Clinton Uncovered: Quirky, Historic & Unexpected Things to Do

The perfect stop for history buffs and curious kids alike, the Sawmill Museum blends hands-on history and family-friendly fun to bring Clinton’s rich lumber legacy to life.
 

Explore a fascinating collection of lumber baron artifacts, historic tools, massive saws and wood-finishing equipment and engage with interactive exhibits. Sit down to hear stories of the logging times from animatronic lumber barons, then test your own logging skills on the floating raft journey video game or the giant log raft water table and let the kids explore the mini logging camp.
 

For a one-of-a-kind event, keep an eye on the museum’s events calendar to catch a live sawmill demonstration, where volunteers power up antique machinery so you can watch logs being turned into lumber.

Both standout outdoor destinations, Eagle Point and Riverview Parks showcase Clinton’s natural beauty from two stunning viewpoints. Eagle Point Park boasts 200 acres to explore atop a bluff, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. Admire the scenery from the patio of the lodge, climb the 1927 stone tower’s winding spiral stone staircase to its observation deck or gaze through the binoculars at the overlook platform. Other park amenities include a disc golf course, trails, stone bridges, a playground and more.
 

For riverfront views, head to Riverview Park downtown. This 65-acre space separates the downtown from the Mississippi River and includes the public marina and boat ramps plus pickleball courts, sand volleyball courts, a skate park, ball diamonds, a trail and MyBike rental hubs plus the Riverview Bandshell for local music events.
 

The two parks are conveniently connected by the 12-mile Discovery Trail to create the ultimate outdoor adventure along the Mississippi River. Perfect for walking, biking, running or rollerblading (whatever recreation you’re craving!), the paved trail offers scenic river views complete with opportunities for boat or bird watching and connects to Lyons and downtown Clinton attractions.

A beautifully remodeled 1880s Queen Anne Victorian home, the Fisher House B&B is a charming and historic place to stay right in downtown Clinton. Choose from four well-decorated guest rooms, all with private baths and modern comforts, each showing unique architectural features such as curved windows, octagon shapes, stunning fireplaces and more. Each morning, guests can enjoy a home cooked breakfast in the dining room and a cup of coffee on the large porch before heading out to explore, making it a truly memorable part of the trip. The home is also just four blocks away from the river, opening up the entire town for exploration.

Step back into the world of a prosperous Mississippi River lumber baron by touring the George M. Curtis Mansion. Built in 1883 in the striking Queen Anne Victorian style, the three-story home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and introduces you to the many forms of lumber. In fact, each room inside the home showcases a different kind of wood through its rich trim, ornate banisters, stunning doors, massive fireplaces and more, alongside more than 40 stained glass windows. Tours are typically offered during the summer months and by appointment with advanced notice. The home is also frequently open for events and community gatherings.

Each summer, downtown Clinton turns up the volume with vibrant live music events.
 

On Thursdays each June through August, downtown is transformed into an open-air concert venue with Music on the Avenue. This lively event is celebrating 10 years of community and connection in 2026. You can’t miss its live performances by local and regional bands, food and drink specials from neighborhood restaurants and bars, plus food trucks, event merchandise, dancing and the upbeat, block-party atmosphere.
 

For live music paired with scenic river views, join the community for Finally Friday at the River. This free event is held on the first Friday of June, July and August at the Riverview Bandshell. As local musicians take over the stage, spectators picnic on the lawn and enjoy the tunes, food trucks and local vendors as the sun sets beyond the river.

Discover a dining destination unlike any other at 7 Hills South Brewpub. Step inside the beautifully restored historic church and grab a table crafted from repurposed pews and other original materials. The menu pairs creative craft beers and rotating seasonal taps with satisfying gastropub favorites like burgers, wings and shareable appetizers to create a delectable meal. As you savor the flavors, soak in the unique setting, which still includes the church’s stunning stained-glass windows, original brick and woodwork and the towering ceilings and archways.

A local arts organization that activates spaces with world-class street art and street art festivals, Paint it Back has colorfully transformed several spaces throughout Clinton. Their stunning work is scattered throughout the Northend, with their crown jewel being the Paint it Back building on The Sawmill Museum grounds. This mural-clad building will serve as a backdrop for one of Thomas Dambo’s trolls. The 8,000 square foot building is covered on the outside with vibrant murals that are changed every year or two to create new reasons to visit and tell new stories. It’s a must stop for photo opportunities and to see world class street art by artists from around the country and the world.