Mines of Spain

Retirement Party for Wayne Buchholtz
2016-05-14 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
The Family of Wayne Buchholtz and the Friends of Mines of Spain invite you to join us as we honor the Retirement of Wayne Buchholtz, Park Ranger of Mines of Spain.
Reception will be held on Saturday, May 14 from 1-4 PM
at EB Lyons Interpretive Center
8991 Bellevue Heights Road, Dubuque, Iowa
Wayne began his career in 1978 in the state park system as he finished his Biology degree at Upper Iowa University. During college he was employed as a seasonal worker at Gull Point State Park in Okoboji and Volga River State Park. He began his full time career with a move to Sioux City to be the Park Attendent at Stone State Park for 7 years and then Lake McBride State Park in Solon for 3 years. In 1991, Wayne was promoted to Ranger 1 at Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs for 2 years. Finally in 1993, he moved to Dubuque to be the Head Park Ranger at Mines of Spain State Park in Dubuque where he has enjoyed much of his time doing intrepretive and educational events for kids and adults of all ages, leading hikes along with managing the 1500 acre park and improving the EB Lyons Center.
We hope to see you to honor Wayne in his Retirement.

Great Give Day
2016-05-03 00:00 - 23:55
Please support us on this Great Give Day Today every donation of $10 or more goes even further and gifts of $50 or more can qualify for the Endow Iowa 25% Tax Credit. Friends of Mines of Spain utilize endowment funds to create a bus scholarship fund. Area schools can apply for a bus scholarship to help defray transportation costs in order to bring students by bus to the park. Student field trips get children to experience outdoors, learn about history, geology and animals at the Mines of Spain. There is no admission fee for the EB Lyons Center and no fee to visit the park.
With a simple click you can help children in the area experience the outdoors in the area where the City of Dubuque began.

Road Construction 2016
2016-04-26 08:00 - 2016-05-24 17:00
ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Road construction and closures at Mines of Spain Recreation Area.
The Mines of Spain Recreation Area will begin construction on the park’s main road, Mines of Spain Road. The construction is planned to start April 26, 2016 and run for approximately 4 weeks. The construction will consist of repairing joints and culverts throughout the park. The time frame for construction and completion is dependent on weather conditions during the next month.
During the construction period, the Mines of Spain Road will be closed to thru traffic from the Olde Massey Road Entrance to the Inland Lane Entrance off Julien Dubuque Drive. Portions of the road will be closed to allow for construction to continue uninterrupted. While construction is taking place, portions of the road will remain open from both entrances with limited access to parking lots. Access will be limited and affected by where construction is occurring.
The EB Lyons Interpretive Center area will not be affected by the road construction. For up dated information contact the park office at 563-556-0620

EB Lyons Center Closed
2016-04-23 12:00 - 17:00
Please enjoy the trails outside today

EB Lyons Center Open Weekends for the 2016 Season
2016-04-16 12:00
Starting today and going through October 15, 2016 the EB Lyons Center will be open weekends from 12-4:30

Time Line of the local Native American Cultures
2016-02-07 13:00 - 15:00 | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
Presenters will include Dick Vorwald, Jay Cox, and Gerda Preston Hartman. Dick Vorwald, retired teacher, will share the history of Native Americans who lived here as early as 8,000 years ago. He will explain the various time periods which include the archaic, woodland and modern time lines of the Mesquakie. He will share information about the Indian Mounds left visible upon our landscape. Jay Cox, craftsman, will have replicas in miniature form of Native American lodges and, shelter type models on display, and examples of other primitive technology arts. Cox will give details on how these shelters and tools were made and how they were used. Gerda Preston Hartman, local historian, will share her private family collection of Native American artifacts. Many of the items were found on their family farm located adjacent to the Mines of Spain. The main theme the speakers will cover will include Native American Cultural adaptation of various habitats.
The program will be held at the E. B. Lyons Interpretive Center on February 7, 2016 at 1:00 pm. The center is located at 8991 Bellevue Heights, south of Dubuque. Come to the free program; visit the centers exhibits on the parks history and natural resources. Come early or stay late and hike some of the parks 15 miles of trails. For more information contact Park Staff at 563-556-0620

