Bellevue State Park
Iowa's scenic state park along the Mississippi River, featuring a butterfly garden, hiking trails, and peaceful camping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Butterflies are active
Bellevue State Park
Best Time
Butterflies are active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iowa's scenic state park along the Mississippi River, featuring a butterfly garden, hiking trails, and peaceful camping.
"A very neat and clean state park with a lovely frog pond and butterfly garden that the kids enjoyed so much!"
🦋 Butterfly Garden Magic
Visit the butterfly garden on a warm, sunny day for the best chance to see butterflies!
🐸 Kid-Friendly Fun
Bring the kids to the frog pond; supplies are provided for tadpole catching!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Butterfly Garden
Top of the park
A vibrant oasis with a paved walkway, perfect for spotting butterflies and enjoying colorful blooms.
Mississippi River Overlook
Bluffs overlooking the river
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Mississippi River valley, offering a glimpse of Iowa and Wisconsin.
Frog Pond & Tadpole Catching
Near the playground
A fun, free activity for kids with provided supplies to catch tadpoles and observe aquatic life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Pack for All Seasons
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦋 Butterfly Garden Magic
Visit the butterfly garden on a warm, sunny day for the best chance to see butterflies!
🐸 Kid-Friendly Fun
Bring the kids to the frog pond; supplies are provided for tadpole catching!
🏞️ Scenic River Views
Hike the bluffs for stunning Mississippi River views.
🏕️ Peaceful Camping
Enjoy quiet camping with sounds of the river and trains.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦋 Butterfly Garden Magic
Visit the butterfly garden on a warm, sunny day for the best chance to see butterflies!
🐸 Kid-Friendly Fun
Bring the kids to the frog pond; supplies are provided for tadpole catching!
🏞️ Scenic River Views
Hike the bluffs for stunning Mississippi River views.
🏕️ Peaceful Camping
Enjoy quiet camping with sounds of the river and trains.
👟 Trail Adventures
Explore well-maintained hiking trails through the woods.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bellevue State Park for its cleanliness, family-friendly activities like the butterfly garden and tadpole pond, and the stunning Mississippi River views from the bluffs. The peaceful camping experience is also a major draw. Some visitors noted fewer butterflies than expected in the garden on cooler days.
"Very neat and clean state park with a lovely frog pond and butterfly garden that the kids enjoyed so much! They have supplies to catch tadpoles and butterflies all for free."
Agnes Najger
"We had heard there was a butterfly garden at the top of the Bellevue State Park. They have a nice paved walkway out to the butterfly garden, we only saw 1 butterfly though, it was a kind of cooler day. A lot of nice flowers, and a good place to take the kids and to take a walk too."
Bill Doering
"Great little campground tucked in the hills overlooking the Mississippi. Sounds at night remind you of a time gone by with the train whistle and the barges engines humming softly in the distance. Add a soft rain for a great recipe for restful sleep."
Jan Hess
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bellevue State Park is located in Bellevue, Iowa, along the Mississippi River. It's accessible by car, and the park itself has plenty of parking available. For those coming from nearby cities, it's a scenic drive along River Road.
Public transportation options directly to Bellevue State Park are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car. If you're relying on rideshares, confirm availability in the area beforehand.
The park is situated along the famous River Road on the Iowa side of the Mississippi. This route offers beautiful scenery. If you're coming from further afield, use GPS navigation to find the most direct route to Bellevue, Iowa.
The closest major airport is Quad City International Airport (MLI), which is about an hour's drive from Bellevue State Park. Smaller regional airports might be closer but offer fewer flight options.
Driving conditions are generally good, but be aware of potential weather changes, especially during fall and winter. Roads can be slick when wet or icy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bellevue State Park generally does not have an entrance fee for day use, making it a great budget-friendly option. Camping and shelter rentals may incur separate fees.
The park is typically open from dawn to dusk for day-use visitors. Specific facilities like campgrounds or visitor centers may have different hours. It's always a good idea to check the official park website for the most up-to-date information.
It's highly recommended to book camping sites in advance, especially during peak season (summer weekends) or holidays, to secure your spot. Off-season camping might offer more availability.
Bellevue State Park sometimes hosts events like free fitness classes or concerts. Check local listings or the park's social media for any upcoming activities.
Yes, picnic shelters are available for rent and are great for events and celebrations. Booking in advance is advised, especially for larger groups or popular dates.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers well-maintained hiking trails that wind through the woods and along the bluffs, providing beautiful views of the Mississippi River.
Yes, the butterfly garden features a nice paved walkway, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Children will enjoy the playground, the frog pond with tadpole-catching supplies, and exploring the butterfly garden.
Visitors have reported seeing piebald deer and various bird species. The river environment also supports diverse aquatic life.
The park offers clean restrooms with hot water, playgrounds, picnic shelters, campgrounds, and hiking trails.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly within Bellevue State Park. However, the nearby town of Bellevue offers various eateries, from casual diners to local breweries.
Absolutely! Bellevue State Park is an ideal spot for picnics. There are designated picnic areas and rentable shelters, perfect for enjoying a meal amidst nature.
While not a permanent feature, some events held at the park might include food vendors. It's best to check event schedules for specific details.
The town of Bellevue has a selection of dining options, including cafes, restaurants, and a brewery, offering a taste of local flavor.
Yes, if you are camping, you can typically cook at your campsite using your own equipment or a provided fire ring/grill.
📸 📸 Photography
The Mississippi River overlook offers breathtaking panoramic views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The butterfly garden and the pond also provide beautiful natural subjects.
Yes, with opportunities to see deer, various bird species, and aquatic life in the pond, it's a decent spot for nature photography.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most flattering light for landscape and nature photography at the river overlook.
Drone usage policies can vary by state park. It's essential to check the specific regulations for Bellevue State Park and Iowa State Parks before flying a drone.
Spring and fall offer vibrant colors with blooming flowers or autumn foliage, while summer provides lush greenery. Winter can offer stark, beautiful landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏕️ Campers Seeking Tranquility
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Butterfly Garden
This area is designed to attract and support local butterfly populations. It's a peaceful spot for a leisurely stroll and offers a chance to appreciate nature's delicate beauty. Remember to visit on a warm, sunny day for the best chance to witness active butterflies.
Camping and Riverfront Charm
The campsites are noted as being spacious and clean, with well-maintained restrooms offering hot water. During the off-season, the park can be quite secluded, offering a truly tranquil camping experience. The hiking trails along the bluffs provide opportunities for exploration and offer magnificent scenic views of the river valley, extending into Wisconsin.
Family Fun and Activities
Beyond the pond, the park features a playground and the aforementioned butterfly garden, ensuring that younger visitors have plenty to explore. The well-maintained trails are also suitable for family walks, allowing everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of the park. The accessibility of these features makes it a stress-free outing for parents.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit