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Day Trips from Bellevue

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Day Trips from Bellevue: State Parks & Natural Areas

The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Bellevue, NE. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.

12 state parks near Bellevue

Jester Park Nature Center, Granger, IA 50109

Jester Park Nature Center

Granger, IA 50109

Just 2 hrs 15 min from Bellevue, rated 4.9 stars by 113 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 15 min4.9 (113)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Ledges State Park, Madrid, IA 50156

Ledges State Park

Madrid, IA 50156

Just 2 hrs 32 min from Bellevue, rated 4.8 stars by 2,941 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 32 min4.8 (2,941)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Parkville Nature Sanctuary, Parkville, MO 64152

Parkville Nature Sanctuary

Parkville, MO 64152

Just 2 hrs 34 min from Bellevue, rated 4.8 stars by 1,475 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 34 min4.8 (1,475)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, North Sioux City, SD 57049

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

North Sioux City, SD 57049

Just 1 hr 49 min from Bellevue, rated 4.8 stars by 288 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 49 min4.8 (288)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Sioux City, IA 51109

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

Sioux City, IA 51109

Just 1 hr 43 min from Bellevue, rated 4.8 stars by 110 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 43 min4.8 (110)HistoryNatureAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek, IA 51542

Hitchcock Nature Center

Honey Creek, IA 51542

Just 32 min from Bellevue, rated 4.8 stars by 1,211 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

32 min4.8 (1,211)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Chalco Hills Recreation Area, Omaha, NE 68138

Chalco Hills Recreation Area

Omaha, NE 68138

Just 22 min from Bellevue, rated 4.7 stars by 2,100 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

22 min4.7 (2,100)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Stone State Park, Sioux City, IA 51103

Stone State Park

Sioux City, IA 51103

Just 1 hr 45 min from Bellevue, rated 4.7 stars by 829 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 45 min4.7 (829)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Weston Bend State Park, Weston, MO 64098

Weston Bend State Park

Weston, MO 64098

Just 2 hrs 22 min from Bellevue, rated 4.7 stars by 1,658 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 22 min4.7 (1,658)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Branched Oak State Recreation Area, Raymond, NE 68428

Branched Oak State Recreation Area

Raymond, NE 68428

Just 1 hr 6 min from Bellevue, rated 4.6 stars by 2,354 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 6 min4.6 (2,354)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Neale Woods Nature Reserve, Omaha, NE 68112

Neale Woods Nature Reserve

Omaha, NE 68112

Just 26 min from Bellevue, rated 4.6 stars by 291 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

26 min4.6 (291)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Preparation Canyon State Park, Moorhead, IA 51558

Preparation Canyon State Park

Moorhead, IA 51558

Just 1 hr 1 min from Bellevue, rated 4.6 stars by 197 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 1 min4.6 (197)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Bellevue

What are the best state parks near Bellevue, NE?

The best state parks near Bellevue offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.

How much does it cost to visit state parks near Bellevue?

Most state parks near Bellevue charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.

Which state parks near Bellevue are best for camping?

Several state parks within driving distance of Bellevue offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.

What is the best time to visit state parks near Bellevue?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Bellevue. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.

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