Island City Harbor — Hotel in Sabula

This a such a great place, kind of a hidden gem honestly. I rented the Cottage and it did not disappoint! Everything about the Harbour is fun & inviting-- from the minute, you cross over the bridge into Sabula, to the river views, the entrance into the Harbour and the beautiful ISLAND CITY HARBOR building, you definitely get that small town feeling/ vibe. The staff is amazing is very welcoming. You will feel right at HOME! The Cottage rental itself was beautiful. If there's one thing I could recommend to people visiting the Cottage, it would be bring your beach chairs. If you'd like to sit out on the outside deck and enjoy the sun!!! We brought our chairs and were so thankful, We were able to enjoy our cocktails😊🍹 and talk with all the local boaters coming in and out or stopping for fuel. Everyone was always waving and extra personable. There is nothing you need inside the rental, Other than your personal belongings and your food/drinks for your stay. We loved getting to watch the TUG BOAT too......Thank you again to Kelly, She was the Best and very...

A Hidden Gem on the Water – Eagle’s Nest Review

Beautiful. Peaceful. Serene. Sanctuary.

Staying at the Eagle’s Nest floating houseboat in Island City Harbor was an unforgettable experience. I was captivated by the peaceful charm of the harbor and the unique setting of the houseboat itself. Nestled right on the water, it offered stunning views, gentle waves, and the kind of tranquility you just can’t find on land.

The houseboat was thoughtfully designed—cozy, clean, and full of character. Waking up to the sunrise over the water and sipping coffee on the deck, or a short walk to the point to watch the tug go out, felt like something out of a dream. It was the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

The hosts were incredibly welcoming and made sure everything was just right. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a solo retreat, or a memorable family stay, Eagle’s Nest is a must-visit. I left feeling refreshed, inspired, and already planning my next stay!

Highly recommend this...

We recently overnighted in a transient dock at Island City Harbor while bringing our houseboat down river from Minnesota. The harbor is located in a backwater with no current, however the docks are tight together, making boat maneuvering difficult. The staff and folks on the dock here were very friendly and the sunset view was beautiful, like the others users mentioned, which is why I am giving 2 stars versus 1. We settled in for a quiet evening only to be woken up multiple times by a loud tug boat/barge coming and going in the middle of the night with bright lights and exhaust right in to our windows, YUCK! Are you kidding me?!? We WILL NOT stay here again...We don't recommend this harbor to other boaters looking to overnight. We found the harbors upriver in Dubuque, Iowa and down river in Fulton, Illinois to be much more...