Credit Island Nature Preserve & Davenport Harbor

About Credit Island Nature Preserve and the Davenport Harbor

Credit Island Nature Preserve is a City of Davenport Parks and Recreation area on the south end of the City. This Mississippi River Island is underlain by bedrock, which allows for the growth of oak trees on the northern two-thirds of the island that are typically not found on islands. Much of this woodland has been cleared and sown to lawn grass, while fairly unaltered bottomland forest can be found on the downstream third of the island. These woodlands are home to many bird species, including the impressive Pileated Woodpecker. The island also houses a recently closed golf course and a lagoon, which was previously a wetland excavated to create a deepwater pond. Several State protected plant species have been found on the island in the past; whether these plants are extant is unknown.

The Davenport Harbor lies between Credit Island and the mainland, with this Mississippi River backwater area being a highly important staging area for migrating waterfowl and Bald Eagles in the fall, winter, and spring. The South Concord Road drive along the Davenport Harbor is one of the Quad Cities best Bald Eagle viewing opportunities during the winter months. This backwater slough is also an important overwintering and breeding area for Mississippi River fish that seek calm waters off the river’s main channel.

In addition to being important wildlife areas, both Credit Island and the Davenport Harbor are areas of great historical significance.

Amenities

Located directly on the Great River Road, Credit Island Nature Preserve provides Davenport's best direct access to the water's edge for fishing, picnicking, or close-up lawn chair viewing of America's largest river. Modern public restrooms, a playground, shelters, grills and picnic tables are located on the northwest shore of the Island overlooking birding areas in the Davenport Harbor. A hiking trail is located on the southern end of the island and cyclists can enjoy the Mississippi River Bike Trail that loops the island and winds along the Davenport riverfront. Boaters can make use of a public boat ramp that is located near the park's main entrance to launch boats, kayaks, and canoes. Rugby, soccer, baseball, and softball fields are also available for use and a bird feeding station maintained by the Quad City Audubon Society allows roadside viewing of birds.

The park closes at sundown, but the causeway, boat ramp, and two blocks of open shoreline in front of the main pavilion remain open after dark, allowing for night viewing of the Davenport skyline.

How to Get There:

The Credit Island Nature Preserve can be accessed via a causeway directly off of River Drive (Highway 61). For a mainland drive along Davenport Harbor, follow River Drive (Highway 61) south and turn left on South Concord Road.

Nearby Sites of Interest:

• Nahant Marsh

• Fairmount Cemetery

• Black Hawk State Historic Park and Nature Preserve

Interesting literature

Click here to view a Google Scholar search for additional literature using the pre-filled search terms of "Credit Island Iowa"

Morrissey, T. 1950. Tanypodinae of Iowa (Diptera). III. American Midland Naturalist 43:88-91.