Nelson Dewey State Park

Nelson Dewey State Park is a nature reserve along the Mississippi River featuring forests, wetlands, and grasslands that extend to elevated bluffs. The park offers various hiking trails of different difficulty levels and camping areas with tent and recreational vehicle sites.

The park was established in 1935 and named after Wisconsin's first governor. During the Great Depression, workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps built structures and facilities that remain visible today.

The site serves as a place where visitors observe birds and native plants in their natural habitat. This hands-on experience shows how people connect with the living landscape around them.

Visitors can access the park through several entry points with parking areas leading to different sections. The trails are well marked, and it is wise to wear sturdy shoes and bring water, especially during warmer months.

The Mississippi River offers exceptional views from various elevated positions throughout the park, particularly rewarding for photography and bird watching. These vantage points reveal overlooked opportunities to capture riverside landscapes and migratory species.

Location: Grant County

Inception: 1935

Website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/nelsondewey

GPS coordinates: 42.73080,-91.01940

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:41