Live Your Aviation Dream at Abel Island in Guttenberg, Iowa

Are you looking for a quiet place where you can relax and unwind while still enjoying the great outdoors and living your aviation dream? If you think that sounds good, have you heard of Abel Island in Gutenberg, Iowa? It’s located on the Mississippi River, just west of Wisconsin. The town has a population of 1,987, and it’s best known for its pre and post-civil war limestone buildings. However, there’s more to do in Guttenburg, IA, and on Abel Island than enjoying the ambiance of the architecture. The town boasts a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities, which are perfect for individuals and families who are looking to move into the area. In fact, if you’re a pilot, you’ll really love Guttenberg. It has its own aviation community on Abel Island. The houses surround a 2,600-foot turf runway. Of course, you can also bring your seaplane and land on the Mississippi River. Let’s take a look at what makes Abel Island and the Gutenberg community so amazing.

How Guttenburg Got Its Start – Town History

Gutenberg has a rich American Indian history, as well as a rich immigration and American settler history. The area officially became part of the United States in 1803, and it was initially named Prairie La Port, which means ‘The Door to the Prairie.’

However, German immigrants and settlers didn’t arrive until after the Black Hawk Treaty was signed in 1833. Once the Black Hawk Treaty was signed, the area soon to be known as Guttenburg garnered the attention of the Western Settlement Society of Cincinnati. The society purchased more than 460 acres of land. The goal of the Western Settlement Society of Cincinnati was to help German immigrants settle in the area. In 1845, five German families moved into the area.

By 1851, Gutenberg’s population had grown to 300, and just five years later, the town boasted a population of more than 1,500. Of those 1,500 people, most of them were German. In fact, that’s how the town got its name. Gutten means good, and Berg means mount, mountain or hill. Today, the town is known for having a lot of pre- and post-civil war buildings, many of which were built out of limestone that’s available in the hills surrounding the town.

The Aviation Community of Abel Island

Guttenburg is still known for its rich German heritage, but today, it’s also known for its quiet, yet adventurous community of aviation enthusiasts and pilots on Able Island. Abel Island is a fly-in, drive-in, and boat-in community. It’s located on the beautiful Mississippi River and just two miles north of Guttenberg.

Able Island boasts its own turf airstrip, which is surrounded by lots that are for sale and beautifully crafted custom homes. Able Island’s stunning homes boast two to three bedrooms. Some have decks, and the homes enjoy either a river or a lake view. If you enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, or other types of watersports, you’ll love Abel Island. It’s a quiet, close-knit community that’s great for couples and families, as well as retirees who are ready to enjoy some recreational flight time and some seaplane or boat fishing.

The Abel Island Runway (IA23) (GAA Private Airport)

The airstrip is located in the middle of the aviation community at 42-48-31.9610N 091-05-53.4640W, 42-48.532683N 091-05.891067W and 42.8088781,-91.0981844. It sits at an elevation of 620 feet, and it’s located two miles north of Gutenberg on the Mississippi River. The airport was first activated in 1948, and it is a private-use airport that’s owned by the Abel Island Association. Because the airport is private, permission is needed to land.

Runway 17/35 is 2,540 feet long and 160 feet wide. Traffic patterns are flown to the left, and the CTAF is 122.9. The KPDC AWOS can be found on 119.925. The runway does have overruns and trees at both ends, and there are two windsocks for your safety. One can be found at the north end of the airstrip, and the other can be found in the southwest corner.

Put the Abel Island Fly-in on Your Calendar for August 16, 2025

Do you love fly-ins with local hospitality? If you do, you’ll love Abel Island’s annual August fly-in. You can land your plane on the 2,600-foot turf runway or in the Mississippi River and tie your seaplane to the shore. Participants should bring their own meat, table settings, a covered dish, and their favorite drinks. The Abel Island aviation community will provide tables, grills, coffee, and tea. Of course, you shouldn’t worry if you can’t bring your own meat. The community will provide a few pulled pork sandwiches. The fly-in will be held on August 16, 2025, from noon to 3:00 PM, where you can meet and greet all of the wonderful residents of this small aviation community.

Things To Do in Gutenberg, IA

Gutenberg, IA, offers plenty of outdoor and indoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the two parks, including the Darwin Duwe Ball Field & Playground and the Vet’s Ball Field and Soccer Field.

Escape the Heat at the Community Swimming Pool

Gutenberg has a community swimming pool that’s open from June 4 through the month of August. The pool boasts a kiddie slide and an adult waterslide. It has a diving board and plenty of loungers. Small children can enjoy the shallow end with sprinklers. The city pool is also available to rent for special occasions and summer pool parties.

Take a Riverwalk

Visitors and residents can enjoy the Mississippi River Walk. The river park encompasses two miles along the Mississippi. It includes a maintained walkway, benches, tables, and shelters where couples and families can enjoy a picnic.

Explore the PromiseLand Winery

The PromiseLand Winery is located in the hills of Gutenberg, IA. It’s locally owned and operated. Guests can enjoy tasting the various wines in the tasting room, and they can go on a tour of the winery. The winery is also available for special events.

Stay at the Eagle View Motel

Gutenberg, IA, is home to the Eagle View Motel. The main hotel is located on a stunning 250-foot bluff above the Mississippi River. The bed and breakfast is located in downtown Gutenberg. Both places offer free parking. The rooms are non-smoking and air-conditioned. The rooms include a minifridge, microwave, coffee maker, free WiFi, and amazing views of the Mississippi River when you stay at the main hotel atop the bluff.

Excellent Laid Back Dining Opportunities

Gutenberg offers a plethora of dining opportunities. If you’re looking for pizza, check out Joe’s Pizza. This establishment serves delicious pizzas for lunch and dinner, as well as cheesy bread and locally crafted ice cream. If you’re in the mood for some local diner food, check out Rausche’s Cafe. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The city is also home to the Stadium Bar and Grill, Sodes Green Acre Country Market and Cafe, and The Fishing Shack.

There’s plenty to see and do in Gutenberg, IA, and if you love your stay at the Eagle View Motel, dining at all the local restaurants, and exploring the local parks and the Mississippi River, consider purchasing a pilot’s dream home on Abel Island. You’re sure to love the slower pace of life and the quiet, relaxing atmosphere.

If you’d like to learn more about the properties at Abel Island, you can check out our listing at APN or visit the Abel Island website.