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Excited to Explore: Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit in Bellevue, Iowa

Bellevue State Park covers over 1,000 acres of ground high above the river. The lock and dam sits below that, working away on the same water. Chestnut Mountain Resort runs some 19 separate ski runs a short drive away. The Rivervue Trail is paved and mostly level along the entire way out. Those four figures are most of what you actually need to know here.

If you want a small town worth a weekend, Bellevue, Iowa belongs on the list. Set along the Mississippi River, Bellevue gives you long views, a real history and plenty to do at any age. Whether the outdoors, the shopping, the eating or simply the sights is what you came for, Bellevue can supply it.

Exploring Bellevue, Iowa rewards anybody who slows down for it. The town’s country is at its clearest in Bellevue State Park, where you can hike, bike, fish or simply sit and watch the river move. For a different angle on the area, take a riverboat tour and hear the history and the ecology of the Mississippi. If history is your subject, do not skip the Bellevue Heritage Museum, which carries the town’s past in exhibits and artifacts.

Whether the outdoors, the history or simply a weekend away is what you want, Bellevue, Iowa will not let you down. From the outdoor days to the eating and the shopping, every interest is served in this small town. So pack the bags and give it the time it deserves.

Key Takeaways

• Bellevue, Iowa offers breathtaking views, rich history, and plenty of fun things to do for visitors of all ages.
• The town’s natural beauty is on full display at Bellevue State Park, and visitors can also enjoy riverboat tours and the Bellevue Heritage Museum.
• Bellevue is the perfect destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking for a fun weekend getaway.

Exploring Bellevue, Iowa

If you want somewhere small that still fills the days, look at Bellevue, Iowa. This town serves the outdoor people and the cultural people equally. Whether history, the natural world or simply a slow few days is the plan, Bellevue is where to go.

One of the strongest things to do in Bellevue is take Bellevue State Park. This park runs hiking trails, long views, a campground and a nature center. You can also work through the park’s butterfly garden, which holds a range of species. If you simply want to sit down, the picnic area is where you do it with trees around you.

Another one nobody should skip in Bellevue is Lock and Dam No. 12. This structure is where you see bald eagles through the winter months and pelicans through the summer. You can also tour the lock and dam and hear how this waterway came to matter.

If history is your subject, do not skip the Bellevue Heritage Museum. This museum sits in a historic building and runs exhibits on the town’s history and culture. You can also take a walking tour and see the oldest buildings and landmarks still standing.

For something you cannot do inland, take a ride on the Mississippi Explorer River Boat Cruises. These cruises are the clearest way to see the river and hear its history and ecology. You can also take a guided fishing trip or rent a kayak and work the water yourself.

Finally, no trip to Bellevue is complete without River Ridge Brewing. This local brewery pours a long run of craft beers and runs live music and events across the year.

Whether the outdoors, the culture or simply a slow few days is what you want, Bellevue, Iowa has it. So pack the bags, take the camera and give this small town a proper go.

Natural Attractions

Bellevue, Iowa sits among some of the strongest country in the area. Whether you follow nature closely, walk seriously or simply want somewhere quiet, Bellevue serves everybody. Here are the natural attractions to work through around here:

Bellevue State Park

Bellevue State Park is the first stop for anybody who came for the outdoors. This park covers over 1,000 acres and gives you the Mississippi River and the bluffs standing over it. The park also runs a range of hiking trails through the forest and along the water. If the day goes your way, bald eagles or pelicans will pass overhead while you walk.

Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is among the landmarks everybody in the United States knows, and Bellevue gives you some of the strongest views of it. Take a walk along the riverfront and let the sound of the water do the work. You can also take a boat tour and get near enough to feel the scale of it.

Riverview Park

Riverview Park is a green space that gives you the Mississippi River in full. This park is where the picnics happen, with plenty of shade and water fountains for a hot afternoon. The park also holds a fish stack sculpture, which is worth walking over to see.

Felderman Park

Felderman Park is the one visitors in Bellevue walk past. This park runs a greenhouse holding a range of plants and flowers. The park also has open grass for picnics and games, along with a playground for the children.

Nature Center

Bellevue’s Nature Center is where you go to learn what actually lives around here. This center runs exhibits and interactive displays that manage to inform without boring anybody. You can also take a guided tour of the nearby hiking trails and hear about the country properly.

