Many of us remember the project we did as children, where we raised caterpillars until they built their cocoon, and then released them after they hatched into gorgeous butterflies. While butterflies don’t really make great pets, they are absolutely magical to watch! When you watch them flutter around a garden, moving from flower to flower, it’s impossible not to smile. Did you know that you can find a three-acre butterfly forest in Iowa? Located right in Bellevue State Park, this forest is the perfect spot for family fun in Iowa.

Bellevue State Park is one of the state’s hidden gems. You’ll want to plan a visit for either spring or summer especially if you’re looking for things to do outdoors in Iowa.

Google Local / Adam Spain

Along with miles of trails and stunning views, you’ll find a gorgeous butterfly forest in Iowa at Bellevue State Park.

Google Local / Patrick B.

Every plant, from the flowers in the meadow to the trees surrounding the garden has been chosen specifically to support butterflies.

Google Local / Patrick B.

There are more than 60 species that call Bellevue their home, including the Buckeye, Swallowtail, and Monarch Butterflies.

Flickr / Peter Miller

Spend some time spotting these beautiful butterflies, and then head out on a hike to find sweeping views overlooking the Mississippi River. Bellevue State Park is a nature lovers paradise and one of the best places to see wildlife in Iowa!

Google Local / Ludomir B.

 

Google Local / Adam Spain

Google Local / Patrick B.

Flickr / Peter Miller

Google Local / Ludomir B.

Address: 24668 US-52, Bellevue, IA 52031.

Have you visited this beautiful butterfly forest in Iowa? For more information on Bellevue State Park, visit the park’s webpage.

While you’re in town, be sure to stop by the nearby Flatted Fifth BBQ Restaurant, where you’ll find mouth-watering brisket, ribs, and even cajun dishes. Most nights, they even have live entertainment. Make a plan to visit Bellevue this spring and you’ll have the time of your life.

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Address: 24668 US-52, Bellevue, IA 52031, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Butterfly Forest In Iowa August 13, 2021 Melissa M. What are the best places for family fun in Iowa? The Sass Family Farm of Riverside is the perfect place for a day of fun with the family. It has a petting zoo as well as a playground that the kids are sure to love. Visitors can interact with goats, sheep, horses, cows, llamas, and other farm animals for an incredibly fun time! The Dutch town of Pella provides an ideal spot for a weekend family getaway. With its history and culture, windmills, gardens, and Historical Village, there’s plenty to explore around town. What are some unique things to do outdoors in Iowa? Iowa has much to offer in the ways of nature and the great outdoors. If you’re interested in camping, check out 10 amazing camping spots you can only find in Iowa. These unique spots offer a bit of something for everyone from tent camping to glamping in some of the most picturesque spots around the state. You can also take an epic hike to places like the rugged backcountry of Backbone State Park. This park also has limestone cliffs that climbers love. Effigy Mounds contains over 200 sacred American Indian mounds in an area steeped in rich history and is a must-visit, one-of-a-kind location in Iowa.  Where are the best places to view wildlife in Iowa? There’s not a sight more majestic than seeing a bald eagle soaring overhead. One of the best places to view bald eagles is at Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge from October through January. The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City has 5,600 acres, giving visitors ample opportunities to see wildlife. The visitors center is where you can learn about the wildlife that is native to Iowa and some of that wildlife can be seen at the refuge.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Butterfly Forest In Iowa

August 13, 2021

Melissa M.

What are the best places for family fun in Iowa? The Sass Family Farm of Riverside is the perfect place for a day of fun with the family. It has a petting zoo as well as a playground that the kids are sure to love. Visitors can interact with goats, sheep, horses, cows, llamas, and other farm animals for an incredibly fun time! The Dutch town of Pella provides an ideal spot for a weekend family getaway. With its history and culture, windmills, gardens, and Historical Village, there’s plenty to explore around town. What are some unique things to do outdoors in Iowa? Iowa has much to offer in the ways of nature and the great outdoors. If you’re interested in camping, check out 10 amazing camping spots you can only find in Iowa. These unique spots offer a bit of something for everyone from tent camping to glamping in some of the most picturesque spots around the state. You can also take an epic hike to places like the rugged backcountry of Backbone State Park. This park also has limestone cliffs that climbers love. Effigy Mounds contains over 200 sacred American Indian mounds in an area steeped in rich history and is a must-visit, one-of-a-kind location in Iowa.  Where are the best places to view wildlife in Iowa? There’s not a sight more majestic than seeing a bald eagle soaring overhead. One of the best places to view bald eagles is at Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge from October through January. The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City has 5,600 acres, giving visitors ample opportunities to see wildlife. The visitors center is where you can learn about the wildlife that is native to Iowa and some of that wildlife can be seen at the refuge.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Sass Family Farm of Riverside is the perfect place for a day of fun with the family. It has a petting zoo as well as a playground that the kids are sure to love. Visitors can interact with goats, sheep, horses, cows, llamas, and other farm animals for an incredibly fun time! The Dutch town of Pella provides an ideal spot for a weekend family getaway. With its history and culture, windmills, gardens, and Historical Village, there’s plenty to explore around town.

What are some unique things to do outdoors in Iowa?

Iowa has much to offer in the ways of nature and the great outdoors. If you’re interested in camping, check out 10 amazing camping spots you can only find in Iowa. These unique spots offer a bit of something for everyone from tent camping to glamping in some of the most picturesque spots around the state. You can also take an epic hike to places like the rugged backcountry of Backbone State Park. This park also has limestone cliffs that climbers love. Effigy Mounds contains over 200 sacred American Indian mounds in an area steeped in rich history and is a must-visit, one-of-a-kind location in Iowa. 

Where are the best places to view wildlife in Iowa?

There’s not a sight more majestic than seeing a bald eagle soaring overhead. One of the best places to view bald eagles is at Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge from October through January. The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City has 5,600 acres, giving visitors ample opportunities to see wildlife. The visitors center is where you can learn about the wildlife that is native to Iowa and some of that wildlife can be seen at the refuge.