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At the easternmost point of Iowa, where the Mississippi River makes a wide bend, Clinton grew rich on timber. In the late 1800s its sawmills processed logs floated down from the northern pineries, and the city was hailed as the lumber capital of the world, with lumber barons building grand Victorian homes on the bluffs. Today it is a river city of about 24,000 people and the seat of Clinton County.
That heritage is told at the Sawmill Museum, while the George M. Curtis Mansion and the Louis Sullivan-designed Van Allen Building show off the wealth it created. Riverview Park stretches along the water with a marina, a ballpark and the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, where summer stock plays are staged aboard a docked paddle-wheel boat. Families head to the Felix Adler Children's Discovery Center, named for a famous circus clown born in Clinton.
Above the north end of town, Eagle Point Park looks out over the river and, in winter, bald eagles gather near the open water by Lock and Dam 13. The Gateway Bridge leads to Fulton, Illinois, and the Quad Cities are about 45 minutes downstream.
A long riverfront park on the Mississippi with walking and biking paths, a marina, playgrounds and benches for watching barges and towboats. The showboat theatre and the ballpark are both here. Come at sunset, when the light falls across the water toward Illinois.
A professional summer stock theatre staged aboard the City of Clinton, a historic paddle-wheel showboat moored in Riverview Park. Each season brings musicals, comedies and dramas in an intimate auditorium. Tickets sell well for popular shows, so book ahead and arrive early to stroll the levee.
A historic riverside ballpark in Riverview Park, home of the Clinton LumberKings, whose name honors the city's timber past. Summer games bring cheap seats, hot dogs and fireworks nights with the river just beyond the outfield. Check the schedule and sit on the first-base side for shade.
A museum dedicated to the decades when Clinton's mills cut more lumber than almost anywhere in the world. Hands-on exhibits show logging tools, a working sawmill demonstration area and the story of river rafting logs. Kids enjoy the interactive displays, and an hour or two is plenty for a visit.
A children's museum named after the Clinton-born circus clown Felix Adler, with play-based exhibits on science, art, building and pretend play for young children. It works best for ages around two to ten. Check opening days and plan a rainy-day morning here with little ones.
A peaceful arboretum on the east side of town with an outstanding collection of conifers, plus perennial beds, prairie plantings and labeled shade trees. Paths are short and easy. It is free to wander, and spring blooms and fall color make the best seasons to visit.
A wooded bluff-top park on the north side of Clinton with sweeping views up and down the Mississippi, a stone observation tower, picnic shelters and wooded trails. In winter, watch for bald eagles fishing below. Bring binoculars and a jacket, as the overlook catches the wind.
A richly detailed Queen Anne mansion built in the 1880s for George M. Curtis, whose family's millwork company made doors and woodwork sold nationwide. The interior shows off carved wood, stained glass and fireplaces. It is home to a women's club and opens for tours and events, so check ahead.
A 1914 department store building by Louis Sullivan, the Chicago architect famous for his ornament, with slender piers topped by terracotta flourishes in green and white. It is a National Historic Landmark. View the facade from the corner of Fifth Avenue and Second Street, ideally in morning light.
A Mississippi River lock and dam a few miles north of Clinton, where open water below the gates draws hundreds of wintering bald eagles. In warmer months, watch towboats lock through. The viewing area is on the Illinois side near Fulton; come on a cold, clear morning for the most eagles.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Michael J. Kearney, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5
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Photo: Farragutful, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Farragutful, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
