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Where is Clinton, Iowa located?
- Clinton, Iowa is located about 2.5 hours west of Chicago, situated on the banks of the Mississippi River.
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What makes Clinton a great place to visit?
- This pretty little town offers many attractions for visitors, including a genuine small-town atmosphere and scenic riverfront views.
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What is a good starting point for visitors?
- A great place to begin your visit is the riverfront marina, which offers amenities such as a swimming pool, a splash park, and designated biking and pedestrian paths.
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What cultural attractions are available?
- Visitors can enjoy live performances at the Clinton Area Showboat Theater, which hosts a full calendar of theatrical productions.
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What family-friendly activities are available?
- Families can spend hours of educational fun at the Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center, which offers interactive exhibits for young learners.
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1. Eagle Point Park
Enjoy river views and explore scenic trails on a peaceful afternoon trip.
Eagle Point Park was originally established by the owners of the Clinton and Lyons Railway back in 1888. One of the few good things to come out of the Great Depression in 1933/34 was that Federal funds were used as a relief program to employ hundreds of people who spent many weeks on projects to improve the park. When you visit today you can still enjoy the fruits of their labor as you walk across the limestone bridge, visit the pavilion or climb the many steps of the lookout tower. Recreational activities in the park include numerous hiking trails, bike paths, picnic areas, a children’s playground and a dog park. The park offers exceptional views out over the Mississippi.
Eagle Point Park, 611 S. 3rd Street, Clinton, IA 52732, Phone: 563-242-2144
2. Clinton Area Showboat Theater
Watch live performances on a historic boat for a fun, unusual outing.
The Clinton Area Showboat Theater was originally built in 1935 and saw over 25 years of service as a tugboat on the Ohio River. Today the outer shell of the historic vessel still resembles her origins, but the interior has been totally changed from those early days, to accommodate a modern, air-conditioned/heated live performance theatre for the people of Clinton. The Showboat is permanently docked at Riverfront Park where she welcomes audiences to come and enjoy an outstanding live theatre experience. The Clinton Theatre Group stage several productions each year as well as educating aspiring actors and performers from the community.
City of Clinton Showboat, 303 Riverview Rd, Clinton, IA 52732, Phone: 563-242-6760
3. Bickelhaupt Arboretum
Walk through curated gardens and enjoy a quiet, colorful nature escape.
Bickelhaupt Arboretum is a must-see outdoor living museum where you can admire a vast collection of labeled trees, shrubs and plants. The arboretum, which covers 14 acres, represents a true labor of love by Bob and Francis Bickelhaupt, who established the garden in the 1970’s. Today the arboretum is maintained by Clinton Community College who also actively engages with the community to foster a love of nature and a better understanding of horticulture. The arboretum hosts regular classes and tours of the gardens and maintains a lending library. Best of all, the arboretum is open to everyone, free of charge, 365 days of the year.
Bickelhaupt Arboretum, 340 S 14th Street, Clinton, IA 52732, Phone: 563-242-4771
4. Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center
Explore hands-on exhibits and enjoy an exciting visit with kids.
The Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center was named for a clown who loved children and constantly strove to entertain and educate them during his 50 year career with the Barnam and Baily Circus. Since it was first established in 1993 the center has gone from strength to strength and welcomes over 24,000 eager and receptive minds each year. The center offers the ideal environment for children of all ages, and their parents, to learn through play. The exhibits are strictly hands-on and children are encouraged to push their boundaries and try new things. There is also an events room where children’s birthday parties can be held.
Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center, 332 8th Ave S, Clinton, IA 52732, Phone: 563-243-3600
5. Candlelight Inn
Dine with river views and enjoy a romantic, relaxed evening out.
The Candlelight Inn Restaurant is a popular meeting place located in Riverside Drive. The Clinton branch of the restaurant has a wonderful alfresco dining area on a large deck overlooking the Mississippi River. Still serving much the same menu that has kept regular visitors coming back for over 10 years, Candlelight Inn strives to ensure consistency of quality and flavor. The most asked-for dish on the menu is their legendary Chicken George, perfectly deep-fried chicken tenders served with their signature sauce and sides of your choice. Other popular dishes include steaks, various choices of grilled or broiled fish and salads.
Candlelight Inn Restaurant, 511 Riverview Dr, Clinton, IA 52732, Phone: 563-243-3200
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
Hampton Inn Clinton – A comfortable stay with modern amenities.
Visit Eagle Point Park – Enjoy scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Clinton – A family-friendly stay with great access to attractions.
Explore the Mississippi Riverfront – Walk, bike, or take a boat tour along the river.
Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures and beautiful fall colors.
Regency Inn – A budget-friendly stay with a convenient location.
Drive along the Great River Road – Experience breathtaking autumn scenery along the Mississippi.
Plan Your Trip
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