What to do and see in Bellevue, United States: The Best Places and Tips

December 18, 2017 Mikaela Didonna

Bellevue is a city in Jackson County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,191 at the 2010 census. The city lies along the Mississippi River (Lock and Dam No. 12), next to Bellevue State Park.
Restaurants in Bellevue

1. Bellevue State Park

2166 429th Ave., Bellevue, IA 52031 +1 563-872-4019
Excellent
54%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Bellevue State Park

Reviewed By IA_Hawks - Iowa

Bellevue State Park is broken up into two parks..... the Northerly Nelson Unit has the Butterfly Garden, South Bluff Nature Center, Picnic Shelters, Lodge, and hiking trails.

The Southern Dyas Unit has the camping sites for tents, campers, RVs, etc (electrical), as well as great restroom facilities w/ showers.

However, neither unit has firewood for sale so you can either scavenge the woods for dead trees or drive the 2-3 miles into Bellevue and buy bundles.

The hiking trails are fairly short in both units and the Nelson Unit has the best views of the Mississippi and the Lock & Dam.

If you are looking to tent camp, I would stay away from sites #42 and 43. They are secluded at the end of a cul-de-sac, but they are NOT flat.

The resident DNR Officer is great and can give any recommendations about where to eat in town as well as any questions you have about the park. Very friendly and would probably talk with you all day if he could.

2. Fergedaboudit Vineyard & Winery

4595 W Speer Rd, Hanover, IL 61041-9537 +1 815-591-2126
Excellent
73%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
7%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 67 reviews

Fergedaboudit Vineyard & Winery

Reviewed By Wiscmom2 - Appleton, WI

We did the tasting and I loved every one!!! Amazing red wines. During the weekends they have music. You can buy a bottle and they will cork it for you and have wine and cheese plates. It's a little off the road but well worth it. Family owed and so friendly. Also offer a wine club. Wish I was closer!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

3. Blaum Bros. Distilling Co

9380 W US Highway 20, Galena, IL 61036-9172 +1 815-777-1000
Excellent
87%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Blaum Bros. Distilling Co

Blaum Bros. Is a family owned and operated craft distillery in Galena, IL. Blaum Bros. Uses local grain from Jo Daviess County and produces handcrafted spirits including bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, gin...And many others. Blaum Bros. Offers daily tours and tastings and has a gift shop and cocktail bar. Located in Galena on Highway 20 on the East side of town. Come try one of our specialty cocktails!

Reviewed By Michael M

Visited really close to closing so the place was empty. It was on St. Pattys day though. The service was great and the bartender was helpful and had a fun and wonderful personality. I tried 3 different types of bourbon here and all three were great. The hellfyre Vodka is also a must try. Especially in the awesome bloody marys.

We did not get to take the tour while here so I can not comment on that.

4. River Ridge Brewing

118 N Riverview St, Bellevue, IA 52031-1248
Excellent
58%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
14%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

River Ridge Brewing

River Ridge Brewing is a nano-brewery and taproom in Bellevue, IA.

Reviewed By Molly V

Tried a flight of the wheat, amber, pale ale, IPA and porter. The only good one was the Iowa Bale Ale, the rest were pretty hard to drink.

5. Ulysses S. Grant Home

500 Bouthillier St, Galena, IL 61036-2704 +1 815-777-3310
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Ulysses S. Grant Home

This Italianate-style brick house, with original furnishings, looks very much as it did in 1865 when a group of townspeople presented it as a gift to Ulysses S. Grant on his victorious return from the Civil War.

Reviewed By Helena L - Malmesbury, United Kingdom

Take the house tour. It is about 40 minutes long and outlines Grant’s life and achievements. It is fascinating to imagine the Grant family occupying the various rooms

Our guide was very knowledgeable.

No charge although a $5 per person donation is recommended. Quite a sell on that aspect with boxes at the entry and exit points.

Worth a small detour if in the area.

6. Lock 12 Music

134 S Riverview St, Bellevue, IA 52031-1339 +1 563-845-1504
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Lock 12 Music

Reviewed By DebSievers4u - Bellevue, Iowa

Very eclectic place to go! Music store plus great entertainment! Have a cool beverage and listen to great music.

7. Ski Bellevue Water Ski Show Team

500 S Riverview St, Bellevue, IA 52031-1348

Ski Bellevue Water Ski Show team performs south of Lock 12 in Bellevue, Iowa at 4:00 p.m. on June 10, June 24, July 15, and August 19; and on July 2 at 6:00 p.m. Come enjoy great family entertainment with barefooting, jumping, human pyramids, glittery costumes, great music and powerful towboats.

8. Chestnut Mountain Resort

8700 Chestnut Dr, Galena, IL 61036-8787 +1 815-777-1320
Excellent
39%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 316 reviews

Chestnut Mountain Resort

Reviewed By BDAD68 - Hinsdale, Illinois

I’m comparing this place to other similar places such as Wilmot and Alpine Valley both in Wisconsin. I would say easily this place is nicer and has better skiing and snowboarding. Great view overlooking the Mississippi River. The staff was very pleasant and friendly. My bed was comfortable and the room was clean. But dated a bit.

9. Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve

870 S Pilot Knob Rd, Galena, IL 61036-9315
Excellent
74%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve

Reviewed By Rachel O

The bluff was beautiful. There's a map at the trailhead to help you better understand the historical significance of the 'mounds' throughout the land. The views of the mississippi river was great as well. The looped trails were low intensity and wide grassy paths made up the majority of the loops.

10. P.T. Murphy Magic

204 Hill St, Galena, IL 61036-2220 +1 779-214-0035
Excellent
90%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 470 reviews

P.T. Murphy Magic

Open all year round! Matinees and evenings. Enjoy an evening of mystery hosted by critically acclaimed magician P.T. Murphy. The setting for this evening of illusion is P.T. Murphy's private 24-seat theatre. In the heart of historic downtown Galena, IL. Built in the 1840's this is the perfect location to experience the mysteries of an ancient art up close and right before your very eyes! P.T. Murphy believes in magic. It's his job. He will entertain, mystify and inspire you to believe! P.T. Is known for his personable style, mischievous sense of humor and sophisticated sleight of hand that the Chicago Reader called "An evening that shows magic to its best advantage, up close and personal!" Shows do sell out. Approved for ages 13 and up. Run Time: 65 minutes. No intermission. Parking is available in the downtown area. Theatre rentals are available. Please call for details.

Reviewed By Angela W - ripon, United States

We didn't know what to expect as this was a our first time to Galena. We had a wonderful time and would go back again. He was super funny and a great story teller with the magic tricks he does. Loved how he got to...MoreThank you for sharing. We hope to see you again.

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