Nine-Mile Island, River island in Mississippi River, Iowa.
Nine-Mile Island is a river island in the Upper Mississippi River between Dubuque and Bellevue, Iowa, with dense woodland and a sandy beach at its north end. The island spans roughly 454 acres and contains a freshwater lake within its boundaries.
The name comes from the island being nine river miles below Eagle Point. During the 19th century it was known as Shinkles Island.
The island lies within two wildlife refuges that protect habitats for birds and animals. These protected areas shape how the landscape looks and functions today.
Reaching this island requires a boat, as there are no roads on it. Visitors should be aware of natural gas pipeline activity near the northern anchorage areas.
The island has two navigation markers on its grounds that are maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These aid boats traveling along this section of the river.
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