Clinton Area Attractions
Use this District Key, along with the color-coded bullets and our area maps to easily find your way!• Bickelhaupt Arboretum
340 S. 14th Street, Clinton. This nationally-recognized fourteen-acre outdoor museum of select-labeled trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials and annuals, features one of the top garden conifer collections in the country, numbering more than 600 cultivars. Other collections include native prairie grasses, flowering trees, shrub roses, wildflowers, ornamental shrubs, as well as Stout Medal daylily collections, Monarch Watch butterfly station and American Hosta Society National Display Garden and herb garden. A library, meeting sites, water features and museum display of native animals and birds are also on site. Free weekend tours, 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, April-October. Open to the public year round from dawn to dusk. Free conducted group tours by appointment. Contact: (563) 242-4771. Visit us at www.bickarb.org.
Blue Heron Eco-Cruises
The Clinton County Conservation Board offers Blue Heron Eco Cruises, based at Rock Creek Marina and Campground located just south of Camanche on Highway 67. The Blue Heron offers public cruises on Thursday evenings, May thru October and private group cruises by appointment. The boat serves tourists, outdoor groups, youth and schools by providing naturalist-led eco cruises on the Mississippi River. The cruises last approximately 1.5 hours. This is a beautiful educational tour of the Mississippi River ecosystem. Call 563-847-7202 or email at clintoncounty-ia.gov for booking information. Website: www.clintoncounty-ia.gov
Camanche Depot & Museum
102 - 12th Ave., Camanche. Glimpse a bit of history aboard this fully-restored 1951 Milwaukee/Soo Line caboose and railroad depot. The depot was built in 1899.
1307 So. Washington Blvd., Camanche. The Museum houses collections from Camanche's past, including a veteran's list of past and present military personnel. A brick walkway surrounds the flagpole in honor of Camanche citizens. The Clinton County/Gateway Genealogical Library is located in the Museum building, where you can learn how to research your family history. Collections include cemetery records, county histories, funeral home records, Old Age Assistance, tax records and several family histories. The Depot and the Museum are open by appointment. Contact: (563) 259-1285, (563) 259-1280 or (563) 259-1175.
• Clinton Area Showboat Theatre
311 Riverview Drive, Clinton (P.O. Box 764, Clinton). Come join us in the Lillian Russell Theatre aboard a restored old river paddle wheeler on the beautiful riverfront in Clinton. We have professional summer repertory theatre from June through mid-August, with great musicals and hilarious comedies. Our troupe of talented, young mid-west actors, Broadway professionals and some seasoned, skillful, local actors provide a summer of theatre magic aboard the Showboat! There is also Theatre for Children on Saturdays during the summer. We have special group rates and meet-the-cast receptions. Call (563) 242-6760, and our answering service (until the Box Office opens in May) will ensure you get a return call. E-mail: boxoffice@clintonshowboat.org Internet: www.clintonshowboat.org
• Clinton LumberKings Baseball
537 Ball Park Drive, P.O. Box 1295, Clinton. Alliant Energy Field is home to the Clinton LumberKings, a professional Class 1A, Midwest League affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Enjoy family fun and entertainment! Home games are from April through September. Contact (563) 242-0727. E-mail: tedtornow@lumberkings.com Internet: www.lumberkings.com
Clinton Symphony Orchestra
P.O. Box 116, Clinton. The Clinton Symphony is a full, professional symphony orchestra that performs classical concerts throughout the season and an annual pops concert on the riverfront. Guest soloists from near and distant parts of the country are featured regularly. Enjoy the big-city excitement of live symphonic music right here where we live. Details of upcoming performances are available at www.clintonsymphony.org. Contact: (815) 625-0922 or email execdirector@clintonsymphony.org.
• Curtis Mansion
420 5th Avenue South, Clinton. This restored Victorian home of Lumber Baron George M. Curtis is a fine example of period architecture with its original Tiffany glass windows, delicately carved banisters, ornate wood trim and massive fireplaces. Rich in the history of the area, this mansion makes an elegant backdrop for special events. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are available by special appointment or during the summer months from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Other times by appointment. Admission Fee. Contact: (563) 242-8556.
