The Mississippi River brought recreation and opportunity to New Boston
New Boston began as a port city along a bend in the Mississippi River in Illinois. Boats would pass to and from the community, carrying factory goods, locally grown produce and passengers to Davenport, Iowa. Farming and commercial fishing were the area's major industries for over a century, and agriculture remains essential to the community. New Boston's economic influence ebbed after railroads largely replaced river transportation, but its recreational allure continues. Visitors and locals alike enjoy boating, fishing and camping along the river and in nearby bays. The community's retail and restaurant options are limited, so state Route 17 connects people to larger cities with more opportunities. The community's CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, significantly lower than the national score of 4.
People boat, camp and bird around the community’s waterways
Access to the Mississippi River, Sturgeon Bay and Boston Bay has always been the community's primary draw. People boat, fish, kayak and camp along these massive waterways, and the surrounding wildlife areas are an optimal environment for bald eagles. Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground lets people set up their tents, launch boats onto the water and spend the day birding around the park. "We just built a new eagle watch," says Lacey Schreurs, New Boston's city clerk. "People can go out to the observation deck to spot the eagles, especially during winter when they're really out and about." Additional campsites, walking paths and a brand-new splash park have also been built over the past few years. New Boston Waterfront is another popular spot. It has several public boat ramps, and people take pictures sitting in the park's giant Adirondack chair. Benches and picnic areas follow the shoreline, offering plenty of spots to watch the sunset.
Houses stretch from the riverfront to the community's farmlands
Most homes are near the riverfront, but more secluded clusters exist between Boston Bay and 45th Street. A few properties are far from the central community, tucked between acres of farmland. Ranch-style homes, bungalows and farmhouses are common, but custom homes occasionally appear along the river or on larger lots. Prices range between $40,000 and $285,000 depending on a home's size, condition, age and land.
Larger cities and more opportunities are within 20 miles
Since the community is so rural, New Boston's city hall and volunteer fire department manage everyday operations and activities. Employers are few, so farming remains a primary industry. "People also drive to Aledo and Muscatine to work," Schreurs says. "There's no real traffic around here, so it's only about a 20-minute drive." State Route 17 is the community's primary thoroughfare, connecting with Aledo's manufacturing companies and Genesis Medical Center in about 15 miles. The Quad Cities and the Quad Cities International Airport are 43 miles northeast.
Students attend Mercer County schools, including one inside the community
Prekindergarten through fourth-grade students attend New Boston Elementary School, the only school within the community. It has a C-plus Niche rating. Older kids attend Mercer County Junior High School and Mercer County High School in Aledo, which both have B-minus ratings. The high school requires students to complete 25 hours of community service before graduating.
Local restaurants and a seasonal market are near the river
Although the community has few businesses, there are some local staples around. Rocky's Sturgeon Bay Inn is a casual bar and grill serving burgers, wings and beer near the river. Benji's Bayside doubles as a restaurant and a general store, while Bay C Store sells fuel. The nearest grocery stores are in Aledo, but The New Boston Craft & Farmers Market opens monthly from May through October. People peruse stalls selling fresh produce, homemade items and baked goods. On Main Street, a brick-red historic home holds the New Boston Museum. The museum is open every Saturday from May to October for visitors to learn about the city's history.
All of New Boston gathers for the annual fish fry
Since 1921, the community's waterfront park has hosted the New Boston Fish Fry. "Our biggest event is our annual fish fry, for sure," Schreurs says. "We usually have a really big turnout for that." The festival is held in August and features everything from a parade and sports competitions to live music and, of course, fried fish. In the evenings, the Mississippi River reflects the glow of fireworks bursting overhead. Attendees end the weekend with a bang by dancing in the street. Other major holiday events include the annual Easter egg hunt and a Memorial Day ceremony at the city cemetery.