In summary, Bellevue, Iowa holds some of the strongest country in the area. From the long views over the Mississippi River to the trails through the forest, everybody finds their own version of it. So pack a picnic, take the boots and get outdoors in Bellevue.

Outdoor Activities

Bellevue, Iowa sits in country that makes the outdoor days easy. Whether you want the adrenaline version or a slow walk, Bellevue has both. Here are the strongest outdoor activities to try in Bellevue:

Great River Road

One of the strongest ways into the country around Bellevue is the drive along the Great River Road. This road follows the Mississippi River and gives you the water and the bluffs the whole way. You can stop at the lookout points along it or call at the small river towns strung out on the route.

Trails

Bellevue runs several trails that suit hiking, biking or horseback riding. The Rivervue Trail is the one people pick, running along the Mississippi River with the water and the bluffs beside you. The trail is paved and mostly flat, which puts it within reach of anybody. For something harder, head to the Bellevue State Park, where the trails run through the woods and up the bluffs.

Ski

If winter is when you travel, head to Chestnut Mountain Resort, a short drive from Bellevue. This ski resort runs 19 runs for skiers and snowboarders at every level, along with a terrain park for anybody who wants air. The resort also has a tubing hill, which is what families with small children actually use.

No matter what you follow, Bellevue has a version of it outdoors. So take the gear and get out into the country here.

Dining and Beverages

Bellevue, Iowa runs a range of eating and drinking that will meet most appetites. Whether Mexican food or simply a coffee is what you want, this town has it. Here are two strong options to consider:

La Casa De Pancho

If Mexican food is what you want, you should check out La Casa De Pancho. This restaurant runs a long list including tacos, burritos, enchiladas and a good deal more. They also carry vegetarian options if that is your preference. The portions are generous and the prices are fair, which makes it work for families or groups.

Cafe

If you want somewhere small to take a coffee or a light meal, Cafe is the answer. They pour a range of coffee drinks including lattes and cappuccinos. They also carry pastries and sandwiches if you arrive hungry. The room is warm and easy, which makes it where you sit and let an hour pass.

No matter what you feel like, Bellevue has the eating and drinking to meet it. So go out and order properly while you are here.

The bluffs out here were cut by the river, not built by anybody. The eagles arrive in the winter and the pelicans in the summer months. Both of them come here for the river rather than for the town. The barges still work through that lock exactly the way they always have. None of this happens for the benefit of any visitor at all here.

Shopping in Bellevue

Bellevue runs a range of shopping, whether you want a mall, independent stores or antiques. Here are the strongest shopping destinations in Bellevue.

Mall

The Bellevue Square Mall is a great place to start your shopping adventure. With over 200 stores, including high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co., you’re sure to find something you love. The mall also has a variety of restaurants and a movie theater, making it a great spot to spend the day.

Great Shops

If you’re looking for unique and trendy boutiques, Old Bellevue is the place to be. This charming area has a variety of shops, including clothing boutiques, home decor stores, and gift shops. Some of the top shops to check out include:

• Lucca Great Finds: This boutique has a curated selection of home decor, gifts, and accessories.
• La Ree Boutique: This high-end boutique has a variety of designer clothing and accessories.
• Mosaic Home: This home decor store has a variety of unique and stylish items to elevate your home.

Antiques

If antiques are your subject, Bellevue runs a range of shops for it. Some of the strongest antique shops include:

• Bellevue Rare Coins: This shop has a variety of rare coins and currency, as well as antique jewelry and watches.
• The French Hen: This antique shop has a variety of French-inspired home decor and gifts.
• Antiques at Pike Place: This shop has a variety of antique furniture, jewelry, and collectibles.

No matter how you shop, Bellevue will have a version of it.

Events and Entertainment

Bellevue, Iowa runs a busier calendar than the size suggests. Whether live music, sport on TV or something else entirely is what you want, something is always on in Bellevue. Here are the strongest events and entertainment options to check while you are here.

