Jackson County has over 8,000 acres of federal, state, and county park and recreation lands, most of them along the Mississippi near Bellevue. The best known is Bellevue State Park with its thousand year old indian mounds, scenic overlooks, massive bluffs, and the largest butterfly garden in Iowa. Spruce Creek Park has extensive camping facilities, a boat launch, and sheltered marina.
Pleasant Creek offers another launch site and camping facilities.
The park lies in two separate tracts. The Nelson Unit is at the immediate south edge of Bellevue, atop a 300 foot limestone bluff. The Dyas Unit is two miles further south on U.S. 52. Nelson Unit Picnickers at the Nelson Unit can enjoy beautiful views of the Mississippi River. The enclosed shelter is an ideal spot for group events such as wedding receptions and family events and is available on a reservation basis.