Good Things in the Area


Clinton County, Iowa – those who have chosen to live here tend to love it. Iowa is a special place in the Midwest. Family values, hard-working friendly people, and security are among the factors listed when people consider why they live in Clinton County. Crime is low, cost of living is reasonable, good health-care and good schools are readily accessible.


High among the list of attributes of Clinton County is the Mississippi River. People enjoy the variety that the river makes available; from the flight of the ducks to the eagles that now abound. The changing of the seasons on the river, the contrast of the colorful autumn


Fast Facts:

Mississippi River and its floodplain are home to a diverse population of living things:

  • 260 species of fishes which is 25% of all fish species in North America

  • 40% of nation’s migratory waterfowl use river corridor during spring and fall migrations

  • 60% of all North American birds -- 326 species – use Mississippi River basin as their migratory flyway

  • 38 historically documented species of mussels from Cairo, IL upstream to Lake Itasca

  • 50+ species of mammals on Upper Mississippi River

  • 145+ species of amphibians and reptiles inhabit Upper Mississippi River environs


leaves, the barge traffic, the first frozen edges of the water, ice fishing in winter, the ice giving up its hold on the river in spring, watching for turtles coming out of hibernation, the geese and their new goslings making their way through the backwaters of the Mississippi – these things make living on the river special. The richness of this resource encourages young and old alike to experience something in nature – from fishing, camping, hunting, hiking along the river’s edge, to boating, jet skis, water skiing, etc.


Many businesses and industries make use of the Mississippi River in this area. This resource provides a significant industrial water supply. Shipping is abundant all along the river.


Several of those who may be interested in supporting this project and who utilize the river in the Clinton area are:


On the Iowa side of the river:

On the Illinois side of the river:

  • Archer Daniels Midland Corporation

  • Bunge Corp.

  • Basell/Lyondell

  • Exelon Quad Cities Generating Station

  • National By-Products, Inc.

  • 3-M

  • Alcoa

  • Schafer Fisheries

  • Alliant Energy/Interstate Power

  • Agri Industries, Inc.

  • Moline Consumers

  • J. T. Cullen Co.

  • Determann Industries, Inc


  • Mississippi Belle II




The Mississippi River Eco Tourism Center will give those businesses an opportunity to demonstrate their concern -- for ecology, water quality, and conservation of the Mississippi River that is so important to their commercial interests -- through financial support of this endeavor.


These businesses and industries employ thousands of people in the county. Those people enjoy the recreational and educational opportunities that abound in their home area. Many of those opportunities are provided by the Clinton County Conservation Board who manages Rock Creek Marina and Campground, Eden Valley, Walnut Grove, Sherman Park, and other public areas. The premiere facility under their care is Rock Creek Marina & Campground.


Fast Facts:

  • The Upper Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 8,000 acres of land and water bordering Clinton County

  • The Upper Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge attracts more annual visitors than Yellowstone National Park

  • The Mississippi River is the #5 tourist attraction in the world.

  • The Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge runs from Wabasha, MN to Rock Island, IL



When people are assessing the desirability of an area, whether for living or vacationing, recreational opportunities play a significant role. To validate the worth of a “destination,” educational opportunities frequently play a large part. Parents and grandparents always want to benefit their families with fun that also includes learning. That viewpoint has been a critical part of the Clinton County Conservation Board’s effort to provide an eco tourism center for the area.



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