Iowa All Over: Mines of Spain trace Dubuque’s founder

DUBUQUE — On a clear day, visitors to the Mines of Spain, if standing in the right spot, can take in a picturesque view of downtown Dubuque.

Located on 1,432 acres on the southern edge of the city, the Mines of Spain is an outdoor recreation area with trails, picnic, hunting and canoeing areas, an interpretive center and a horseshoe bluff.

Designated as a National Wildlife Federation Nature area, the park tells the story of the area's founder, Julien Dubuque, as well as Iowa's early history.

In 1785, Dubuque came here to discover what resources were available, explained Wayne Buchholtz, park ranger at the Mines of Spain recreation area of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. He returned three years later, in 1788, and started a business.

'He's credited as being the first European to live here on this side of the Mississippi River,' Buchholtz added.

The earliest known inhabitants of the area were the Mesquakie, with whom Dubuque developed a relationship. He worked with them to mine the lead in the area.

In the mid-1790s, he received a land grant from the governor of Spain. The grant gave Dubuque permission to work the land, then owned by Spain. The 189-square mile area was to be named Mines of Spain.

'Spain owned everything west of the Mississippi River. France had the other side,' Buchholtz said. 'The United States at that time was only the 13 colonies. He entered into an agreement with Spain to work this area, and that's where the name Mines of Spain comes from.'

Lead mining was a significant part of the area's history, Buchholtz explained. Dubuque's arrival to the area drew other Europeans interested in lead mining.

'You sometimes hear the expression of the Lead Rush, like the Gold Rush in California but not quite as large,' he said. 'That brought people here to the mine. With that, eventually came the Iowa Territory, which became the state of Iowa.'

Dubuque was a city even before Iowa became a state, Buchholtz said. Julien Dubuque operated the Mines of Spain until his death in 1810. The city was chartered in 1837.

Today, visitors can begin exploring the area at the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center. Displays chronicle the city's history and the variety of wildlife at the park.

The park is home to white-tailed deer, coyotes, fox, raccoons and other smaller mammals and birds, Buchholtz said. There also is a bird and butterfly garden.

The park offers five individual nature walks. Visitors can see limestone bluffs and adventure seekers can take advantage of scenic overlooks and hikes through stunning forests and prairie.

The Julien Dubuque Monument at the Mines of Spain is a must-see. A short drive from the Horseshoe Bluff area, it easily is accessible by foot and just adjacent to a parking area.

The monument, built in 1897, towers high above the Mississippi River and is the centerpiece of the Mines. Take time to enjoy the view of the city, the Mississippi River and neighboring Illinois.

Julien Dubuque is buried at the site. The Mines of Spain Recreation Area was dedicated in 1981, and in 1993 it was designated as a National Historic Landmark.

If you go

What: Mines of Spain

Where: 8991 Bellevue Heights Rd., Dubuque

Hours: Park is open year-round, 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4:30 p.m. weekends, April 15 to October 15; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday mid-October to mid-April.

Call (563) 556-0620 or go to minesofspain.org