Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Air-conditioning
Barbecue grill
Deck or patio
Internet access
Fireplace
Explore the area
East Dubuque, IL
Diamond Jo Casino
Place, Diamond Jo Casino
5 min drive
National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
Place, National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
5 min drive
Five Flags Center
Place, Five Flags Center
5 min drive
Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional)
Airport, Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional)
17 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
About this property
Retro floating cabin on river backwaters. HOT TUB!
Our newly renovated floating cabin features retro vibes and beautiful views of the Mississippi River backwaters. This cabin sits DIRECTLY in the water and is available for rent year round. Enjoy the nature around you while sitting on your private floating deck, or snuggle up inside in front of the electric fireplace and Smart TV. This cabin features 2 bedrooms with queen beds, and a trundle bed in the living room with 2 twin beds. Our rental is located at Millennium Marina.
We renovated a floating cabin into a truly modern and usable space! You will be staying DIRECTLY on the water. While this brings an abundance of beauty, it can also bring bugs or other critters in the warmer months. We have a full kitchen (no oven), and we provide the basic amenities for you like pots, pans, silverware, plates, and other cooking essentials. We also provide 1 bath towel per person and bed sheets. We provide one cotton blanket, so please bring extra in the colder months if you like a lot of blankets. You will have to walk down a dock at our marina to get to the rental. It is located on the back side of our restaurant.
Ask us about Pack-n-Play availability!
Sorry, no pets allowed.
We also have boat slips available by the night or by the week. One uncovered slip is provided with your rental. PLEASE NOTE: we have no control of the river levels. This means that sometimes swimming is not possible because the water will be so low. Also, sometimes you cannot get your boat into our marina due to low water. If you plan on bringing a boat, please ask us if the water is deep enough. If you would like more details on how to check the river level, please message us. Kayak rentals available from the restaurant on property, when they are in season. You get one free hour kayak rental for all registered guests (you can always ask about your specific time if interested in kayaks). Please ask about current restaurant hours if this amenity is important for you. SWIMMING NOT ADVISED, but if you do swim, it is at your own risk.
WE ARE LOCATED IN A FLOOD ZONE. While flooding only usually happens in the Spring for about a week, we are located on a river, so that means we can flood at any point. We will have to rebook your stay if flooding is in the forecast.
We really just want to make sure you understand what the backwaters are like. Its BEAUTIFUL around our 14 acre river front property...but that means BUGS in the Summer! The sunsets are OUTSTANDING, and the wildlife is abundant. We want you to understand that the river has a strong current, so SWIMMING NOT ADVISED- BUT CAN SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Absolutely no pets allowed. No parties or events. Quiet time is 10 PM. Please respect the neighbors.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
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This rental sits DIRECTLY on the Mississippi River
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Events
No events allowed
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Pets
No pets allowed
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2464534vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
East Dubuque
Located in East Dubuque, this apartment is on the waterfront. Julien Dubuque Bridge and Five Flags Center are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Port of Dubuque Marina and Cherry Lanes Bowling Alley. Dubuque Art Center and National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium are also worth visiting.
National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium - 5 min drive - 4.6 km
Port of Dubuque Marina - 5 min drive - 4.6 km
Five Flags Center - 5 min drive - 4.6 km
Getting around
Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional) - 15 min drive
Restaurants
Taco Bell - 6 min drive
Burger King - 6 min drive
Arby's - 6 min drive
Hotel Julien Dubuque - 6 min drive
Starbucks - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Retro floating cabin on river backwaters. HOT TUB! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Retro floating cabin on river backwaters. HOT TUB!?
As of 13 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Retro floating cabin on river backwaters. HOT TUB! on 17 May 2026 start from £196, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at Retro floating cabin on river backwaters. HOT TUB!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Retro floating cabin on river backwaters. HOT TUB!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Retro floating cabin on river backwaters. HOT TUB! located?
