Bellevue State Park (Nelson Unit overlook)

Iowa

TypeOutdoors
CategoryScenic Overlooks

A 250-foot limestone bluff frames the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge, Lock and Dam No. 12, and the river town of Bellevue below in one shot -- and in winter, the same open water below the dam draws bald eagles the overlook trail was built to watch.

A double-duty stop (scenic overlook + lock/dam view + eagle watching) just south of Dubuque on US-52 -- distinct from Eagle Point Park (different county, different dam) and fills a gap on the eastern-Iowa stretch the route page currently skips entirely.

Hours, admission, and access change — confirm with the official source before you plan the detour.

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