The cache is placed in the Mines of Spain Recreation Area along the Eagle Scout Trail. The nearest parking is at the Cattesse Hallow Access area (see parking coordinates). It is located off Olde Massey Rd. From there follow the Cattesse Trail to the Eagle Scout Trail. Most of this area is open to hunting so wear the appropriate clothing during hunting season.
The fifteen foot stump that this cache was named for has fallen since I was last there. The cache is on the upper part of this tree that fell many years ago.
The cache is placed with the permission of the Iowa DNR. The Mines of Spain Recreation Area is open year around from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
HISTORY OF THE AREA: Edwin B. Lyons, a Dubuque businessman and conservationist, left provisions in his will to develop an interpretive center and nature preserve for the city of Dubuque. Two years after his death, the Lyons Trust Fund purchased the farmland originally known as the Otto Junkermann farm.
The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area was dedicated in 1981. It was acquired with the assistance of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. The acquisition helped assure the protection of an important piece of Iowa’s historical and natural heritage. In 1993, the area was designated as a National Historic Landmark.