Backwater of Mississippi, New Albin, Iowa. New Albin is right on the Iowa/Minnesota boarder. On the east side of town there is a 2 mile road, named Army Road, that winds through the backwaters of the Mississippi and ends at a large boat landing. The road on Monday was only about 1 foot above river level and provided a unique view of the backwaters. Many years the road is under water this time of year. Good place to find ducks, shorebirds, eagles, and Sandhill Cranes.