The Nelson Unit is at the immediate south edge of Bellevue on U.S. Route 52 (The Great River Road), atop a 300-foot (91 m) limestone bluff.

Bellevue State Park offers high bluffs with scenic views of the Mississippi River amidst 788 acres (3.19 km2) of timbered walking trails, a unique butterfly sanctuary as well as an enclosed nature center.

The Dyas Unit comprises about 4 miles (6.4 km) of foot trails, scenic overlooks, a stream with beaver dams, and aquatic and other wildlife.

The South Bluff Nature Center in the Nelson Unit contains displays on the plants, animals and geology of Bellevue State Park.

A network of pathways allows visitors to walk through the garden and see a wide variety of butterflies as well as enjoy the flowers and the pond in the center.