Between Cedar Rapids And Wisconsin Dells Is A State Park For An Idyllic Nature Escape With Camping And Trails

Some travelers need a rush of adrenaline to feel fully satisfied with their trips — think whitewater rafting, hiking up active volcanoes, or diving with sharks. But living life on the edge doesn't have to involve extreme sports, risky investments, or daredevil thrills. At Wisconsin's Nelson Dewey State Park, visitors can wake up steps from the very edge of a 500-foot bluff overlooking the majestic Mississippi River and surrounding plains. 

Nelson Dewey State Park is located in Grant County, about 110 miles from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and 115 miles from Wisconsin Dells. Covering 756 acres, this state park may not be massive, but it's packed with natural beauty. Oak and hickory forests provide habitat for cerulean warblers, Acadian flycatchers, and other notable bird species, while more than 2 miles of trails meander through the property, offering numerous viewpoints. Those seeking low-effort, high-reward views can pull up to the picnic sites adjacent to the parking lot and then continue with their day. However, for the full experience, you'll want to spend the night at one of the blufftop campsites. 

Established in 1935, it was once part of the estate of Nelson Dewey, Wisconsin's first governor and an avid investor. Visitors can explore a reconstruction of the former governor's mansion, the State Agricultural Museum, and a recreated 1900s Wisconsin farming community at Stonefield Historic Site. This stop is located adjacent to the park, making it an easy add-on to your trip. Nelson Dewey State Park is open year-round, but the main gate is closed during the offseason.

When you arrive, you'll be greeted by a pay station that looks like a tiny stone cottage, with train tracks running directly next to the entrance. Yes, you can hear the train throughout the park, but visitors say buzzing cicadas can drown out the noise during the summer. However, don't be surprised if a train horn interrupts your picnic. 

The park has five short trails — the longest is 0.6 miles — that can be combined to explore much of the property. Highlights include the 0.2-mile Prairie Trail, which passes through protected prairie and offers views of the Mississippi River. Here, you might spot pasque flowers blooming in the spring or clusters of summertime butterfly weed. This path connects to the Mound Point Trail, the longest path at Nelson Dewey. Some visitors consider this trail the only true hike in the park, citing the way it roams along the bluffs, across grasslands, and through valleys.

The park is also home to three groups of Native American burial mounds, some of which may be more than 2,000 years old. "Many functions have been suggested for the mound groups. Some say they were used to mark hunting territories, or others say important astronomical events. Some believe that they commemorate a clan or ancestor," per the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. While many mounds were destroyed to create space for agriculture, nearby Pike's Peak State Park offers dreamy views of the Mississippi and a whopping 63 burial mounds, including three bear-shaped effigy mounds.

Nelson Dewey State Park's crowning jewels are four cfftop campsites that deliver panoramic views of the Mississippi River beneath shady trees. Labeled A, B, C, and D on the map, these are the type of sites influencers dream of finding and campers are doing their best to keep secret. There's one catch: all four are walk-to only. The sites require a short walk from the parking area, and carts may be available to help transport gear. However, you'll want to pack just enough camping gear for a comfortable night outdoors to make setup easy for yourself. 

Is one site any better than the others? The consensus is they all have great views, but site D earns particular praise from campers on r/camping. Visitors recommend packing extra insect repellent, with one camper warning, "Be prepared for humidity and bugs, it's right by the river so it's kind of inevitable during the summer." As you can imagine, these sites are pretty desirable on summer weekends, and you'll want to secure your site well in advance.

There's also a wooded campground with 45 sites, including 18 options with electricity hookups. Campers say the sites feel secluded and many offer enough spacing for privacy. You'll also find showers, flush toilets, and access to a dump station. Reservations for the family campground and walk-to sites can be made up to 11 months in advance via the booking portal. For another Midwest escape, check out Wisconsin's best state parks, according to reviews.