Title: Mines of Spain State Recreation Area in Dubuque | Expedia.co.uk [Mines of Spain State Recreation Area Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/Mines-Of-Spain-State-Recreation-Area-Hotels.0-l553248621532649458-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Dubuque](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Dubuque.d985.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Dubuque](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Dubuque.d985.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Mines of Spain State Recreation Area Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Mines-Of-Spain-State-Recreation-Area.d553248621532649458.Car-Hire-Guide)[Dubuque Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque.d985.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Mines of Spain State Recreation Area ![Mines of Spain Recreation Area which includes a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532649458/1380e25d-fe51-44bc-8d6c-319dd0b4a860.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Mines of Spain Recreation Area which includes a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532649458/1380e25d-fe51-44bc-8d6c-319dd0b4a860.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Mines of Spain Recreation Area showing a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532649458/bf201f66-faa4-4c5d-924f-fd029db7705e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Mines of Spain Recreation Area which includes wild flowers](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532649458/bdfb5bef-58c8-4d9c-b819-e7927b0cf27e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Mines of Spain Recreation Area showing a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532649458/3b42a2a4-246a-443a-84cb-a51e150afd4a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Mines of Spain State Recreation Area Activities [Dubuque travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque.dx985) --- --- #### Walk through this protected area of historical and natural interest. One trail has state trees from the entire 50 states along with lookouts over a major river. The Mines of Spain Recreation Area on the southern boundary of the City of Dubuque serves as a large preserve and conservation zone. Hike through its extensive forests and grassy plateaus and travel over land that is of historical interest as the location of Iowa’s first European settlement in 1788\. Originally the land was inhabited by Native Americans who traded fur with French voyageurs. It became a land grant from the Governor of Spain to Dubuque’s founder, Julien Dubuque. The area was called Mines of Spain for the lead mining conducted in the area until 1914. Visit Julien Dubuque’s final resting place overlooking the recreation area, the city and the Mississippi River Valley. This spot is also near the site where the earliest known inhabitants, the Mesquakie, had their village. Learn about this natural attraction by visiting the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center that features a bird and butterfly garden, woodland flower exhibits and a historic farm site. Explore the area’s topography on 4 miles (6 kilometers) of hiking trails and nature walks, including one that has trees representing America’s 50 states. The trails are part of the National Recreation Trails System and offer hikes ranging from easy to challenging. Read about the geological history of the area on one trail that has exposed Ordovician dolomite rock from an old quarry. Walk along a portion of the Mississippi River known as Catfish Creek to see oak trees over 200 years old. The site is one of Iowa’s Watchable Wildlife Areas, with plenty to see, such as flying squirrels, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, hawks and bobcats. Keep your camera ready to capture amazing sights while in this scenic location. The Mines of Spain Recreation Area is open year-round and provides excellent trails for winter cross-country skiing or hiking in any season. The E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center is an accessible facility. It is closed on Wednesdays and during winter weekends, with daytime hours throughout the year. Walk dogs on leashes no longer than 6 feet (2 meters). Note that bikes, camping, rock climbing and rappelling are not permitted. ### Popular places to visit ![Crystal Lake Cave showing caves](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6178389/8b5fe950-7440-4e7c-b1f8-59d589632d86.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Crystal Lake Cave The subterranean world can be an exotic and spellbinding environment. Visit this exquisite cave that has been carved by nature over millions of years. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Crystal-Lake-Cave-Dubuque.d6178389.Attraction) ![Casino hotel and convention center by Upper Mississippi on calm misty morning at Dubuque Iowa](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532649462/88db723c-6f4a-4b13-9764-0b624cfa9726.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark Bring the children to Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark and enjoy some excitement at this theme park in Dubuque. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Grand-Harbor-Resort-And-Waterpark-Dubuque.d553248621532649462.Attraction) ![Hotel, Conference and convention center by Upper Mississippi on calm evening in Dubuque Iowa](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6178383/f6116dba-a673-496b-ac74-56647879c7a1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Grand River Center Grand River Center is just one of the places to see in Dubuque, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the area's riverfront or simply savour its top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Grand-River-Center-Dubuque.d6178383.Attraction) ![National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium which includes interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6105962/6987bb35-cbcd-4b14-a03c-03c8244722a8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium Learn about the region’s history and its aquatic life in one location. The role of this important river becomes apparent through the many interactive exhibits. [](https://expedia.co.uk/National-Mississippi-River-Museum-And-Aquarium-Dubuque.d6105962.Attraction) #### Mines of Spain Cemetery Enjoy a stop at Mines of Spain Cemetery, a landmark worth seeing in Dubuque. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the casinos in this family-friendly area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Mines-Of-Spain-Cemetery-Dubuque.d553248635956035154.Attraction) #### Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trailhead You can take time to visit Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trailhead during your travels to Dubuque. Visit the shops and casinos in this family-friendly area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Horseshoe-Bluff-Nature-Trailhead-Dubuque.d641529523201921024.Attraction) --- ## Top Hotel Deals ## Check availability on hotels close to Mines of Spain State Recreation Area [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621532649458&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)[7 Feb - 8 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621532649458&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621532649458&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[8 Feb - 9 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621532649458&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621532649458&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[13 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621532649458&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) ![Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/930000/920400/920389/7ebd3f9f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark 350 Bell St Dubuque IA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Hotels-Grand-Harbor-Resort-And-Waterpark.h920389.Hotel-Information) ![Hotel Julien Dubuque](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2240000/2239900/2239834/bbf66f82_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Julien Dubuque 200 Main Street Dubuque IA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Hotels-Hotel-Julien-Dubuque.h2239834.Hotel-Information) ![Tesla MedBed Center, East Dubuque](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1080000/1076100/1076011/b0c9c838_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Tesla MedBed Center, East Dubuque 7787 Timmerman Dr. East Dubuque IL [](https://expedia.co.uk/East-Dubuque-Hotels-Tesla-MedBed-Center.h1076011.Hotel-Information) ![Days Inn by Wyndham Dubuque](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/3800/3763/464ad817_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Days Inn by Wyndham Dubuque 1111 Dodge St Dubuque IA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Hotels-Days-Inn-By-Wyndham-Dubuque.h3763.Hotel-Information) ![Best Western Plus Dubuque Hotel & Conference Center](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/2400/2385/637a01b6_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Best Western Plus Dubuque Hotel & Conference Center 3100 Dodge St Dubuque IA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Hotels-Best-Western-Plus-Dubuque-Hotel-Conference-Center.h2385.Hotel-Information) ![Redstone Inn And Suites](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/900000/899000/898933/886438b6_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Redstone Inn And Suites 504 Bluff St Dubuque IA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Hotels-Redstone-Inn-And-Suites.h898933.Hotel-Information) ![The Key Hotel Dubuque, Tapestry Collection by Hilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/120000000/119380000/119371000/119370955/e1e839d7_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Key Hotel Dubuque, Tapestry Collection by Hilton 1825 Greyhound Park Drive Dubuque IA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Hotels-The-Key-Hotel.h119370955.Hotel-Information) ![Dubuque Inn & Suites](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/6500/6456/a7e36e2d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Dubuque Inn & Suites 3400 Dodge St Dubuque IA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Hotels-Fairfield-Inn-Dubuque.h6456.Hotel-Information) ![Private king suite DBQ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/101000000/100330000/100320100/100320007/15e7e252_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Private king suite DBQ Dubuque IA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Hotels-Private-King-Suite.h100320007.Hotel-Information) [See all 895 properties in Mines of Spain State Recreation Area](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=553248621532649458) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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