Bellevue State Park

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About the Park

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.

Plan Your Visit

There are two units at Bellevue State Park: Nelson Unit and Days Unit.

Office (Nelson Unit)
24668 Hwy. 52
Bellevue, IA 52031

Nelson Unit

• Learn about a variety of plants, animals and geology of Bellevue State Park at the South Bluff Nature Center. The center is open by appointment. Hours may vary depending on volunteer staff and availability.
• Hike three miles of trails, offering scenic views of the Mississippi River and restored prairie. The paved Nelson Unit Trail leads to the Butterfly Garden, featuring a mix of perennial and annual flowers with almost 60 different butterfly species from spring to fall. The Quarry Trail leads to a primitive lime kiln, and trails from the main overlook lead to Pulpit Rock.
• Hunt on 220 acres of public hunting land adjacent to the Nelson Unit (hunting is not allowed within park boundaries). Tall grass prairie and assorted food plots are scattered in the area to attract turkey, deer and pheasants. Check the hunting atlas to find the location.
• Reserve one of two open shelters or day-use lodge for a family gathering during your visit. Shelters in the Nelson Unit offer beautiful views of the Mississippi River and may be reserved for a fee. The lodge may be reserved for group events such as wedding receptions and family reunions through the online reservation system for Bellevue State Park.

Dyas Unit

• Hike four miles of trails leading to scenic overlooks and a stream. The Deer Trail is a short, easy trail near the campground.  
• Camp at one of several camping sites in the Dyas Unit, containing electric and non-electric sites, modern restrooms and showers, and a sanitary dump station. One fourth of the campsites are available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis, and advance campsite reservations can be made online through the online reservation system for Bellevue State Park.
• Reserve one of two open shelters for a leisurely picnic during your stay. Shelters offer beautiful views of the Mississippi River and are available for reservation through the online reservation system for Bellevue State Park.

Mailing Address - Nelson Unit

Dyas Unit Camping
21466 429th Ave
Bellevue, IA 52031

Amenities at a Glance

• Nature center
• Butterfly garden
• Hunting
• Hiking trails
• Playground
• Day-use lodge
• Shelters
• Modern restroom
• Showers
• Electric campsites
• Full hook-up campsites
• Non-electric campsites
• Walk to campsites
• Youth group only campsites
• Dump station

Explore the Park

• Bellevue State Park map and flyer
• Bellevue State Park campground map

Butterfly Garden

Visit the Butterfly Garden at Bellevue State Park!

Learn more about the butterfly garden. 

Explore the Butterfly Garden