South Entrance, Mines of Spain Recreation Area

Mines of Spain State Recreation Area near Dubuque, Iowa boasts a rich history and natural beauty. This location was once used for lead mining and is now a National Historic Landmark with village sites, rock shelters, and trading post locations scattered throughout the landscape. The Julien Dubuque Monument, dedicated to the first European settler in the area, provides a great view of the Mississippi River and serves as a landmark for the park. Visitors can explore the area through a variety of trails and learn about the state's history at the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center. In addition, programs are offered throughout the year and special arrangements can be made with the park staff. Park offers 15.1 miles of trails for hiking or biking. These trails showcase the park's beauty by providing views of towering limestone bluffs and scenic vistas. The American State Park Woodland Walk at the interpretive center explores the history of different trees and the Horseshoe Bluff trail and the John and Alice Butler trail are ADA accessible. This is a great location for hunting enthusiasts as it is a wildlife management area that allows trapping and archery hunting in all seasons. Limited firearm hunting for deer and spring turkey is allowed south of Catfish Creek. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic at various locations throughout the park, including the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center, the Julien Dubuque Monument, and the Horseshoe Bluff Area. Enjoy your activities!

Walked the 6 mile Eagle Scout loop this morning. It was well maintained 2-track. The grassy portions were mowed. Mid-August morning and no mosquitoes. Beautiful scenery.

Gorgeous trail. Spectacular scenery, well kept

Great place for a trail run.

Mines of strange? Great place as usual but.....Took my 12 year old son fishing there today and everything was great except the boudoir photo shoot taking place next to us. We were there fishing and this lady and photographer show up and she strips down into a sheer "cat suit" and begins posing provocatively as the photographer tells her to crawl like a cat. Im all about self expression and to each their own but not in front of my 12 year old. Needless to say, we walked away. She later apologized which tells me she knew it was inappropriate...so they could've at least given me a heads up. Never a dull moment in good ol Dubuque.

A Dubuque must-see (more like must-experience) for the nature lovers, fitness-minded, exploratory, history buffs, and the bring the kids, too!
Walking trails, barbeque pits, an educational center, canoe launch, decent fishing... All easily accessible. What are you waiting for? Get off your duffs and go see it!

One of my favorite places in Dubuque!! Eagle scout trail rocks!!

Nice trailhead with maps and signals and there is also a few picnic tables. Parking is enough for about 15 cars or so

Beautiful area with some amazing trails

Shared day in the Mines area with 102 yr old Mom
TOPPS

Miles of hiking! Beautiful and open.

Beautiful views - easy hike from Horseshoe Bluff Parking Lot

Beautiful prairie and wooded trail with a creek. So peaceful.

Love the Mines. This side of slightly less busy and has longer and less used trails

Beautiful part of the park. A must see !!!

There's that darn phone again, asking me to post a rating.

Just a beautiful over look

Nature!

Very beautiful place

Awesome history!