Come join us aboard the Blue Heron! The Blue Heron is a 24-passenger pontoon boat that gives cruisers an up-close and personal look at the Mississippi River. Public Sunset Cruises are offered Thursday evenings out of Rock Creek Marina & Campground at 7:00 p.m., June to October (times will be earlier in the fall). We also offer some cruises on weekend mornings throughout the summer. Special cruises such as our After-Dark, Moonlight Music, Bald Eagle, Mussel, Birding and Fall Colors cruises are also offered throughout the year.
2) Fishing Ramps & Best Fishing Spots 
Home to great bass and walleye fishing, hit main waters or the backwaters for pike, catfish, and panfish. Launch your boat from the 9th Avenue Boat Dock and visit the Clinton Marina for all the tips. Click the link above to see DNR's always up to date quality of fishing map.
The county features great hunting options. With thousands of acres of public hunting grounds, pheasant, deer, migratory waterfowl, and more are harvested. Click the link above to discover public hunting land.
Clinton County offer parks overlooking bluffs. Parks that cut through creeks and hills. Parks that incorporate historic buildings and farmland. The link above is of all our county parks that offer experiences.
With trails on both side of the river that go from the Quad Cities up north, Clinton is the perfect middle ground for explorations of all terrains. Train for RAGBRAI and enjoy the River town. The Discovery Trail
andIllinois bicycle trail will show you the most stunning parts of the Mississippi River. The link above is a map of the Discovery Trail.
6. Kayaking & Canoeing the Backwaters
Explore quiet backwaters and sloughs where wildlife thrives. Paddle past bald eagles, turtles, and waterfowl while experiencing the Mississippi River from a peaceful, up-close perspective. Rent kayaks at Rock Creek Marina in Camanche at 563.847.7202.
Clinton is one of eastern Iowa’s best bird-watching spots. Bald eagles, pelicans, herons, and migratory birds are common sights along the river and surrounding wetlands—especially in winter and spring. The above link shows the over 200 species spotted at our Eagle Point Park.
8. Riverfront Walking & Sunset Views
Take a stroll along Clinton’s riverfront paths for unbeatable sunsets over the Mississippi. It’s a simple but unforgettable way to connect with the area’s natural beauty. The link above shows the sunrise and sunset times in Clinton, Iowa.
9. Boating the Mississippi River
Whether cruising, tubing, or anchoring in a quiet backwater, boating is central to Clinton’s outdoor lifestyle. The river offers a mix of adventure and relaxation for all experience levels. Clinton's Marina, linked above, offers all you need for your river excursion.
10. Seasonal Outdoor Events & Nature Programs
From conservation-led programs to river cleanups and outdoor festivals, Clinton offers hands-on ways to experience nature while supporting local stewardship efforts. The link above is to our Community Calendar.
