Horseshoe Bluff: Iowa Box Canyon Offers Beautiful Mississippi River Views

On a Friday evening, my family and I returned to a place we've explored often: the Mines of Spain Recreation Area just south of Dubuque. At this point, we've covered about every inch of the park, both on dry land and in the water. We've kayaked Catfish Creek, hiked the various trails, and explored the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center, Pine Chapel, and the Julien Dubuque Monument. Still, one formation stands out above the rest for us: the small loop trail at Horseshoe Bluff.

Credit: Tom Drake | Julien Dubuque Monument at the Mines of Spain in February.

The trail starts not far from a small pond where we've fished as a family, catching bullheads and watching frogs, turtles, and snakes go about their usual routines. From there, the trail leads into the horseshoe-shaped quarry, where the area's geological history is on full display. The exposed rock is Ordovician dolomite, and the old quarry gives Horseshoe Bluff a look and feel unlike almost anywhere else around Dubuque.

This box-style canyon offers some amazing views of the Mississippi River and the chance to travel through the different levels, from the canyon floor up to the overlook. It's a fairly easy hike overall. There is a ramped path to level two on the west side, and stairs on the east; on this occasion we used the stairs to reach the second level. On this particular evening, our family covered about a mile and a half, stopping often to take in the scenery.

Credit: Tom Drake | Entering Horseshoe Bluff

There is plenty to see along the way, too. Wildflowers, golden oyster mushrooms, and all kinds of wildlife can turn a short walk into a much longer adventure if you're paying attention. Mines of Spain is a National Historic Landmark and covers more than 1,400 acres of bluffs, prairie, wetlands, and forest, so you never really know what might appear around the next bend. Check out the full video of our adventure below.

A couple of warnings from personal experience: evening mosquitoes can be ferocious, so plan accordingly. Also, check the small posts and telescope at the overlook before using them. Wasps have decided they make excellent nesting sites. My son learned that lesson the hard way, when we first visited, at about four years old with four or five stings.

Credit: Tom Drake | The view from the overlook at Horseshoe Bluff

For us, Horseshoe Bluff is the perfect way to end a day in Dubuque. We usually spend about 30 minutes on the loop with a few stops, or closer to 20 if we're just looking for some exercise. And honestly, it is beautiful in every season.

Credit: Tom Drake | Horseshoe Bluff Overlook in January.

Check out more adventures at the Mines of Spain in Dubuque, below!