First Day Hike 2016
2016-01-01 12:30 - 13:00 | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
The First Day Hike at the Mines of Spain Recreation Area is scheduled for January 1, 2016 to begin at 1:00 p.m. The hike will start at the E. B. Lyons Interpretive Center. Participants are urged to arrive half an hour early to register. Cocoa, coffee and refreshments will be available for all participants after the hike. The centers exhibits and displays will be open for viewing.
first hike poster 2016
Iowa State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes in 18 state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states.
America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1 at a state park close to home. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.
“We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks. First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off the New Year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks,” said Todd Coffelt, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau.
“Last year, we hosted a record-breaking 41,000 people who hiked 72,442 miles in our state parks across the country when we launched America’s State Parks First Day Hikes,” said Priscilla Geigis, President of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD). “Think of it as the start of a new and healthy lifestyle, for the whole family. Whether you’re staying close to home or traveling, join us at one of America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.”
Iowa’s state parks boast a variety of beautiful settings for year-round outdoor recreation, and each First Day Hike will offer an opportunity to explore the unique natural and cultural treasures close to home.
“Studies have proven that getting outdoors is one good way to relax and recharge the body, mind and spirit,” stated Lewis Ledford, NASPD’s executive director. “We hope that hiking along a trail in a state park will become part of an individual’s or family’s regular exercise routine.”
Staff and volunteers will lead First Day Hikes in Iowa’s 18 participating state parks. Hikes will average one to two miles or longer depending on the location. Details about the hikes can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes and to see a comprehensive map of First Day Hikes across the country, visit www.naspd.org

Archery Deer Hunting
2015-12-21 08:00 - 2016-01-10 17:00 | Mines of Spain Recreation Area, 8991 Bellevue Heights Road, Dubuque, 52003, United States
Archery Deer Hunting
Archery Deer Seasons: December 21, 2014 to January 10, 2016
See our Hunting Page for more information and maps
 All other hunting seasons are closed in the Mines of Spain – hunting prohibited  Rifles, handguns and muzzle loader guns ARE PROHIBITED in the park at all times  Be respectful of other park visitors.  Hunters should refrain from using hiking or ski trails to avoid non-hunters.  Non-hunters should avoid going off trail to avoid hunters  All park users should practice LEAVE NO TRACE, Do Not Litter, and Do Not cut trees or brush, Leave area as you found it or better.  Screw in steps and permanent blinds or stands are illegal and will be removed by park staff.  Stands or blinds can be used by any park visitor if left in the park. All stands or blinds must be

Shotgun Deer Season
2015-12-12 08:00 - 2015-12-20 17:00 | Mines of Spain Recreation Area, 8991 Bellevue Heights Road, Dubuque, 52003, United States
Shotgun Deer Hunting
Shotgun Deer Season: December 12 – 20, 2015.
See our Hunting Page for more information and maps
 All other hunting seasons are closed in the Mines of Spain – hunting prohibited  Rifles, handguns and muzzle loader guns ARE PROHIBITED in the park at all times  Be respectful of other park visitors.  Hunters should refrain from using hiking or ski trails to avoid non-hunters.  Non-hunters should avoid going off trail to avoid hunters  All park users should practice LEAVE NO TRACE, Do Not Litter, and Do Not cut trees or brush, Leave area as you found it or better.  Screw in steps and permanent blinds or stands are illegal and will be removed by park staff.  Stands or blinds can be used by any park visitor if left in the park. All stands or blinds must be

Shotgun Deer Hunting
2015-12-05 08:00 - 2015-12-09 17:00 | Mines of Spain Recreation Area, 8991 Bellevue Heights Road, Dubuque, 52003, United States
Shotgun Deer Hunting
Shotgun Deer Seasons: December 5 – 9, 2015
See our Hunting Page for more information and maps
 All other hunting seasons are closed in the Mines of Spain – hunting prohibited  Rifles, handguns and muzzle loader guns ARE PROHIBITED in the park at all times  Be respectful of other park visitors.  Hunters should refrain from using hiking or ski trails to avoid non-hunters.  Non-hunters should avoid going off trail to avoid hunters  All park users should practice LEAVE NO TRACE, Do Not Litter, and Do Not cut trees or brush, Leave area as you found it or better.  Screw in steps and permanent blinds or stands are illegal and will be removed by park staff.  Stands or blinds can be used by any park visitor if left in the park. All stands or blinds must be

EB Lyons Center Closed
2015-11-30 08:00 - 17:00
EB Lyons Center will be closed today, Monday, November 30th due to staffing and volunteer shortages.

