles.

From Cedar Rapids, IA:
- Start by getting on I-380 South/Iowa Highway27 South from A Avenue NE; continue following signs leading you southward until reaching Exit Number13B which merges your path with Interstate80 Eastbound after just over a mile of driving distance covered so far in total.