Hwy 52 Near Bellevue

Scenic Byway: Great River Road National Scenic Byway
The Great River Road consists of a three-thousand mile network of federal, state and county roads. It parallels the Mississippi River on both sides from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The upper River benefits from the construction of 27 locks and dams which effectively provide a nine-foot channel necessary for barge navigation.
Deep wooded valleys and, verdant lowlands are sculpted by the meandering "Great River". Magnificent limestone bluffs provide panoramic vistas.

For forty-six miles, State Highway 52 South from Dubuque to Sabula, Iowa is designated the Great River Road Scenic Byway in Jackson County.

St. Donatus

The village of St. Donatus boasts the greatest concentration of 18th century Luxembourg architecture in America; also America's oldest outdoor Way of the Cross.

Bellevue, Iowa has its business district fronting a landscaped Riverview Park the length of the city that offers bench swings,picnic tables and gazebos. One can watch a "locking through"of a barge at Lock and Dam 12. Bellevue State Park offers an unparalleled view of the Mississippi River from the bluffs and also Indian mounds and Iowa's Largest Butterfly Garden.

Green Island Wildlife Management Area contains 3,500 acres of marsh and timberland nestled along the west bank of the Mississippi River just below the mouth of the Maquoketa River in Jackson County. It is located eight miles South of Bellevue The unique backwater complex has often been called Iowa's "Okefenokee" swamp due to the vast series of backwater channels and sloughs.
Sabula is Iowa's only "Island City." It is surrounded by three bodies of water; two lakes and the Mississippi River. Located at the junction of Hwy. 52 and 64, the Jackson County Welcome Center, a replica of a one-room school, offers a nostalgic look at the past and information about Jackson County and the surrounding area.

Lock & Dam in Bellevue

DO YOU KNOW:
- The Mississippi River is the longest and largest river in North America.
- The watershed to the Mississippi covers 40% of the United States.
- The average surface speed of the water is 1.2 miles per hour.
- The river is over a mile and a half wide in some areas.
- Mississippi is an indian word meaning "gather of water" or "great river".

 

View of Bellevue, Iowa

Scenic Byway: Grant Wood Scenic Byway
The Grant Wood Scenic Byway is a road less traveled in Eastern Iowa that lets you experience the world of one of America's most notable artist. He painted the people and landscape of a state that he loved. One of his most famous paintings is American Gothic depicting a stoic farmer next to his daughter with a pitchfork in hand.

The Grant Wood Scenic Byway runs through the heart of Jackson County. Beginning South of Bellevue off Hwy 52 on Z15, you'll recognize the objects of Wood's inspiration - rolling hills, limestone structures, stunning pastoral scenes, church spires and hamlets.

The picturesque town of Bellevue is a historic river town. Riverside Park offers a winding brick path and gardens the entire length of the city and a close up view of a lock-through of grain laden barges at Lock and Dam 12.

South of Bellevue, the Bellevue State Park has a breathtaking panoramic view of the town and river, butterfly gardens and Indian mounds.

Jackson County Farm

The Grant Wood Scenic Byway stretches for nearly 60 miles from Bellevue to Anamosa. At the tiny village of Springbrook, the traveler will pickup E17 to Andrew and turn left at Hwy 62 to go to Maquoketa and then West on Hwy. 64 to Anamosa. An optional 20 mile loop tour is offered at Andrew and you could continue your travels on E17 and then turn left on 428 to visit the Maquoketa Caves State Park. Venture on self-guided tours through tree canopied trails to the 13 caves or seek out above ground formations such as Iowa's largest natural bridge and balancing rock.

Main street charm, antique treasures, art galleries, historic homes and friendly folks of small town America are features of Maquoketa. The town is home to the Jackson Counmty Historical Musem and the Hurstville Lime Kilns.

Encounter the "roads less traveled". Drive slowly through and experience the subtle detail of this rolling country planted to ribbons of green, dotted with farm houses and small towns. This is rural America at it's finest and the object of Wood's inspiration.