If you love the scenic views and quaint establishments in the Galena area, but prefer fewer people, check out these 18 Things To Do in Bellevue, Iowa.
Introduction
Bellevue is just as quaint, has historic buildings, great shops and restaurants, beautiful views, but it’s quieter. Bellevue is in the Driftless Area and sits in a valley between two bluffs. It is also marks the start of the Grant Woods Scenic Drive.
Suggested Trip Length: 3-4 days
Distance from Chicago: 3 Hours
Travel “Flavors”: Antiques, Outdoors, and Scenic Drives
Itinerary Suggestions
Scenic Drives
Grant Woods Scenic Drive – This 60 mile scenic drive goes through the artists hometown and the scenery that inspired him. For more information on Grant Woods, check out my post on Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Great River Road – Bellevue is also on the Great River Road National Scenic Byway.
Sports
Ski Bellevue Water Ski Show – If you visit in the Summer, be sure to catch a water ski show.
Jackson County Pro Rodeo – If you’re visiting during the Summer months, check to see if there will be any events at the local rodeo.
Brush Dale Hunting Preserve and Kennel – If hunting is more your style, check out this preserve where you can hunt pheasant, quail, squirrels, etc.
Outdoors
Bellevue State Park – This park features hiking trails, scenic views, a campground, nature center, and butterfly garden.
Lock and Dam No. 12 – The dam is a great place to see bald eagles in winter months and pelicans in Summer months.
Riverview Park – This park is the jewel of the Bellevue Park system. It follows the Mississippi River and offer walking trails, beautiful views, water fountain, and picnic pavilion.
Animals
Irish Meadows Alpaca Farm – Visit their yarn store or attend a scheduled event to meet the alpacas.
Plumery Trails Malamute Ranch – purchase tickets to learn about giant Alaskan Malamutes, meet the pack and see their sleds.
Historic Buildings
Fritz Chapel – this tiny chapel is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1852 by Mathias Fritz in gratitude for a successful journey.
Big Mill Homestead – if you love historic buildings, check out the Big Mill Homestead, a 2 story limestone farmhouse which was built in 1845. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
U pick Produce
Annie’s Acres – If you visit during strawberry or pumpkin season, be sure to stop by to pick your own.
Food
La Casa de Pancho – A great Mexican restaurant with beers and margaritas
Grandpa’s Parlor – going out for ice cream is one of my favorite vacation traditions and this place is definitely on my list. However, they are seasonal so keep that in mind if visiting in the winter.
Potters Mill / Flatted 5th BBQ – Enjoy tasty BBQ in a historic, restored mill.
Lodging
Moon River Cabins – Enjoy the cozy comfort of these cabins with views of the Mississippi River.
Riverview RV Park & Vacation Rentals – They have several lodging options including tiny homes with great river views.
Final Thoughts
Those are just the highlights that stood out to me. For more information, check out Bellevue’s Chamber of Commerce. If you use my trip suggestions or if you’ve visited any of these locations in the past, please provide your reviews in the comments. Did I miss something? Please add other itinerary suggestions in the comments, especially if they are off the beaten path. Happy vacationing!