• Eagle Point Park
3923 North 3rd Street., Clinton. Picnic, hike or cross-country ski around this 200-acre park of spectacular bluffs along the river in Clinton. A 1937 Stone Tower provides a spectacular view of the Mississippi River and surrounding area. Children’s playgrounds are situated throughout the Park. The North end overlook provides a panoramic view of the widest part of the entire Mississippi River. The park is a facility of the City of Clinton. Contact: (563) 243-1260.
• Eagle Point Park Lodge
Located at Eagle Point Park, 3923 North 3rd Street, Clinton. Eagle Point Park Lodge sits high above the bluffs of the Mississippi River. The Lodge is rustic in nature and was built in 1937. The Lodge is adorned by glass-screened fireplaces and provides a cozy ambience for any event. The vista span of the Lodge highlights the sparkling waters of the Mighty Mississippi River and overlooks Lock and Dam 13. A turn of the head north reveals the widest point of the Mississippi River. The annual migration of eagles highlights a spectacular view from the glass windows that are a part of the charm of this facility. The heated and air conditioned Lodge is available year-round as a rental facility. Contact: (563) 243-1260.
• Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center
332 8th Avenue South, Clinton. Experience the Wonder of Our World! Now in a new, larger location, the Children's Discovery Center honors the memory of Clinton Native Frank Adler (“Funny Felix, King of Clowns”), who was a clown with Ringling Brothers circus for almost 50 years. The Center is a children's museum that provides a hands-on and educational place for children to play. Displays include Brio train, Kapla blocks, science station, Hometown Hospital and more! The Discovery Center has lots of educational and fun activities for children. They also have a gift shop, with Brio small train track and specialty parts, Baby Brio playthings, Odyssey wooden toys and civic people, Kapla blocks and much more! The new facility has two party rooms and is available by appointment for field trips, special tours and birthday parties. Their Mission Statement reads: The Children's Discovery Center is a non-profit organization providing a safe and positive environment for families to discover the world by exploring arts, culture and science through interactive and educational exhibits. Center hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Contact: (563) 243-3600. E-mail: discoverycenter@qwestoffice.net. Internet: www.adlerdiscoverycenter.org.
Fulton Windmill
10th Avenue and 1st Street, Fulton. Fulton’s authentic Dutch Windmill, “De Immigrant,” was prefabricated in the Netherlands and erected by Dutch Craftsmen. The windmill sits on the flood control dike right in the heart of the city and houses Fulton’s Welcome Center and gift shop. Open June-September daily and weekends in May and October.. Contact: Heather Bennett, (815) 589-4545 or (815) 589-2616; or visit us at www.cityoffulton.us
Gateway Contemporary Ballet
P.O. Box 1183, Clinton. Clinton's resident dance company, Gateway Contemporary Ballet, has been bringing the delight of classical and modern dance to the area for more than 15 years. Whether it's a full-length ballet in spring, free riverfront concerts in summer, a showcase of guest artists in the fall. The GCB also performs with other artistic organizations and for various clubs, festivals and benefits, helping to uphold Iowa’s reputation as one of the most culturally aware places in the United States. Contact: (563) 242-1002.
Heritage Canyon
515 North 4th Street, Fulton. The mood of an earlier day settles upon visitors to Heritage Canyon, on the banks of the great Mississippi River. Reproductions and restored buildings from the 1800's re-create the past. The buildings sit in an old limestone quarry that was purchased in 1967 by Harold and Thelma Wierenga and carefully converted
to preserve the integrity of the natural surroundings. All buildings are authentically furnished and tours are self-guided. Visit the canyon during Dutch Days, the first weekend of May. Also, enjoy the canyon during the Fall Festival on the second Saturday and Sunday in October, and Christmas in the Canyon the Saturday after the first Friday in December. The canyon is open daily, April to mid-December, weather permitting. Hours are 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. There is a $2.00 donation for adults and $1.00 for students. Contact Heritage Canyon, (815) 589-4545 or visit us at www.cityoffulton.us.
