Friends of the Mines of Spain

The Mines of Spain Recreation Area and E.B.Lyons Interpretive and Nature Center are located on 1380 acres of wooded and prairie land just south of Dubuque, IA along the Mississippi River.It has been designated a National Historic Landmark. a Watchable Wildlife Area and includes the Julien Dubuque Monument where Catfish Creek meets the Mississippi. The E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center serves as a Visitor / Education Center and Park Office. It contains historical exhibits,a bird viewing section.. childrens nature area and classroom laboratory used by schools and environmental groups. The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area was acquired with the assistance of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and continues with cooperative agreements between the Iowa DNR, the City of Dubuque and the Friends of the Mines of Spain.