Mines of Spain

Mines of Spain 2020 Photo Contest Winter Division
2020-03-01 | IA
Photography Contest Deadline for Winter Division of the 2020 Mines of Spain Photo Contest. Contest submissions are deliverable to the EB Lyons Center, in person, by March 1. Please see all contest rules and regulations here https://www.minesofspain.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/MOS-Photography-Entry-Form-2020.pdf

Exploring the Web of Life
2020-02-23 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
Soil health and amendments with Stone Hollow Gardens & Shroomery. An afternoon spent talking seed, soil, mycelium and the role that mycoremediation plays in healing our earth. Learn about the possibilities mycelium has in restoring balance in our environment. See firsthand how mycoactive compost benefits root structure, decreases environmental stress and makes nutrients more bioavailable to plants. Discuss with Christopher and Emily Appelman on the benefits mycelium can have in your own home garden.

History of State Parks Program at Mines of Spain
2020-02-20 18:00 - 20:00 | IA
In honor of 100 years of Iowa State Parks, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Friends of Mines of Spain are pleased to invite the public to learn how the state of Iowa played a key role in the state park movement in America. This program will take place Thursday, February 20 at 6:00 pm at EB Lyons Nature Center located at 8991 Bellevue Heights Road in Dubuque. The event is free of charge.
The program will highlight how Iowa was one of the first states to set aside special places of quiet beauty as parks. It will also share how a popular travel destination known as the Devil’s Backbone became Iowa’s first state park, and stories about the visionaries who made it happen.
The presenter is Jerry Reisinger who worked in the Iowa State Park system for 38 years. After retiring from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Reisinger started a new career teaching in the Parks and Natural Resources program at Kirkwood Community College’s at Cedar Rapids. Reisinger is an avid historian and developed this program to help celebrate Iowa State Park’s Centennial.
For more information or for special accommodation, contact EB Lyons Nature Center at 563-556-0620.

March Gnome on the Roam
2020-02-19 08:00 - 17:00 | IA
Check out our Facebook Page for details on how to find the Gnome in the Mines of Spain. Prizes awarded.

Fish Fry Experience with Denny Weiss
2020-02-09 13:00 - 16:00 | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
Unique Fish of the Mississippi and the Fish Fry Experience by Dennis Weiss. Biology and status of some unique and prehistoric fish of the Mississippi River and how to properly dress and prepare fish. Denny Weiss retired from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources after working 35 years with fisheries research on the Mississippi River. Denny grew up in Burlington, Iowa and spent most of his DNR career working at the Bellevue Research Station. In his retirement Denny enjoys commercial fishing during the summer and early fall and fur trapping during the fall and winter months. His presentation will include actual fish specimens to show and talk about their biology and status in the Upper Mississippi River. Denny does large fish cooks for 300-400 people and enjoys showing people what it takes to prepare excellent tasting fish. He will demonstrate how to skin/dress a fish, properly bread the fish and the correct temperature and method to cook your fish. Fish samples will be available to sample during the program.

Sunday Program - History of the Rockdale Flood
2020-01-26 13:00 - 16:00 | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
The centennial storm ripped its way across Madison and Warren Counties in Iowa on it way east, leaving dozens dead in it’s wake. When the storm reached Rockdale, a small town nestled in the Catfish Creek Valley, it unleashed it’s full fury. When it was all over, nothing but death and destruction was left in it’s wake. The storm had claimed 39 lives in Rockdale; entire families were killed, children were left orphaned. Kyle Cox will present on this monumental storm in Dubuque’s history. Kyle Cox is a local historian. Free for all ages. EB Lyons Center building and displays will be open also. Sponsored by the Friends of the Mines of Spain

Icefest at River Museum
2020-01-19 10:00 - 17:00 | IA
See the Friends of the Mines of Spain at the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium for a weekend full of great events. Admission is charged to the museum.

Icefest at River Museum
2020-01-18 10:00 - 17:00 | River Museum & Aquarium

Bald Eagle Watch
2020-01-18 09:00 - 16:00 | IA
See the Friends of the Mines of Spain and the IDNR at the Grand River Center and enjoy free programs with live birds of prey

EB Lyons Center Closed
2020-01-17 | IA
Closed due to weather

Sunday Program - Wildlife Photography
2020-01-12 13:00 - 16:00 | IA
Wildlife Photography – Dubuque Camera Club presents Wildlife Photography tips and tricks and announcement of Friends of the Mines of Spain/IDNR 2020 photo contest. Free for all ages. EB Lyons Center building and displays will be open also. Sponsored by the Friends of the Mines of Spain

First Day Hike
2020-01-01 13:00 - 15:00 | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
First Day Hike is a program of free, guided hikes offered by the fifty state park systems of the United States each year on New Year’s Day. Start your year off right with a guided outdoor hike for all ages. Meet at EB Lyons Center and dress for the weather. Refreshments will follow sponsored by the Friends of the Mines of Spain

Shotgun Deer Season 2
2019-12-14 - 2019-12-22 | IA
Please see maps and details here. Caution to hikers and pets on trails. Please report any deer taken to the office by calling 563-556-0620 with sex, date and area taken https://www.minesofspain.org/hunting/

Shotgun Deer Hunting Season 1
2019-12-07 - 2019-12-11 | IA

Thanksgiving
2019-11-28 | IA
The EB Lyons Center is closed but all trails are open for hiking

Mines of Spain 100 Race
2019-10-19 - 2019-10-20 | IA
October 19th-20th, 2018 – www.minesofspain100.com
100mi and 100k trail running races at the Mines of Spain Recreation Iowa in Dubuque, Iowa.

Winter Hours Start Now
2019-10-01 08:00 - 17:00 | IA
Winter hours for the EB Lyons Center will be Friday-Saturday-Sunday-Monday from 1-4pm until April 2020
closed Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday

Iowa State Parks Volunteer Day at Mines of Spain
2019-09-28 09:00 - 12:00 | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
We need your help!
On September 28th, 2019 all across the state of Iowa, Parks are hosting a Volunteer Day in preparation for 2020 or the 100th year of Iowa State Parks. Mines of Spain State Recreation Area is heavily utilized by hikers and our trails are showing the wear of the many years of exploring. Park staff this year have improved many miles of trails by correcting erosion spots, adding new gravel, re-decking steps, and with the assistance of Americorps, put in a new bridge across Horseshoe Bluff wetland The Mines of Spain Park Staff and the Friends of the Mines of Spain would like your assistance in repairing the Pine Chapel and Lead Mine Trails for our future park explorers. This event will take place on Saturday September 28th from 9:00AM-12:00PM with snacks and drinks provided by the Friends Group. Items to consider bringing would be shovels and gloves as we have a limited number for everyone to use. It is suggested to wear good soled shoes and long pants and sleeves as we will be tearing out old railroad ties and handling new ones.If you are interested in helping or have any additional questions please leave a message at 563-556-0620 or send me an email elli.slouha@dnr.iowa.gov so we know how many hands we have helping 😀
Any help with this project would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for everything each of you have done to make the Mines of Spain a great place!

Friends Appreciation Dinner
2019-09-23 17:30 - 20:00 | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
RSVP if you are a Friend of the Mines of Spain

Happy Thanksgiving
2019-09-23 08:00 - 17:00 | IA
Trails are open all day. EB Lyons Center is Closed

EB Lyons Center Open Labor Day
2019-08-25 10:00 - 2019-09-02 15:00 | IA

Mines of Spain Trail Race
2019-08-10 07:00 - 14:00 | IA
EB Lyons Center opens at 10am, there is parking available in the original parking lot adjacent to the picnic area. Looks full, but visitors can still get in. Race is on trails starting at 7am

Canoe Program
2019-07-06 12:00 - 16:00 | Canoe Launch, 8308 Mines of Spain Road, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
Paddle Catfish Creek with the Mines of Spain!
Bring your own canoe/kayak, or we will have a limited amount available to use. Life jackets will be provided as well, but feel free to bring your own. Our seasonal naturalist will guide you on first time canoe and kayak basics. Bring bug repellent, water, and a bag to collect garbage with. Several people will be put together in one canoe, so this is a perfect opportunity for families. Travel will be up Catfish Creek and back. First come/first served as this is a limited program.
Meeting Location: Catfish Creek canoe launch parking lot at Mines of Spain.
Time: 12:00-4:00pm, plan to arrive early to fill out waivers.
**Weather permitting. Please call the park office at 563-556-0620 with questions.

EB Lyons Closed July 4th
2019-07-04 | IA

Father's Day
2019-06-16 08:00 - 17:00 | IA
Bring Dad out for a hike and grill out on one of our grills or picnic on a picnic table.

University of Iowa Wildlife Camp
2019-06-10 08:30 - 2019-06-14 15:30 | IA
See website for more information: https://recserv.uiowa.edu/mines-spain-state-recreation-area

Iowa State Trail Explorer Volunteer Training Meeting
2019-05-19 15:00 - 17:00 | IA
*Note updated time. We will be providing information and training on our new adopt-a-trail program. All ages. More information on program click here

Mother's Day
2019-05-12 | IA
Happy Mother’s Day! Take her out for a hike and buy her something nice in our giftshop open 10-3

Catfish Creek Cleanup
2019-05-11 09:00 - 12:00 | IA
Jim Roling and Dick Worm are spearheading a Catfish Creek Cleanup. Canoes will be provided, so you can keep your own at home and clean. Meet at the Canoe launch. Bring your own life jacket if possible.

Invasive Species Breakdown
2019-05-04 10:00 - 12:00 | IA
New date May 4, 2019
The public is invited to join the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium at the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area on May 4 from 10 a.m. to noon or 1 to 3 p.m. for what is being coined as an “Invasive Species Beatdown.”
Senior Education Manager Jared McGovern will lead volunteers in making our public lands healthier through learning about and eliminating the alien and invasive Oriental bittersweet. Oriental bittersweet is a beautiful but deadly relative of native bittersweet. Fast growing and clingy, the plant can strangle nearby native plants and trees within a few short years.
Space for the event is limited, and volunteers interested in joining the Museum & Aquarium’s efforts should pre-register at rivermuseum.com/beatdown. Participation in the “Invasive Species Beatdown” is open to those eight and older; however, those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Necessary equipment will be provided to participants and waivers will be required prior to or upon arrival.
If you have any questions, please contact Senior Education Manager Jared McGovern at jmcgovern@rivermuseum.com or 563-557-9545 x215.
