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South Entrance, Mines of Spain Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 64 Google reviews · Running trail in Dubuque, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from South Entrance, Mines of Spain Recreation Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park featuring a variety of trails for hiking and biking as well as picnic tables.
What runners say about South Entrance, Mines of Spain Recreation Area
“The Julien Dubuque Monument, dedicated to the first European settler in the area, provides a great view of the Mississippi River and serves as a landmark for the park.”
Mines of Spain State Recreation Area near Dubuque, Iowa boasts a rich history and natural beauty. This location was once used for lead mining and is now a National Historic Landmark with village sites, rock shelters, and trading post locations scattered throughout the landscape.
A Dubuque must-see (more like must-experience) for the nature lovers, fitness-minded, exploratory, history buffs, and the bring the kids, too! Walking trails, barbeque pits, an educational center, canoe launch, decent fishing... All easily accessible. What are you waiting for? Get off your duffs and go see it!
Walked the 6 mile Eagle Scout loop this morning. It was well maintained 2-track. The grassy portions were mowed. Mid-August morning and no mosquitoes. Beautiful scenery.
A fantastic (huge) park with a variety of trails and environs. We took the road less traveled on the Eagle Scout trail (I can't remember the exact name at the moment). It's the first parking area in the south entrance and you take a different trail to get there.
Trail conditions & character
“The Julien Dubuque Monument, dedicated to the first European settler in the area, provides a great view of the Mississippi River and serves as a landmark for the park.”
“It is not wheelchair accessible, but it is maintained well.”
“It's the first parking area in the south entrance and you take a different trail to get there.”
Plan your run at South Entrance, Mines of Spain Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteminesofspain.org
- Phone+1 563-556-0620
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Dubuque
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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