Available through reservation or gift certificate, the River Museum is offering guided outdoor experiences with seasoned, knowledgeable guides. Select from one of the following tours and experience the geological, archeological, natural, and cultural significance of each area.
Each tour is approximately one and a half hours, and tour prices are a flat rate of $120 for up to eight hikers. Members receive a $20 discount. All participants must bring a signed participation waiver with them to their hike experience.
HORSesHOE BLUFF E.B. LYONS
Participation Waiver
Contact Melissa Wersinger at 563-557-9545 x213 or mwersinger@rivermuseum.com for questions, gift certificate inquiries, or to book over the phone.
Reservations, Weather & Cancellations: Reservations can be made online or by calling 563-557-9545 x213. Reservations can be made up to 48 hours in advance of the tour. When we book your tour, we also schedule tour guides for your trip. We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. No refunds or reschedules will be given with less than 24 hours’ notice.
Weather: Tours are not cancelled due to cold or mildly rainy weather. The River Museum may cancel tours due to unsafe weather conditions or unsafe trail conditions, such as heavy winds, heavy rain, or potential thunderstorms. If tours have been cancelled by the River Museum, you will be contacted and your reservation will be refunded or rescheduled. We also reserve the right to postpone a tour up to one hour due to unsafe weather conditions.
Horseshoe Bluff Guided Hike
- Moderate Level
Description: Explore the natural beauty of the Horseshoe Bluff Interpretive Area at the Mines of Spain Recreation Area. Your experienced guide will take you through limestone cliffs created over 2 million years ago in an ancient sea. Explore the natural beauty of the area, marvel at the 120-foot cliffs overlooking the Mississippi River below, and search for fossils and minerals found in the area. Your guide will provide knowledge on the geological, archeological, and natural significance of the area, including information on local wildlife, lead mining, and Native American histories and tales.
book Today!
Location: Hikers will meet their guide at the Horshoe Bluff Interpretive Area Parking Lot. The tour will begin and end in the same location near restroom facilities. The parking lot is located at Mines of Spain Rd, 52003. GPS: 42.461270, -90.636070
Map location
Moderate Level: This hike includes a variety of flat, steep (with steps), rock, gravel, sod, and dirt terrains. Hikers should not have any heart problems or other serious medical conditions. The hike is not recommended for those with recent back, knee, or ankle injuries. No open wounds. Participants must be in good physical condition and able to hike approximately a half mile uphill or upstairs and through natural forest paths. This hike is not wheelchair accessible.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Ages: Those under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Availability: Select Saturdays throughout the year
What to bring/not included:
- Drinking water
- Snacks
- Hiking stick/staff
- Sturdy hiking boots or shoes – no flipflops or open toed shoes
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Hat/Sunglasses
- Mosquito repellant
- Gratuities
What NOT to bring: Alcohol is not permissible
E.B. Lyons Guided Hike
– Moderate Level
Description: This picturesque hike will take you through woodland forests, past historic structures, and through restored prairies on both Pine Chapel and Lead Mine trails. Your knowledgeable guide will provide information on the geological, archeological, and natural significance of the area as well as information on the 1850s Pine Chapel structure, its wine and root cellar, and other features of the site. The hike will then take guests through America’s State Tree Woodland Walk, created and planted by State Park Directors from all 50 states. Learn about the many varieties of trees along this unique walk and which trees have been designated by various states and state trees. If the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center is open, the hike will include a short guided tour of the space currently operated by the City of Dubuque.
book Today!
Location: Hikers will meet their guide at 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, Iowa 52003. The hike will begin and end at this location and is near restroom facilities.
MAp location
Moderate Level: This hike includes a variety steps and earthen trails. Portions of the path are concrete and grass. Hikers should not have any heart problems or other serious medical conditions. The hike is not recommended for those with recent back, knee, or ankle injuries. No open wounds. Participants must be in good physical condition and able to hike up and down railroad tie steps and natural forested and prairie paths. This hike is not wheelchair accessible.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Ages: Those under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Availability: Saturdays throughout the year
What to bring/not included:
- Drinking water
- Snacks
- Hiking stick/staff
- Sturdy hiking boots or shoes – no flipflops or open toed shoes
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Hat/Sunglasses
- Mosquito repellant
- Gratuities
What NOT to bring: Alcohol is not permissible