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Mines of Spain

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The Mines of Spain Recreation Area and E.B.Lyons Interpretive and Nature Center are located on 1380 acres of beautiful wooded and prairie land just south of Dubuque, IA. The area has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and includes Julien Dubuque's Monument at a point just above where Catfish Creek meets the Mississippi. One of Iowa's "Watchable Wildlife Areas," it features the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center which serves as the Visitor Center and the Park Office.Come see the Horseshoe Bluff Interpretive Trail, the 15 acre wetland, creeks, forest, prairies, cropland, meadows and the Mississippi River from a bald eagle's view. Picnic with us, go for a hike or cross country ski on one of our many trails and maybe you will capture a glimpse of a song bird, bobcat, red-shouldered hawk, flying squirrel, white-tailed deer, wild turkey or various butterflies along the Mississippi River Bluffland.

NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS

The 1380 acres which make up the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area include a variety of interesting land forms, plant species and communities, animals and water types. A large portion of the area is rugged, wooded Mississippi River Bluffland. While much of the original timber along the Mississippi River was logged off during the steamboat era (1865-1880), portions of the Mines of Spain Area were left untouched, leaving us with burr oak trees today that are over 250 years old.

Portions of the park have seen diverse use over the years cattle grazing, row cropping, logging, and mining and quarrying. Other portions remain much as they were when Julien Dubuque arrived in 1785.

The Mines of Spain Area was designated as one of Iowa's "Watchable Wildlife Areas," and with good cause. Rare species, including the bobcat, red-shouldered hawk, flying squirrel, and bald eagle have all been on the area. In addition, the area is home to a large variety of songbirds, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous small mammals. With wetlands, creeks, forests, prairies, cropland, meadows, and the Mississippi River, the Mines of Spain offers a wide variety of Iowa's natural world for those who take the time to look and listen.

E.B. LYONS INTERPRETIVE CENTER

The newly expanded E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center serves as a visitor information center and park office. Displays and exhibits provide information about the history and features of the park. The Betty Hauptli Bird and Butterfly Garden, native prairies, woodland flower gardens, hiking trails and historic Junkermann farm site are just some of the many attractions at the Center. The E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center is open year-round. During the summer season, special programs can be scheduled with the park manager.

HORSESHOE BLUFF INTERPRETIVE AREA

The geological history of the Dubuque vicinity is laid bare in this area. A thick layer of Ordovician dolomite rock has been exposed in the horseshoe-shaped quarry. In addition, a 15-acre wetland with two floating trails gives access to a wildlife observation blind. Interpretive signs provide interesting insights into the geology, history and resources of the Mines of Spain Area.

CANOEING

There is a canoe landing at the mouth of Catfish Creek near the Mississippi river.

TRAILS

Hiking and cross-country ski trails are available at the Mines of Spain. Check with the park manager for cross-country ski routes, from the interpretive center to the south end of the recreation area. Four miles of ski trails and 12 miles of hiking trails are maintained. There are five individual nature walks within the park, including those at the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center and another at the Horseshoe Bluff Site. Other trails provide a wide range of opportunities for visitors to view Mines of Spain on old winding logging roads, to view limestone bluffs, scenic overlooks, and to enjoy a hike through forests and prairie. Some of the trails are steep and challenging.

PICNICKING

The Mines of Spain offers a fine setting for a family or company picnic. Visitors can enjoy the outdoors, experience the E.B. Lyons Center, hike the many trails and enjoy the natural vistas at the park. Picnicking facilities are available at the Center, the Julien Dubuque Monument, and the Horseshoe Bluff Area.

HUNTING

The Mines of Spain is a wildlife management area that allows trapping and archery hunting for all seasons. Limited shotgun hunting for deer (regular gun season in early December) and spring turkey hunting (first season in mid April) is allowed south of Catfish Creek. Call the park manager for details.

INTERPRETATION

The park offers a wide range of interpretive opportunities. Self-guided nature trails, a wildlife blind and signs educate visitors that tour the park. A Junior Naturalist program is available for families and kids to explore and learn about the history and nature of the Mines of Spain. Information can be obtained at the interpretive center and at Bellevue and Maquoketa Caves State Parks.



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Details and Specs

Hours of Operation:
 OpenClosed
Mon4:00 AM10:30 PM
Tue4:00 AM10:30 PM
Wed4:00 AM10:30 PM
Thr4:00 AM10:30 PM
Fri4:00 AM10:30 PM
Sat4:00 AM10:30 PM
Sun4:00 AM10:30 PM
Notes: The park is open year-round, with above hours The EB Lyons Iterpretive center is open year-round with limited hours. October-April(winter hours) Monday through Friday from 9-4, closed Winter weekends except for winter programs. During the summer season, April 15 through October 15, the center is open seven days a week. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 12 to 4 on weekends. Please call for off-season hours.

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