Sylvan Island: Nature Reclaimed

Sylvan Island offers a unique blend of history and outdoor recreation on a 37-acre island in the Mississippi River. Once the site of the Republic Steel mill from the 1890s to the 1950s, the island has been transformed into a park with walking, hiking, and mountain biking trails that wind through the ruins of the old mill.Visitors can explore the concrete foundations, railroad tracks, and other remnants of the island's industrial past as nature reclaims the landscape. The island features a 1.2-mile network of multi-use trails, ranging from wide crushed limestone paths to more challenging single-track trails for mountain biking. Sylvan Island is known for its quick-drying trails, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities even after rain.The island is accessible via a pedestrian bridge from Sylvan Gateway Park, which provides parking, restrooms, and water fountains. Sylvan Island is open from 6 a.m. to sunset daily, offering opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and picnicking. The island's location between the Mississippi River and Sylvan Slough makes it a prime spot for fishing.