A Look at Clinton, For Posterity's Sake

Clinton, Iowa, could easily be described as one of the least exciting cities in America. But this area is not without its own unique beauty and charm, you just have to be willing to look. When the vast Midwest sky and the golden light of sunset grab you, you know that beauty can be found anywhere, including here.

Since we're getting ready to leave this little town that has been home (a little over a year for Nick and about three years combined for me), I decided to collect some of my favorite photos from my time here. Years from now I want to be able to look back at the good and the beautiful and remember.

The offices of the Clinton Herald, downtown Clinton.
I worked at the Herald for the majority of my time in Clinton, starting out as a reporter
and concluding as a digital content editor.

The Clinton riverfront along the Mississippi.
Decorative lighthouses stand guard along the bank and serve as a reminder
of a time when the river once flooded its banks.

A panoramic of the path along Riverview Drive.
We took many walks along this path, it's a good place to mark out the seasons.

Boats at the Clinton marina.
One thing I never did while living in Clinton: boating on the Mississippi.
Maybe someday...

Sunset over the Clinton County Courthouse.
There have been a lot of pretty sunsets in Clinton, but this has to be one of the best. So glad I could capture it.

Storm clouds over a house near downtown Clinton.
I used to live near this house and never saw it as a photo op until these ominous
clouds loomed overhead. Suddenly it became like the Kansas farmhouse in the
Wizard of Oz, perfectly placed for a story.

Clinton's "South Bridge."
Two bridges connect Iowa and Illinois, the North Bridge and the South
Bridge. I took a walk one day along the river front and snapped this photo.

This was Nick's house, then it became our house after
we got married. It will always be our first home.

Our neighborhood at sunset.
Another thing that makes Clinton beautiful are the trees. Tall, elegant trees, old and beautiful. They shade many
a street, just like a scene out of a book or movie.

More tall trees in Eagle Point Park.
You can see the widest point on the Mississippi River from
the park. At a mile wide it looks more like a lake than a river.

Also in Eagle Point Park, what has been dubbed, "The Castle."
It seems so odd, a piece of medieval structure rising out of
a modern-day park, but if you look just at it, you feel as though
you've been transported to another time and place.

Downtown Clinton on July 3.
Before any patriotic holiday, the city will hang American flags from
downtown light poles.

The little white church in Heritage Canyon.
This is not technically in Clinton, but it isn't too far away, just over the river in Fulton, Ill.
A couple of our friends got married in this church.

Spring in Clinton looks something like this.

Riverview Drive during a whiteout.
This past winter we were hit by what was essentially a blizzard. Nick and I
still took our lunch break and ventured up to the river front to enjoy the
snow. It was amazing to see everything blanked by the storm.

Snowflakes on my windshield.
After leaving work one day I got into my car and noticed the beautiful designs in the flakes that had lightly dusted
my windshield. Another photo op I couldn't let slip by. I think this is one of my favorite winter photos.

Another sunset over the Clinton County Courthouse.
Odd and beautiful.

A marigold outside my parents' house in Clinton.
My parents have lived in the same house since they first moved
to Clinton in 2004. At first it didn't quite feel like home, but
nearly nine years later, it has finally started to.

The Clinton Public Library.
Clinton was once a majestic town, full of wealthy lumber barons and their mansions. Clinton's rich history lives
on in the architecture that has remained through generations. The library is something the people of Clinton have
always sought to maintain and retain, a fixture they will not willingly release.

Downtown Clinton.
My morning commutes to work were always short in Clinton,
I never had to drive more than 10 minutes to get to work. But
I always enjoyed the drive in. Mornings always seem so crisp
and clean and full of potential.

Friends in front of the de Immigrant Windmill.
This authentic Dutch windmill is across the river from Clinton in Fulton, Ill.
It's another piece of local history that has stood the test of time and distance
to remind locals of their roots.

The Clinton County Courthouse.
After graduating from college and moving to Clinton, one
of my earliest memories is of appearing for jury duty at the
courthouse. I volunteered to serve on the panel, citing my
love of John Grisham books and then feeling silly.