Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and E. B. Lyons Nature Center
Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and E. B. Lyons Nature Center, Nature center and state park in Dubuque County, United States.
The recreation area spans 1,437 acres of land with forests, prairies, wetlands, and limestone bluffs along the Mississippi River.
In 1788, French explorer Julien Dubuque established lead mining operations in agreement with the Meskwaki tribe at this location.
The E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center presents educational programs about local wildlife, natural resources, and the area's mining heritage.
Visitors can explore 21 miles of maintained trails throughout the park, with specific routes designated for cross-country skiing during winter.
The cylindrical limestone monument commemorating Julien Dubuque stands 25 feet tall above the Mississippi River at the Catfish Creek junction.
Location: Dubuque County
Inception: 1981
Elevation above the sea: 229 m
Website: https://iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/Mines-of-Spain-State-Rec-Area
GPS coordinates: 42.46250,-90.66250
Latest update: March 7, 2025 17:35
Iowa features historical buildings, museums and natural areas. Visitors find caves, geological formations, historical mills and botanical gardens. The state houses railway museums, Norwegian cultural sites and several parks with sandstone cliffs.
Fenelon Place Elevator
3.8 km
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
3.9 km
Diamond Jo Casino
3.8 km
St. Raphael's Cathedral
3.6 km
Hotel Julien Dubuque
3.8 km
Five Flags Center
3.9 km
William M. Black
3.7 km
Grand River Event Center
4 km
Langworthy House
3.9 km
Redstone
4 km
Cathedral Historic District
3.8 km
Bishop's Block
3.6 km
Mount Saint Bernard Seminary and Barn
3.3 km
Langworthy Historic District
3.8 km
Fenelon Place Residential Historic District
3.8 km
Kelley House
2.3 km
Garland House
3.7 km
Round Barn, Dubuque Township
3.9 km
T. Ben Loetscher House
3.5 km
Diamond Jo Boat Store and Office
3.4 km
J.H. Thedinga House
3.9 km
United States Post Office and Courthouse
3.8 km
McMahon House
2.1 km
Johann Christian Frederick Rath House
2.6 km
John and Marie (Palen) Schrup Farmstead Historic District
2.1 km
Julien Dubuque Bridge
3.3 km
Julien Dubuque Monument
1.5 km
Horseshoe Bluff
2.3 kmReviews
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