• Historical Society Museum
601 S. 1st Street, P.O. Box 2435, Clinton. Here, the story of early settlers of this Mississippi River area and the booming lumber business is told. Permanent collection includes old photographs of the area, memorabilia, period furniture, authentic 1924 kitchen, and the 'Resolute,' one of only three manually-powered fire engines on display in the world. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Other times by appointment. Handicapped accessible. Contact: (563) 242-1201.
Lock & Dam 13
4999 Lock Road, Fulton. Open year round. River closed to navigation annually from mid-December- First of March. Thousands of visitors come to view the barges and boats locking through on the widest pool in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. This lock & dam, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is an excellent location to view bald eagles during the winter months ( Nov. - Mar.). Public lock & dam tours are held Sundays at 1 pm. between Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends. Special group tours may be arranged by calling the park rangers. The Corps of Engineers also offers several recreation areas within a short drive of Clinton. These areas offer diverse opportunities for recreational activities including: boating, fishing and hunting, picnicking, sightseeing, hiking and camping. For recreation and tour information, contact: Thomson Park Rangers, P.O. Box 398, 823 Main Street, Thomson, (815) 259-3628. E-mail: mvrodmn 13@usace.army. mil. Internet: www.missriver.org. For Lock & Dam information, contact: Lockmaster, Lock & Dam 13, 4999 Lock Rd., Fulton, (815) 589-3313.
• Lyons Farmers Market
Open-Air/Seasonal, May-November. Wed. 4-6 p.m.; Sat. 8-11 a.m. Roosevelt & Main Avenue, Clinton. Shop for your favorite “straight from the garden” goodies, from delicious sweet corn and ripe, red tomatoes to fresh green beans and “new” potatoes. From sweet, mouth-watering melon to crisp, juicy apples from the tree. You’ll also find appetizing, freshly-baked goodies like pies and coffee cakes. For more information, call Ken Shelly Jr., (563) 577-2216.
Martin House Museum
707 10th Ave., Fulton. The Fulton Historical Society is located in this Civil War Era home donated to the City by Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Martin. The museum houses several antiques, a genealogy research room and Fulton memorabilia. Open Sundays 2-4 p.m. Contact: Fulton Chamber of Commerce: (815) 589-4545. www.cityoffulton.us
• River Arts Center
(operated by the Clinton Art Association)
229 5th Avenue South, Box 132, Downtown Clinton. New exhibits, in a variety of media, are hung every six weeks. The gift shop contains unique gift items on consignment, created by artists from the Clinton area and from all over the United States. During the year, classes and workshops, taught by local teachers and well-known artists, are held in painting, pottery, ceramics and drawing. The River Arts Center houses the Best Cellar Theatre, which has year-round children and adult shows using local talent. Call the River Arts Center for more information and/or dates for performances. The Clinton Art Association also sponsors annual events, including a bus trip to the Art Institute of Chicago and other galleries of interest, plus a local Garden Walk, held the 4th Sunday in June. Hours at the River Arts Center are Wednesday through Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and the first two weeks of January. They are also open to groups by appointment. Call (563) 243-3300 for more information.
