Mines of Spain State Recreation Area

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.