E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center: Gateway to Mines of Spain

Located just south of Dubuque, Iowa, the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center is the perfect starting point for exploring the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area. This 1,432-acre park is a National Historic Landmark, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Inside the center, you'll find exhibits detailing the area's geology, ecology, and cultural history. Learn about the Mesquakie Indians, early lead mining operations, and the legacy of Julien Dubuque, the first European settler in Iowa. The center also features a children's activity room with live animals native to Iowa and a bird viewing room. Outside, explore the Betty Hauptli Bird and Butterfly Garden, native prairies, and woodland flower gardens. Several hiking trails originate from the center, including the America's State Tree Woodland Walk and the Lead Mine Trail. These trails offer opportunities to experience the diverse landscapes of the Mines of Spain, from forests and prairies to limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. The land where the center is located has a rich history of its own. In 1859, Karl Frederick "Otto" Junkermann purchased the land and established a "Gentleman's Farm", constructing a stone barn, house, and chapel. The Lyons Trust Fund and matching federal funds were used to purchase the 34-acre farm in 1972. The nature center was constructed in 1976, with interpretive trails being established soon after.