Black Friday
2015-11-27 08:00 - 17:00
EB Lyons Center Closed. Trails are open to walk off that turkey

Happy Thanksgiving
2015-11-26 08:00 - 17:00
EB Lyons Center Closed

EB Lyons Center Closed
2015-11-25 08:00 - 17:00
EB Lyons Center Closed today due to short staff

EB Lyons Center closed
2015-11-11 08:00 - 17:00
Veterans Day

Bats: Creatures of the Night
2015-10-18 13:00 - 14:00 | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
Bats: Creatures of the Night
10/18/15 at 1:00pm
Would you like to know more about the creatures that fly past you at night? The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and the Friends of the Mines of Spain would like to invite the public to attend an intriguing program on the bats of the Midwest and around the world. This program will include various topics such as the typical diet of a North American bat, the species that we can find here in the tristate area, research about bats around the world, how they are beneficial to humans, and what types of diseases bat populations are facing today. The program will be presented by professors Jeff Huebschman, of University Wisconsin Platteville, and Gerald Zuercher, of University of Dubuque, who have experience in bat research.

Archery Deer Hunting
2015-10-01 08:00 - 2015-12-04 17:00 | Mines of Spain Recreation Area, 8991 Bellevue Heights Road, Dubuque, 52003, United States
Archery Deer Hunting
Archery Deer Seasons: October 1 to December 4, 2015 and December 21, 2014 to January 10, 2016
See our Hunting Page for more information and maps
 All other hunting seasons are closed in the Mines of Spain – hunting prohibited  Rifles, handguns and muzzle loader guns ARE PROHIBITED in the park at all times  Be respectful of other park visitors.  Hunters should refrain from using hiking or ski trails to avoid non-hunters.  Non-hunters should avoid going off trail to avoid hunters  All park users should practice LEAVE NO TRACE, Do Not Litter, and Do Not cut trees or brush, Leave area as you found it or better.  Screw in steps and permanent blinds or stands are illegal and will be removed by park staff.  Stands or blinds can be used by any park visitor if left in the park. All stands or blinds must be

Public Canoeing
2015-09-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Canoe Launch, 8308 Mines of Spain Road, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
Canoeing
September 26th, 2015 at 1:00 pm
The public is welcome to join us on Catfish Creek for a free afternoon of canoeing for all ages. Meet at the Canoe launch Parking Area. This program is first come, first served, no reservations will be taken. Canoes, life-jackets, and paddles are provided.

Preschool Hour
2015-09-21 10:00 - 10:45 | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
September 21 10-10:45am Preschool Hour:
Bring your little one out to E.B. Lyons Nature Center for a fun, Educational program. Each session will feature a different theme and will focus on a variety of topics dealing with nature. Ages 2-4 with adult

Pella Wolf Program
2015-09-20 13:00 - 15:00 | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
The Mines of Spain is hosting the Pella Wildlife Group as they present an informational and exciting program on the historical importance of wolves in the state of Iowa. They will have a live wolf cub on hand to help demonstrate the magnificence of these animals. Join us September 20th at 1:00 PM in the E. B. Lyons Nature Center Auditorium for this free program.

