Nicollet Island

First settled in the 1860s, 40-acre Nicollet Island is the only inhabited island on the Mississippi River. On its north end, a historic district contains 43 restored Victorian-era homes.

Though originally used for factories and warehouses, the industry is long gone, leaving quiet residential streets and acres of parkland along the shoreline.

Other amenities include the 10,000-square-foot Nicollet Island Pavillion, DeLaSalle High School and the Nicollet Island Inn, housed in a former factory that also once served as a Salvation Army shelter.