Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and E. B. Lyons Nature Center

Mines of Spain State Recreation Area is a large park near Dubuque with forests, grasslands, wetlands, and limestone cliffs that overlook the Mississippi River. The grounds contain varied terrain and include an interpretive center focused on the natural and historical aspects of the region.

The area became a lead mining center in the 1700s through cooperation between French settlers and the Meskwaki people. This early mining activity shaped the region's development and left marks on the landscape that remain visible today.

The E.B. Lyons Nature Center teaches visitors about the animals and plants that live here, and how people have connected with this land over time. You can see how the local community values both nature and their heritage in this place.

The park has many trails of varying difficulty that wind through different habitats and terrain types. Winter transforms some routes into cross-country skiing paths, giving you options for active exploration in all seasons.

A tall limestone monument sits where a creek flows into the river, marking a crucial point in the area's early settlement. Many visitors pass by without noticing this structure, though it stands prominently and ties directly to the region's past.

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: December 6, 2025 17:41