Bellevue State Park Nelson Unit Hiking

Bellevue State Park’s Nelson Unit has long been known for the spectacular view of Bellevue and the Mississippi River from the park’s lookout point. Often travel magazines or guides will use a photo from this idyllic setting to show off the fascinating panorama of bluffs, floodplains, river channels, a stream, town parks, and quaint buildings, new and old. What visitors may not realize is that behind the park’s nature center and butterfly garden is a series of trails—owned by the state and town—that offer a variety of hiking opportunities.

            Beyond the famed Bellevue State Park Butterfly Garden, which is well worth a trip in warmer weather, the Quarry Trail loops north following a ridge. A steep descent takes hikers to an old quarry, which overlooks Mill Creek. A connector trail and bridge on the northwesterly edge of the park leads to Bellevue’s Felderman Park Trail. This park has creekside benches, picnic tables, a pavilion, disc golf, soccer fields, and an educational kiosk.

              Loop back to the Bellevue State Park Quarry Trail and hike up the hill. Before returning to the Butterfly Garden, wander out to the prairie hunting trails on the south side. In season, this open area provides 220 acres for hunters to pursue their passion. For the rest of the year, mowed trails offer hikers hilltop ridge hiking with forest-edge trails and prairie grass and flower exploration. Wildlife comes to visit crop plots as well. When hikers return to the Nature Center parking lot, they will have experienced a number of terrains, ecosystems, views, and amenities that Bellevue State Park and its surroundings offer.