Situated on the waterfront, this apartment building is within 3 miles (5 km) of Julien Dubuque Bridge, Dubuque Art Center and Dubuque Welcome Center. Five Flags Center and National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We absolutely loved this property! We were looking for an unique experience for our family to stay while we were in town and this was absolutely perfect! We loved the quiet and convenient location and our kids had an absolute blast staying there!
We loved staying here! It was a perfect getaway. The river was so peaceful and we saw lots of wildlife. The beds were comfortable! We look forward to staying again.
What a great little gem of a hide-away! The owners were very welcoming and the area was great for a couples weekend; lazy mornings, shopping, dining & lovely sunsets to name a few.
Corrine L.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Dec 2022
So glad to hear you enjoyed your stay, we hope to host you again!
Being on the backwaters of the Mississippi was wonderful! Nature, cute accommodations, evening soaks in the hot tub, and a great restaurant on the property. So peaceful and relaxing. A run into Dubuque is just a short drive across the river for more adventure.
This was the absolute perfect weekend. Accommodating and gracious host, BEAUTIFUL place, small but there was 6 of us and we never felt it was too small it was just great. Hot tub was hot, fire place was cozy, beds were great!!!!
Tammy T.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Dec 2022
Thank you for sharing your experience! We hope to host you again!
Really Nice Floating Cabin on the Mississippi Backwaters
The cabin is so peaceful, artfully decorated, quaint, quiet, and sitting on the deck with all the nature around us was fantastic. We also kayaked with the free 1 hour rental for the five of us.
We will stay here again. The Millenium Bar next door has good food and a nice atmosphere, plus Live Music!
This cabin was one of our more favorite VRBO Rentals.
Looking for a getaway and unwind this is the place. Serene water front house. Great restaurant and bar with great service next door. Closes at 9, had live music to enjoy from the deck. Enjoyed golfing and downtime Galena just 20 minutes away. We will be back.
Melissa W.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept 2022
Thank you for staying with us and sharing your experience! We hope to host you again :)
What a wonderful and unique location! Staying right on the water in a floating home. What a wonderful stay for our daughter,s 40th birthday. The hosts were charming and it was much closer to restaurants and activities than we had anticipated. We will come back.
The houseboat is quaint, light and bright! Visited Monday-Wednesday and it was very quiet and private. Host left a very nice welcome basket filled with information and goodies. Lovely deck! Was just a short drive into downtown Dubuque, which was very convenient!
It was a little over an hour drive, very close to Dubuque. But it felt secluded from the hustle. Even with a restaurant in front, we enjoyed the view of the Mississipi, the hot tub was clean and inviting, plenty of space for a small home. It was beautifully decorated and inviting with special touches. The Host of the home was incredible when it came to communicating and helping anything unexpected.
I would only suggest to advise the walls are somewhat thin so you can here all movement and sounds throughout if you are resting.
We have already been having discussions on returning too!
Myself and my friend rented this quaint, cozy floating cabin over New Years weekend for a quick getaway to be in nature and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the cabin. The size of the cabin was perfect; with a good layout with amazing views of the sunrise each morning and on clear nights, the stars and moon were visible.
We stayed in the winter, fully expecting the cabin to be chilly as it is above frozen waters, but it was very warm and had central heat and an electric fireplace that made it ideally comfortable. The hot tub was heated to 105° and made for sitting outside in the cold wonderful; as we could relax in the hot water and watch the birds fly overhead or the stars at night without being cold.
The beds were comfy, and the extra items provided in the bathroom were a nice and thoughtful touch in case we forgot anything at home.
The only thing I would advise if you are staying during the darker months in winter is to bring a flashlight along with you to make walking to the cabin easier at night, as there isn’t lighting that illuminates the walkway over the water to the cabin. They did have a battery operated lantern available on top of the refrigerator, but there is still no outside lighting on the deck so it was a little difficult since we arrived after dark the first evening.
The hosts were quick to respond to a minor issue we had that was out of their control (city water main break) and followed up with us to ensure we knew of a timeline of when the water would be fixed and offered to provide us with additional bottled water if needed. All in all excellent hosts and a perfectly cozy property at a good value.
I am already looking at rebooking sometime in the near future again for another quick getaway!