August

August is a strong month to take Bellevue. The weather holds, the days run long and the calendar fills up. One of the better-known events in August is the Bellevue Heritage Days. This festival marks the town’s history with live music, food vendors and a parade. There are also plenty of other events across the month, including:

• Live music at the River Ridge Brewing Company
• Trivia night at the Bellevue Golf Club
• Karaoke night at the Offshore Bar and Grill

September

September is the other strong month for Bellevue. The weather starts to turn, but the calendar keeps going. One of the better-known events in September is the Bellevue Fall Fest. This festival runs live music, food vendors and a car show. There are also plenty of other events across the month, including:

• Live music at the Lock 12 Music and Art Park
• Wine tastings at the Eagle’s Landing Winery
• Sports on TV at the Offshore Bar and Grill

November

November is when Bellevue goes quiet and becomes worth sitting in. The weather turns cool and sharp, and the calendar keeps you occupied. One of the better-known events in November is the Bellevue Holiday Open House. This event runs local businesses offering specials and discounts, along with festive activities for the whole family. There are also plenty of other events across the month, including:

• Live music at the River Ridge Brewing Company
• Shopping at the local music store, River Ridge Music
• Sports on TV at the Offshore Bar and Grill

No matter when you come to Bellevue, something will be running. From live music to sport on TV, everybody finds their own corner in this small town.

Unique Features of Bellevue

Bellevue, Iowa carries several things that set it apart from other small towns. Whether you follow the natural world, play board games or simply want something different, Bellevue has it. Here are the odder and stronger features of Bellevue.

Butterfly Garden

If plants and insects are your subject, do not miss the Butterfly Garden in Bellevue. This garden holds a range of butterflies alongside a long run of flowers and plants. Take a slow walk through it and let the place do its work. Don’t forget the camera, because the photographs take themselves here.

Riverwalk

Bellevue sits on the banks of the Mississippi River, and the Riverwalk is the clearest way to take that in. This paved walkway follows the river and runs benches and picnic tables the length of it. You might also see wildlife along the way, from the birds to the fish in the shallows.

Board Games

Bellevue holds a board game store called “Board Games & Beyond.” This store carries an enormous run of games, from the classics to the newest releases. You can also play in-store or join one of their board game events. It’s how a wet day or a quiet evening with friends gets filled.

Igloo

Bellevue also runs a winter attraction you will not find in many towns: an igloo. This igloo is built entirely from ice and opens to the public through the winter months. Inside, there are chairs and blankets and enough shelter to warm up in. It’s where you go after a day outdoors in the cold.

Bellevue is a town that keeps surprising people, and these are only some of what makes it worth the drive. Whether a quiet walk along the river, an evening of board games or an hour among the butterflies is what you want, Bellevue has it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the best views in Bellevue, Iowa?

Bellevue, Iowa is known for its views over the Mississippi River and the hills rolling away behind it. One of the strongest places to take those in is from the top of Mount Hope Cemetery. The cemetery sits on a hill above the town and gives you the river and the bluffs at once. Another strong spot is Riverview Park, which also looks over the river and runs picnic areas and playgrounds for families.

What are some unique experiences to have in Bellevue, Iowa?

Bellevue, Iowa is small but it carries a real personality, and there is plenty here you will not get elsewhere. One of the better-known stops is a visit to the Bellevue State Park. The park runs hiking trails, fishing, camping and a butterfly garden. Another one worth doing is Lock and Dam No. 12. Visitors can watch barges and boats work through the lock and hear the history of the Mississippi River. For something more demanding, the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area runs hiking trails, wildlife viewing and a chance to go into a historic lead mine.

Frequently asked questions about Bellevue, Iowa

How big is Bellevue State Park above the Mississippi?

Over 1,000 acres of it in all. It runs hiking trails through the forest and along the water, a campground, a nature center and a butterfly garden, with the bluffs standing over the whole thing. Bald eagles and pelicans both pass overhead while you are walking. Riverview Park is what covers the shorter version of the same. One of them takes a day, and the other takes an hour.

Where do the eagles show up along the Mississippi River here?

At the lock and dam itself. The winter brings the bald eagles in and the summer brings the pelicans, and both of them work the water around the structure rather than the town behind it. You can also take a tour of the lock and dam itself. The barges working through it are worth the standing about for. Bring something warm, because that wind comes off the water.

Is the Bellevue Heritage Museum worth an hour of it?

It genuinely is, yes. The museum sits in a historic building and carries the town’s history and culture in exhibits and artifacts, and the walking tour outside takes you past the buildings that are still standing. The Nature Center is what covers the other half of it. River Ridge Brewing is where the evening goes on from there. That gives you a full day inside a very small town.

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