Looking for a laid-back getaway along the Mississippi? Head to Clinton, Iowa! Hike scenic bluffs, catch a show on a floating theater, and dig into riverside dining. It’s a hidden gem perfect for relaxing, exploring local charm, and soaking in river views. Don’t forget your camera—seriously.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Clinton is late spring through early fall (May to October), when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities along the Mississippi River. Summer brings festivals, river cruises, and lush park landscapes.
How to Get There
- By Car: Clinton is easily accessible via U.S. Highway 30, about 45 minutes from the Quad Cities or 2.5 hours from Des Moines.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Quad City International Airport (MLI) in Moline, Illinois, about 40 miles away.
- By Train/Bus: While Clinton doesn’t have passenger rail, bus services like Burlington Trailways connect to regional hubs.
Where to Stay
- Candlelight Inn – Cozy inn offering riverfront views and a local-favorite restaurant.
- Hampton Inn Clinton – Reliable comfort, free breakfast, and a short drive from downtown attractions.
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – Family-friendly with an indoor pool and easy access to major roads.
Top Attractions
⮕ 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
⮕ 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
Recommended Activities for Families
⮕ 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
⮕ 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
⮕ 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
Where to Eat
- Candlelight Inn – Known for its signature Chicken George and stunning Mississippi River views.
- Jenny’s Diner – Classic American breakfast and comfort food in a retro setting.
- The Corner Deli – Locally loved spot for hearty sandwiches and soups.
Local Events
- Clinton Riverboat Days (July) – A festive summer celebration with live music, food, and fireworks.
- Symphony of Lights (Nov–Dec) – Holiday lights extravaganza in Eagle Point Park.
- Farmers Market (seasonal) – Browse local produce, baked goods, and crafts downtown.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Clinton, Iowa
- Fulton, Illinois (5–10 min) – Tour the authentic Dutch windmill, stroll the riverwalk, or explore local heritage at the cultural center.
- Thomson Causeway Recreation Area (25–30 min) – Spot eagles along the Mississippi, hike wetland trails, or enjoy riverside camping and fishing.
- Maquoketa Caves State Park (30 min) – Explore dramatic caves and limestone bluffs, hike forested trails, or picnic in a shady valley.
- Sabula (25–30 min) – Visit Iowa’s only island town, kayak the backwaters, or enjoy serene views along the Great River Road.
- Charlotte (20–25 min) – Visit family farms, enjoy small-town diners, or explore peaceful countryside roads and local events.
- Rock Creek Marina & Campground (15–20 min) – Rent kayaks, hike nature trails, or learn about river wildlife at the Mississippi River Eco Center.
- Comanche (5–10 min) – Walk scenic river trails, enjoy waterfront parks, or stop by for local eats and friendly vibes.
- Wide River Winery (10–15 min) – Sip locally crafted wines with bluff-top views, listen to live music, or enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the terrace.
- Bickelhaupt Arboretum (In Town) – Discover themed gardens, admire rare tree species, or enjoy peaceful strolls in a botanical oasis.
Clinton, Iowa at a Glance
| 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. |
FAQ
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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.
Plan Your Trip