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Iowa
52

Iowa State Parks

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USA Parks
Iowa
Southeast Region
Bellevue State Park
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Bellevue State Park © James C. Orvis
Bellevue State Park © James C. Orvis
Bellevue State Park © James C. Orvis
Bellevue State Park © James C. Orvis
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BELLEVUE STATE PARK
BELLEVUE STATE PARK
24668 U.S. 52
Bellevue, Iowa   52031
(lat:42.2489 lon:-90.4186) map location

Phone: 563-872-4019
Reservations: 877-427-2757
Email: park email button icon
Eastern Iowa's Bellevue State Park is rich in archaeological, historical and natural beauty. The park features beautiful overlooks of the Mississippi River. An enclosed nature center and open butterfly sanctuary showcase diverse wildlife and plant life inhabiting the area. Bellevue State Park is split into two separate areas, the Nelson Unit and the Dyas Unit camping is only available at the Dyas Unit.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseHiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
 Full Hookup Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Nearby Accommodations
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Hotels/Motels
You will feel right at home when you reach Carroll County, our corner of beautiful Northwest Illinois. The magnificent Mississippi River and outdoor spaces will refresh your spirit and touch our soul.
15.2 miles from park*
Fishing
Two fishing options are available: the Mississippi River and Lake Bulger. Species include bass, catfish, walleye, bluegill and crappie.



Picnicking
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.
Trails
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.
Bicycling
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.
Nature Programs
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.
Birding
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.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 21 Just breathtaking..........
park review stars; one to five
February 14
park review stars; one to five
September 12 Has a great view overlooking the river.
park review stars; one to five
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Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Hickory Hideaway - Shannon, IL
Cottages and Cabins
More than just lodging, it's home to 12 cabins located on 10 wooded acres just minutes from Lake Carroll approximately 30 minutes from beautiful state parks such as Mississippi Palisades, Lake Le-Aqua- Na, White Pines Forest, Rock Cut, Morrison-Rockwood. A romantic whirlpool cabin with fireplace or country kitchenette can accommodate everything from intimate parties to family reunions. Enjoy our friendly atmosphere beside the bonfire or in our 8-person hot tub.
31.6 miles from park*
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Hotels/Motels
Relax in the rustic beauty and comfort of Starved Rock Lodge, Cabins and Starved Rock Inn. The historic Lodge has 69 guest rooms, which include three bay-window rooms, plus cabins nestled in the woods. Fireplaces can be found in four of the eight sunset cabins near the pool area...
97.7 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
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Area Resources
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Tourism
You will feel right at home when you reach Carroll County, our corner of beautiful Northwest Illinois. The magnificent Mississippi River and outdoor spaces will refresh your spirit and touch our soul.
15.2 miles from park*

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Iowa
52

Iowa State Parks

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