Mines of Spain State Recreation Area
- Status
- Status not posted
- Entrance fee
- Not posted
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- None listed
- Official site
- iowadnr.gov(563) 556-0620
Official page last checked Oct 30, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Mines of Spain State Recreation Area is a 1,386-acre recreation area in Dubuque County, about 3 miles southwest of East Dubuque.
Things to do include hunting in season, wildlife watching, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 15.1 miles, according to the park.
Pets
Privately owned animals must be on a leash of max six feet or confined; pets may not be left unattended in campgrounds; most cabins/yurts are pet-free.
Statewide rule from Iowa's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Iowa State Parks reservation system (ReserveAmerica)
- Phone
- 1-877-427-2757
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Things to do
Wildlife viewing and birdingHikingHunting
Trails
Learn about the history and natural features of the park at the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center. The Betty Hauptli Bird and Butterfly Garden is nearby, along with native prairies, woodland flower gardens, hiking trails and more. Programs are offered throughout the year and special arrangements can be made with park staff. The center’s auditorium and conference room can be rented by contacting the Friends Group of Mines of Spain.
Hike or bike through 15.1 miles of trails at Mines of Spain, offering 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. Cross-country skiing is available in the winter through four miles of trails, which are maintained for classical and skate skiing.
Amenities
Facilities
- Nature center or museum
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Getting there
- Address
- 8991 Bellevue Heights
Dubuque, IA 52003 - Nearest town
- East Dubuque — about 3 mi southwest (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 42.4592, -90.6646
- Phone
- (563) 556-0620
- Mines_of_Spain@dnr.iowa.gov
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Iowa State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 30, 2026
- Iowa DNR 'All Parks' directory (Drupal view, ?page=0..3) — state parks, recreation areas, a state preserve and state forests
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology