This Island In Iowa Is An Absolute Must Visit
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Delana Lefevers
Author
When you think “island getaway,” Iowa is almost definitely the last place that would pop to mind. But Iowa has a secret island hiding out between its eastern border and the Mississippi River. You’ll often hear it called by its descriptive nickname: Island City. Let’s explore Sabula Island in Iowa.
But it wasn't always an island. It was physically connected to Iowa until 1939, when Lock and Dam #13 was built between Clinton, Iowa and Fulton, Illinois. The dam permanently submerged the lowland area to the west of the town, leaving Sabula physically cut off from the state.
Sabula has a long history that stretches back long before the Army Corps of Engineers started building dams on the Mississippi.
Sabula has a long history that stretches back long before the Army Corps of Engineers started building dams on the Mississippi.
According to local legend, Isaac Dorman crossed the Mississippi from Illinois on a log. The current town site was already home to several Native American families who, it is said, continued to inhabit the area after the new settlers came. In its early years, the new town went through several name changes. It was called Carrollport when it was platted in 1837, but some settlers were displeased with the name. They didn't want anyone to think the town had been named after an unpopular resident named Carroll, so they changed the name to Charlestown. This fine name proved to be a bit too popular since there was already another in Iowa. The name had to be changed again to avoid confusion.
The exact details of how the settlers arrived at the name "Sabula" is lost to history (there are several conflicting stories), but the name is said to mean "sand" in a Native American language. Since the town's soil is quite sandy, the name seemed to fit.
The exact details of how the settlers arrived at the name "Sabula" is lost to history (there are several conflicting stories), but the name is said to mean "sand" in a Native American language. Since the town's soil is quite sandy, the name seemed to fit.
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Clams were harvested from large clam beds in the river, and their shells were used to make pearl buttons in Sabula's button factory. The meat inside the clams was used to feed hogs, thus fueling the town's other major industry. The pearl button factory was shut down by the advent of the plastic button, and the building has since been razed. There are no hog farms on the island, but that industry still thrives on Iowa's mainland.
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The Jeremiah Wood House, shown above, was built by one of Sabula's original settlers. Wood was a successful entrepreneur and riverboat captain. The house is in beautiful condition and is privately owned.
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The John C. Dominy House is another gorgeous example of early settlers' homes in Sabula. John Dominy was Sabula's first blacksmith. While the home doesn't offer tours, you can admire the excellent craftsmanship from the sidewalk.
The railroad played a significant part in the island's history; the Chicago, Clinton, Dubuque, and Minneapolis Railroad Co. built a line from Dubuque to Clinton just west of Sabula in 1870. The Sabula, Ackley and Dakota Railroad laid the first tracks through the town in 1872.
The railroad played a significant part in the island's history; the Chicago, Clinton, Dubuque, and Minneapolis Railroad Co. built a line from Dubuque to Clinton just west of Sabula in 1870. The Sabula, Ackley and Dakota Railroad laid the first tracks through the town in 1872.
At the 2010 census, the island had a population of 576. Most of the employed residents travel to nearby towns in Iowa or Illinois for work, but the island community has all of the amenities of any small Iowa town. There is a school, a bank, a convenience store, a public library, three taverns, several restaurants, a B & B, and various other businesses that keep the town running. But Sabula has also become a haven for tourists looking for a unique getaway. This sweet small island town is a great place for fishing, hunting, boating, camping...or just for a nice change of scenery.
Book a stay at The Castle B & B (shown above), or see if the floating cottage at Island City Harbor is available. Or bring your tent or RV to the 14-acre South Sabula Lakes Park and sleep out under the stars.
A causeway connects Sabula to the Iowa mainland. On the way, a little stop-off called Driscoll's Island (circled above) is known as a great fishing spot. If you choose to arrive by boat, make use of Island City Harbor. It offers transient slips, a gas dock, and a quaint harbor store.
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Sabula boasts several public parks, an historic caboose, one of the coolest pizza places this side of the Mississippi, and so many neat treasures that you'll easily spend an entire weekend exploring them all.
There are so many Iowans who still don’t know about Sabula. If you haven’t visited yet, start making plans – this little hidden gem is like nowhere else in Iowa.
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The Best Places In Iowa
What are the most beautiful state parks in Iowa?
The most beautiful state parks in Iowa include:
- Maquoketa Caves State Park. This lovely park is filled with breathtaking caves and lush green foliage.
- Backbone State Park. This park in Delaware County has lots of nature to see, including rivers, caves, and a lake.
- Ledges State Park. This is a 1,200-acre park that is absolutely stunning with lots of wonderful hiking trails.
- Effigy Mounds National Monument. Located in Harpers Ferry, this state park has some of the most beautiful views in Iowa.
Discover more about the most beautiful state parks in Iowa.
What are some hidden-gem attractions in Iowa?
Some of the hidden-gem attractions in Iowa include:
- Lovers Leap Swinging Bridge. Located in Columbus Junction, this bridge is said to be haunted by the ghost of a despondent Native American woman who jumped to her death.
- Phelps Park. This park in Decorah is stunning and has hiking trails, amazing views, and a lovely fountain.
- Wabash Trace Nature Trail. This is a trail that is 63 miles long and the whole route is surrounded by natural beauty.
- The Loess Hills Lavender Farm. Take a tour of the gorgeous lavender fields in this bucolic, fairytale setting.
Find out more about these and other hidden-gem attractions in Iowa.
What are the most incredible natural attractions in Iowa?
The most incredible natural attractions in Iowa include:
- Volga River Recreational Area. This 138-acre lake in Fayette has lovely shoreline strolls, a floating fishing pier, and amazing views.
- Jester Park Equestrian Center. Take in the natural beauty all around you on horseback as you wander the scenic trails.
- Brown’s Woods. Located in West Des Moines, this 486-acre forest is full of oak and hickory trees.
- Chimney Rock Campground. This place was recognized by National Geographic’s Adventure Magazine and is wonderful for floating along the river.
Learn more about the most incredible natural attractions in Iowa.
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Sabula, IA 52070, USA