How Iowa’s Only Island Town Was Created By Accident
Most towns in the Hawkeye State were built on solid ground along the rolling prairies or nestled into river bluffs. However, if you look at a map of eastern Iowa, you will find one community that breaks all the rules.
It's Iowa's only "Island Town", and it's completely surrounded by the Mile-Wide Mississippi, and it didn't actually start that way. It took a herculean effort of an engineering project and a literal rise in the tide to turn this former peninsula into the unique island destination it is today.
When thinking of the state of Iowa, cities on islands aren't exactly the first thing that comes to mind. But there is one island city in the Hawkeye State that you'll definitely want to put on your bucket list.
Plenty of great American cities and towns are located off the mainland: Key West, Galveston, Sanibel, and Mackinac Island are just a few of them. But one of America's amazing 'island cities' is much closer to home and has a wide variety of tourist activities and beautiful scenery to check out.
Welcome to Sabula, Iowa
Ever heard of Sabula, Iowa? If not, you're missing out.
The small island town is located on the Mississippi River, about halfway between Dubuque and the Quad Cities metropolitan areas. According to the last census, it has a population of 506.
Sabula is a popular vacation destination during the summer months. It has a campground, an area to dock boats, and kayak rentals available on the island.
According to local legend, the town was founded back in 1835 when a man floated over on a log from the Illinois side of the Mississippi River and set up shop. The rest is history.
Speaking of the Illinois side, you can get to Illinois from Sabula Island by crossing the Dale Gardner Veterans Memorial Bridge, which connects the island to Savanna, Illinois. The bridge was recently opened back in 2017 and is a steel-tied arch bridge.
To learn more about the charming little island town of Sabula and what you can do there, check out the YouTube video below.
Story Sources: City of Sabula Website, Wikipedia
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