Overview
Clinton is a city in Eastern Iowa.
3 sights · 2 things to do · 1 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Clinton
Bickelhaupt Arboretum
A 14 acre botanical garden operated by the Clinton Community College with shrubs, conifers, herbs, hostas, daylillies, and that kind of thing.
Sawmill Museum
This museum explores Clinton's legacy as a lumbering and transportation center given its proximity to rail lines and waterways.
Eagle Point Park
An expansive park that overlooks the Mississippi River with trails, stone bridge, and even a castle.
Clinton Area Showboat Theater
Theatrical shows and musicals (probably folksy) aboard a beached paddlewheeler.
Wild Rose Casino & Hotel Clinton
They've got the buffet and gaming floor with the pervasive milieu of secondhand smoke hanging in the air.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 15°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Quad Cities)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MLI Quad City International Airport, Moline — 32 mi away. Directions
- DBQ Dubuque Regional Airport, Dubuque — 46 mi away. Directions
- ORD Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago — 119 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Bickelhaupt Arboretum, Sawmill Museum, Eagle Point Park
- Lunch Candlelight Inn Restaurant - Clinton Iowa
- Afternoon Clinton Area Showboat Theater, Wild Rose Casino & Hotel Clinton
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Clinton is in fact the easternmost city in Iowa, and just south of the Mississippi River's widest section, the area above Lock and Dam No. 13. Clinton has its origins as a railroad and lumbering town, and in the 1880s-1890s boasted the most millionaires in the country.
If you need a heads up on details, you can stop by the Clinton, Iowa Visitors Information Kiosk at 400 Riverview Dr daily from 7AM-8PM.
Get in
Get around
- Clinton Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), has shuttle or bus routes through the city. Closed Sundays and holidays. Limited hours on Saturdays.
See
- Riverview Park, 303 Riverview Dr. This little park has a marina, walking path along the river, and the Clinton lighthouse.
- George M. Curtis Mansion, 420 5th Ave S. Example of a timber magnate's wealth from late 19th century Clinton. Guided tour may be available. +1 563 242-8556
Do
Eat
Eat Candlelight Inn Restaurant - Clinton Iowa
Despite the name, you might not see too much candlelight. However, the riverfront seating with the Clinton lighthouse in the foreground and solid American cuisine and drinks are a plus.
Sleep
Pull-thru camping sites are available at Riverview Park. Most of the chain hotels are west of town on Hwy 30.
Nearby
Le Claire
City / town · 30 listings · 19 mi away
Mount Carroll
City / town · 20 mi away
Bettendorf
City / town · 16 listings · 25 mi away
Sterling-Rock Falls
City / town · 1 listings · 27 mi away
Davenport
City / town · 102 listings · 29 mi away
Moline
City / town · 21 listings · 29 mi away
Rock Island
City / town · 18 listings · 31 mi away
Stockton
City / town · 14 listings · 36 mi away
My experience
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