Rock Creek Marina
3942 - 291st Street, just off US Hwy 67, Camanche. Rock Creek Marina & Campground provides a variety of facilities and services for the outdoor enthusiast including camping, paddle boat, canoe, boat and cabin rental, marina & camp store. Located on the scenic and fertile backwaters of the Mississippi River, Rock Creek provides family fun and a great outdoor vacation experience for the most rugged of outdoorsman and the family on their first camping trip. For more information contact 563-259-1876. email: conservation@clintoncountyiowa.com. Website: www.mycountyparks.com/county/clinton
• Soaring Eagle Nature Center
3923 North 3rd Street, Clinton (Just south of Eagle Point Park). The Nature Barn is open for special Events throughout the year and during the school term for conservation education classes. Hiking trails, natural prairie, one-room schoolhouse, nature center and Prairie Pastures Dog Park are located at the center. Call 563-847-7202 or email at conservation@clintoncountyiowa.com for educational programs and 563-242-9088 for other information. Website: www.soaringeagle.20m.com
• Wide River Winery
1776 Deer Creek Road, Clinton (North of Clinton) Set atop the Mississippi bluff north of Clinton, you will discover some of the finest wines in the Midwest. These diverse wines, from dry white to sweet red, are made primarily with Midwestern grapes, including our own organically grown grapes. We also offer a hiking trail along the Mississippi bluff, a peaceful deck for relaxing and a small gift shop. Come for the wine; stay for the adventure. Wide River Winery welcomes visitors Mon-Fri from 11-5 and Sat-Sun from 11-6. Visit us at www.wideriverwinery.com, e-mail us at wideriverwinery@qmail.com or call 563-519-WINE.
• Wild Rose Casino & Resort
Iowa's first true land based casino & resort opened June 2008. The 120,000 square-foot property includes: 22,000 square-foot single level gaming with 600 slot machines and 14 Vegas style table games. Enjoy everything from traditional pub style food to certified Angus beef at Coaches Corner Sports Bar & Grill and catch your favorite sporting event on any of the forty TV's. The Sawmill Buffet serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Check out the action station featuring signature dishes daily. Feel the need for entertainment? Check out our schedule of national and local entertainment acts. If you are spending the evening in Clinton, stay in one of 60 luxury hotel rooms or upgrade to one of our six suites. Visit us at www.wildroseresorts.com or contact us direct at 800-457-9975.
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Clinton Area Events
• Annual Eagle Watch
First Saturday of the first full week in January. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Clinton Community College co-host a free Special Eagle Watch Day during peak season on the upper Mississippi. Visitors will enjoy outdoor eagle viewing at Lock & Dam 13. Eagle seminars, wildlife exhibits and children's activities are held at Clinton Community College throughout the day. Municipal Transit Administration courtesy bus service shuttles visitors from college to viewing area. Be sure to bring your binoculars and camera! Contact: Thomson Park Rangers, P.O. Box 398, 823 Main Street, Thomson IL Contact: (815) 259-3628. E-mail: mvrodmn13@usace.amly.mil Intemet:www.missriver.org
• Clinton Community College B-rrry Scurry
First Saturday in February. This four-mile run/walk celebrated its 28th year in 2009. Approximately 1,000 people participate in this annual event. Highlights include a wonderful spread of free food following the race, free post-race party, door prizes and specially-designed medals to the winners in 13 age categories. Contact: Ann Eisenman, 1000 Lincoln Boulevard, Clinton, (563) 244-7040. E-mail: aeisenman@eicc.edu; Internet: www.eicc.edu/brrry.
Dutch Days
First Weekend in May. Fulton’s Dutch heritage is celebrated by wearing wooden shoes and authentic costumes, Klompen dancing, street scrubbing and a parade. Visitors can enjoy fresh Dutch pastries, food, an arts and crafts show, and a visit to Heritage Canyon. Contact: Fulton Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 253, Fulton, (815) 589-4545.
www.cityoffulton.us
• Main Avenue Craft Show
Weekend after Mother's Day. Plan to attend the best craft show ever held in the historic Lyons Shopping District. This annual craft show is located in Lyons Foursquare Park (corner of Main Avenue & Roosevelt Street) in Clinton. No charge for admission. Crafts, food and fun for all! A nice family outing. Contact: Diane at (563) 242-2997.
• Clinton Jaycees’ Independence Day Carnival
Independence Day Week. Come and enjoy family fun at the Clinton Jaycees' annual Independence Day holiday carnival. From cotton candy and games to adrenaline-pumping thrill rides, Clinton's largest carnival offers something for children and adults alike. Individual midway attraction ticket prices vary. Held in tandem with Riverboat Days. Website: www.clintonjaycees.org
• Riverboat Days
Independence week annually brings several big days of family attractions and concerts for one low admission price! Headline country and rock stars entertain each evening on the main stage. Professional shows, events and activities will dazzle you every day! Held on 30 acres of Clinton’s beautiful Riverview Park. For tickets and info, contact: Riverboat Days, P.O. Box 241, Clinton IA 52733-0241, (800) 395-7277 or (563) 242-7052. For additional information, visit us on our website at www.riverboatdays.org
Camanche Days
Weekend of the second full week in August. This annual celebration features complete family entertainment with a parade, carnival, golf, tennis, softball, pool and arm wrestling tournaments (to name a few), Miss Teen contest, various food concessions, Diaper Derby, Kids Day Out, free acts, karaoke, nightly entertainment, 5K run, arts and crafts fair, and many other events to enjoy. Fireworks take place on Sunday evening. Contact: Linda Cundiff, (563) 259-1209 or e-mail: ulcer@hotmail.com
• Rod & Custom Car Show
Third Sunday in August. The Clinton Area Rod Club hosts an annual Rod & Custom Car Show. The event draws more than 150 vehicles to Clinton. Vintage autos, custom cars, trucks and motorcycles are displayed in an open, grassy area near Hy-Vee’s parking lot at 901 So. 4th St. Hy-Vee Food Stores provides concession stand. Entry fees are modest and the show is open to the public at no charge. Contact Dave Mills, Clinton, (563) 242-4124.
Fulton Fall Festival
Second weekend in October. Early American Crafters and other historical groups at Heritage Canyon take us back in time as they re-create history in the mid-1800’s. Visit Historic Downtown Fulton to enjoy pumpkin painting, grilled food, alpacas, buggy rides, windmill tours and a scavenger hunt. Contact: Fulton Chamber of Commerce at (815) 589-4545 or visit www.cityoffulton.us.
• Downtown Holiday Open House
Sunday before Thanksgiving. Come “Home for the Holidays” in Downtown Clinton and enjoy shopping in antique and specialty shops, dining in unique restaurants, horse-drawn carriage rides and visits with Santa Claus. Get into the Christmas spirit in beautiful Downtown Clinton on the Mississippi. Contact the Downtown Partnership, 721 So. 2nd St., Clinton, (563) 242-5702. E-mail: downtown@clintonia.com. Internet: www.clintonia.com
• Symphony of Lights Walk
Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving. This 1-mile course is entirely within Eagle Point Park over the rolling, paved park roads. The entire mile is lighted by the spectacular Symphony of Lights display. This is your only opportunity to leisurely enjoy this lighting display on foot. Contact: (563) 243-3442. Internet: www.symphonyoflights.org.
• Symphony of Lights
Thanksgiving Day thru December 30. This 1.1-mile Christmas lighting extravaganza is set on the hillsides of Eagle Point Park, located off Hwy. 67 north of Clinton. Includes over 500,000 lights in over 50 major displays. Contact: Clinton Jaycees Foundation, (563) 243-3442. Internet: www.symphonyoflights.org
• Symphony of Lights 5K Race
Saturday after Thanksgiving. This 3.1-mile foot race takes place on the paved, rolling park roads within Eagle Point Park. The entire Symphony of Lights display is toured twice during the course of the race. Prizes are awarded to division winners and the park is open to racers for 1 hour after the race. (563) 243-3442. Internet: www.symphonyoflights.org.
Fulton Hometown Christmas
First Friday in December. Enjoy window displays, windmill tours, caroling, Santa Claus, live Nativity, shopping, 2 mile run/walk, horse and wagon rides and Christmas crafts for kids. Also, enjoy Christmas at Heritage Canyon. Contact: Fulton Chamber of Commerce (815) 589-4545. www.cityoffulton.us.