Bellevue State Park (Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bellevue State Park |
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View of Bellevue, Iowa and the Mississippi River from Bellevue State Park
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 Bellevue State Park
Location in Iowa
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| Location | Jackson, Iowa, United States |
| Area | 788 acres (319 ha) |
| Elevation | 807 ft (246 m) |
| Governing body | Iowa Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Bellevue State Park |
Bellevue State Park is a fantastic state park in Iowa, USA. It sits right along the famous Mississippi River, just a little south of the town of Bellevue. This park is a great spot for outdoor adventures and learning about nature.
The park is split into two main parts. The Nelson Unit is right next to Bellevue. It's on top of a tall, 300-foot (91 m) limestone cliff. The Dyas Unit is about 2 miles (3.2 km) further south. Both units offer different kinds of fun and exploration.
Bellevue State Park covers about 788 acres (3.19 km2) of land. You can find beautiful wooded trails and amazing views of the Mississippi River. It also has a special place called the "Garden Sanctuary for Butterflies" and a cool nature center.
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Fun Things to Do
Bellevue State Park offers many activities for visitors. You can enjoy picnics, go camping, or explore the park's many trails. It's a perfect place to spend time outdoors with friends and family.
Picnics and Shelters
At the Nelson Unit, you can have a picnic with awesome views of the Mississippi River. There are open picnic shelters you can reserve for parties or gatherings. There's also a lodge building. You can book the lodge for bigger events like family get-togethers. You can reserve these spots online.
Camping Adventures
The Dyas Unit is where you can go camping. It has 46 camping spots, and 31 of them have electricity. There are also modern restrooms, showers, and a place to dump waste from RVs. You can book a campsite ahead of time using the park's reservation system. About half of the campsites are available first-come, first-served. Camping is not allowed in the Nelson Unit.
Exploring the Trails
Both parts of Bellevue State Park have great trails for hiking.
- Nelson Unit Trails:
* One trail leads to an amazing viewpoint of the Mississippi River. * Another trail takes you past old Native American burial mounds. * You can walk through a restored prairie and the "Garden Sanctuary for Butterflies." * There's also a trail that goes by an old limestone quarry.
- Dyas Unit Trails:
* This unit has about 4 miles (6.4 km) of foot trails. * You'll find more scenic overlooks and a stream with beaver dams. * Keep an eye out for aquatic animals and other wildlife. * In winter, you might see bald eagles near the open water below Lock and Dam No. 12. * Sometimes, you can even spot pileated woodpeckers in quiet areas.
South Bluff Nature Center
The South Bluff Nature Center is located in the Nelson Unit. Inside, you'll find cool displays about the plants, animals, and rocks of Bellevue State Park. The center is open during certain times of the year, usually in the summer. They often have fun programs and activities.
Garden Sanctuary for Butterflies
Near the Nature Center is the "Garden Sanctuary for Butterflies." This is a very special place! It has over one hundred different garden plots. Each plot grows plants that butterflies love to eat or use for shelter. You can walk along pathways through the garden. This lets you see many different kinds of butterflies. You can also enjoy the beautiful flowers and a pond in the middle of the garden.
