EB Lyons Interpretive Center, Driftless Area Travel Guide

Located within the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area, the EB Lyons Interpretive Center is a hub for visitors seeking to understand the area's rich history and natural features. The center's exhibits delve into the geology, wildlife, and Native American history of the region, providing context for exploring the 1,439-acre park.The center is named after Edwin B. Lyons, a Dubuque businessman and conservationist who bequeathed funds to develop an interpretive center and nature preserve. The Lyons Trust Fund played a crucial role in purchasing the Otto Junkermann farm, which forms part of the present-day center. The original Junkermann farm, established in 1859, featured a stone barn, house, and chapel. While the stone house was destroyed by fire in 1943 and rebuilt, the site now hosts the interpretive center and its surrounding attractions.Visitors can explore the Betty Hauptli Bird and Butterfly Garden, showcasing native and cultivated plants that attract diverse bird and butterfly species. The center also provides access to a network of trails, including the America's State Tree Woodland Walk and the ADA-accessible John and Alice Butler Trail. These trails wind through restored prairies, woodlands, and along Catfish Creek, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying scenic vistas.The Mines of Spain area holds historical significance as the site of early lead mining activities, dating back to Julien Dubuque's arrival in 1788. The area also features archaeological sites related to the Mesquakie tribe, who engaged in fur trading and lead mining. The Julien Dubuque Monument, located within the park, honors the first European settler in Iowa and provides panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley.