Mines of Spain Recreation Area - Dubuque IA Mines of Spain Recreation Area

The Mines of Spain Recreation Area is a 1380 acre park that has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. The area includes the Julien Dubuque's Monument at the point just above where Catfish Creek meets the Mississippi River. This park has a variety of land forms, plant species, and animals. It features 250 year old oak trees, and the area was once used for cattle, crops, logging, and mining.

The E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center doubles as the visitor's center and park office. It houses exhibits that provide information and walk visitors through the history of the park. Exhibits are mostly outdoor attractions. There is a bird and butterfly garden, native prairies, woodland flower gardens, hiking trails, and a historic farm site.

The Mines of Spain Recreation Area is open year round, from 4 a.m. to 10:30pm, seven days a week. The visitor's center is open Monday through Friday from October to April; April to October the center is open seven days a week from 8am to 4pm. During the summer season there are special programs available and can be scheduled through the park manager.

The park also offers canoeing in the creek and river, twelve miles of hiking trails, and four miles of cross-country skiing. While most of the trails are considered appropriate for beginner's there are some that are steep and challenging. There are self-guided nature trails, a wildlife bind and signs posted to educate guests about the different flora and fauna in the park.

The park also features many picnic areas, which are designed for both family gatherings and company parties. Despite all the recreational activities at this park, there are no camping sites available. Hunting is also permitted in certain areas of the park. For more information contact the park at (563) 556-0620. It is located at 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA 52003.