After taking the time to take a walk/hike through what are in my opinion the best spots to look at the bluffs, I experienced what I assume many people have before me. The first location I went to was the port of Burlington. When you’re by the bridge, you can see the entirety of the bluffs.
They are very full with (at the time I’m writing this,) a variety of colors, and if you look close enough you can see the beautiful properties that reside in the bluffs as well. As I took in this view, I could hear the sounds of the Mississippi’s waves lightly splashing on top of the rocks, and I could hear and see the birds soaring above the mighty river, down into the colorful trees. This brought me an overwhelming amount of serenity, which amazed me because I was downtown where there is currently a bustle of traffic and construction.
The second location I went to was Crapo Park. This is where you can go to actually get into the bluffs, instead of viewing them from afar. They are even more beautiful once you are experiencing them up close. I started off by the trail located next to the cemetery, that connects to the sewer trail.
Despite it’s rather distasteful and deceiving name, this trail is great! It will take you down by the Black Hawk Cave, and you may even see a train pass by on the railroad tracks below. This hike made me feel a large amount of appreciation for the changing of the seasons that we get to experience here in the Midwest. I am by no means a fan of the winter times, but I am glad that I am able to experience all of the different activities and adventures that come with the seasons changing.
Port of Burlington Welcome Center
