As the cooler temperatures and vibrant colors of fall approach, now is a great time to get outdoors and explore Iowa’s many natural areas.

One place worth a visit is the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area, located on the southern edge of Dubuque along the Mississippi River. This 1,432-acre park has all the trails, scenic overlooks and wooded areas one would expect from a place that includes Mississippi blufflands. Upon closer inspection, though, the story...