Naturefest
2015-09-13 12:00 - 16:00 | Mines of Spain Recreation Area, 8991 Bellevue Heights Road, Dubuque, 52003, United States
NATUREFEST
Naturefest will be held at the EB Lyons Interpretive Center on Sunday, September 13, 2015 12-4pm. Come to the event to explore the completed E. B. Lyons Expansion project at the Mines of Spain Recreation Area, Help us celebrate the Grand Opening of the new 52 acre expansion to the EB Lyons Center 8991 Bellevue Heights Road. Naturefest includes an afternoon of nature related events. Explore the new Butler Outdoor Classroom at Noon on the Americas State Tree Woodland Walk Trail with Yoga and Meditation, blending Eastern tradition with Native American philosophy with Deb May. Come take a guided hike at 1:00 pm with Park Ranger Wayne Buchholtz. All ages can sing songs about nature along with Maureen Leytem in a song circle. The center will be open to explore the variety of exhibits and displays about the parks history and natural resources. Find out more information about year round activities at the Mines of Spain Recreation Area as well.
12:00 Yoga w/Deb May
1:00 Guided Hike w/ Ranger Wayne Buchholtz
2:00 Songs of Nature w/ Maureen Leytem
12-4 – informational tables about year round things to do/see
pumpkins for sale – proceeds to Friends of the Mines of Spain
and more- we may have some live animals and some Native American artifacts coming too.

Medicine Band Concert II
2015-09-12 19:00 - 20:30 | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
The Medicine Band is a musical group performing their original rock opera “It Was a Beautiful Country.” These are stories of Native America featuring the story of Sac warrior Black Hawk. Through 13 songs, (a 90 minute program) this group takes you on a trip over time, space, nature, and consequence. Free will offering will be collected with all proceeds to benefit the Mines of Spain and preservation of the land. Bring a lawn chair and a jacket. Refreshments available.

Medicine Band Concert I
2015-09-11 19:00 - 20:30 | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States

Preschool Hour
2015-09-07 10:00 - 10:45 | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
September 7 10-10:45am Preschool Hour:
Bring your little one out to E.B. Lyons Nature Center for a fun, educational program. Each session will feature a different theme and will focus on a variety of topics dealing with nature. Ages 2-4 with adult

Kayaking
2015-09-06 13:00 - 15:00 | Canoe Launch, 8308 Mines of Spain Road, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
September 6 at 1pm Kayaking*:
Want to learn to kayak? Come out to Catfish Creek and join a Naturalist on the water. Ages 12 & up, parent supervision required. All kayaking programs are first come, first served, and will be instructional.

Buying a Canoe or Kayak 101
2015-08-30 13:00 - 15:00 | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
Pat Prevenas and Earl Brimeyer will be at the E.B. Lyons Nature Center to give us some expert advice on choosing the perfect canoe or kayak. There will be live demonstrations and boats on site for you to try out. If you have been wanting to get out on the water in your own personal small craft or would just like to learn more, then join us for this fun, informative event.
Event will be held in the Auditorium and begin promptly at 1:00 PM

Who’s Hibernating?
2015-08-18 10:00 - 11:00 | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
August 18 from 10-11 am Who’s Hibernating?:
Many animals in Iowa hibernate, but it is less common than most think. Join our park naturalist and find out which of our local animals hibernate and which just become lazier. Ages 5-10 with adult

Preschool Hour
2015-08-10 10:00 - 22:45 | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
August 10 10-10:45am Preschool Hour:
Bring your little one out to E.B. Lyons nature Center for a fun, educational program. Each session will feature a different theme and will focus on a variety of topics dealing with nature. Ages 2-4 with adult

Smokey Bear’s Birthday Party!
2015-08-08 13:00 - 15:00 | EB Lyons Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA, 52003, United States
Smokey Bear’s Birthday Party
August 8th at 1:00pm
Come and celebrate Smokey Bear’s 71st Birthday with us at the E.B. Lyons Nature Center! Activities and hikes will help you explore nature; learn about the environment, and the benefits and misuses of fire. There will be games, cake and refreshments. Smokey will be here in person to greet you. No gifts please.

Mines of Spain Trail Race
2015-08-08 | Mines of Spain Recreation Area, 8991 Bellevue Heights Road, Dubuque, 52003, United States
5k, 10k and half marathon trail races set in the beautiful Mines of Spain Recreation Area in Dubuque, Iowa
