Dubuque's Mines of Spain Offers Challenging Eagle Scout Trail Hike

The 6.7-mile trail provides scenic views and historic remnants as families prepare for bigger outdoor adventures.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:54pm

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The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area in Dubuque, Iowa, offers over 1,400 acres of natural beauty, including the challenging 6.7-mile Eagle Scout Trail. The trail, built by local Boy Scouts, winds through forests, prairies, and past historic structures, providing a scenic and rewarding hike that serves as preparation for the author's family as they plan a trip to summit Medicine Bow Peak in Wyoming.

Why it matters

The Mines of Spain area is a popular outdoor destination in Iowa, offering a unique mix of natural scenery, Native American heritage, and a history tied to lead mining. The Eagle Scout Trail provides a more remote and challenging hiking experience that allows visitors to explore the park's diverse landscapes and appreciate the efforts of the local Boy Scouts who built the trail.

The details

The Eagle Scout Trail is approximately 3.5 miles long, but combined with a section of the Cedar Ridge Trail and connecting paths, the total hike is 6.7 miles round-trip. The trail features elevation gains of just under 800 feet, providing a good test for the author's family as they prepare for their upcoming mountain climbing trip. Along the way, hikers can discover weathered barns, old stone foundations, and early spring wildflowers, adding to the unique character of the trail.

  • The hike took place this past weekend.
  • The author's family plans to summit Medicine Bow Peak in Wyoming this summer.

The players

Tom Drake

The author of the article, who hiked the Eagle Scout Trail with his wife and son as preparation for their upcoming trip to Wyoming.

Boy Scouts

Local Boy Scouts who built the Eagle Scout Trail as part of their efforts to earn the Eagle Scout rank.

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What they’re saying

“Unlike some of the more traveled routes, this stretch of trail feels quieter and more removed. It winds through forest, prairie, and back again. When I think of the song "America the Beautiful," I can't help but think of the "amber waves of grain." Each section offers something different, from shaded paths to wide-open views that showcase Dubuque's natural beauty.”

— Tom Drake, Hiker

What’s next

The author's family plans to summit Medicine Bow Peak in Wyoming this summer, and the hike on the Eagle Scout Trail served as preparation for that bigger outdoor adventure.

The takeaway

The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area in Dubuque, Iowa, offers a diverse and challenging hiking experience on the Eagle Scout Trail, which not only showcases the area's natural beauty but also highlights the efforts of local Boy Scouts to create a meaningful outdoor experience for visitors.