Camanche captures small-town charm along the Mississippi River
With a population of 4,500, Camanche seems like any other rural Iowa community — but one thing that sets it apart. “We live right on the Mississippi River, so that makes us a little more unique than the other towns around us,” says Dan Lind, Realtor and owner of Lind Realty. The proximity to the water is only one of the reasons people like living here. Lind, who grew up in the area, says that the community’s small-town atmosphere is what he loves. “You’ll see it on Facebook groups and everything like that,” he says. “If someone is hurting, a lot of people are there to pitch in and help.” Camanche has a handful of local shops and restaurants, and Clinton is about 5 miles away.
Locals spend their free time on the river and at local parks
Locals spend much of their free time fishing, boating and kayaking on the Mississippi River. “They literally call us river rats here because everyone is out on the river all the time,” Lind says. Rock Creek Marina & Campground is just one of the access points and has boat rentals and bait sales, as well as hiking trails and a playground. During the winter, people go skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing. From June to October, the park manages the Blue Heron Eco Cruise, which floats down the river at sunset once a week.
Plenty of other recreation is available in Camanche, from pocket parks to bowling at Imperial Lanes. At about 14 acres, Platt Park is the community’s largest park with playgrounds, athletic fields and a horseshoe pit. The city buried a time capsule there, which is set to open in 2036. Central Park, often called City Park, includes a basketball court and shaded picnic tables. The Camanche Public Library has views of the river and hosts events like Yoga on the Dock and art classes.
Ranch-style homes make up most of the area, including newer houses
Grassy lawns line Camanche’s residential streets, where properties have driveways leading to detached garages. Ranch-style houses are the most common, built between the early 1900s and 2000s. Mid-20th-century split-levels, early-20th-century Colonial Revivals and cottage styles are scattered throughout. Depending on size and condition, prices generally range from $100,000 to $270,000. “It’s more affordable for someone who wants that small-town vibe,” Lind says. Newer homes can cost $280,000 to $440,000. Investment properties have sold for as little as $200,000.
Camanche’s CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Camanche Community Schools lends technology to students
The Camanche Community School District serves the area. Camanche Elementary receives a C from Niche. The middle school has a C-plus, while the high school earns a B-minus. The district’s 1:1 Initiative gives fifth through 12th graders a school-issued technology device, like a laptop, that they can take home every day.
U.S. Route 67 and the Camanche Bike Path lead to Clinton
Most residents rely on cars and U.S. Route 67 to get to and from Clinton, although some take the Camanche Bike Path/Recreation Trail. U.S. Route 67 leads about 30 miles south to Bettendorf and Davenport , Iowa, and Rock Island , Moline and East Moline , Illinois. At a 40-mile drive, the Quad Cities International Airport is the closest option. However, with Chicago about 150 miles away, Lind says that O’Hare International Airport is a popular alternative. “Honestly, it just depends on how far you want to drive,” he says. The nearest emergency room is less than 10 miles away at MercyOne Clinton Medical Center.
Camanche Days is every July at Platt Park
Every July, locals gather at Platt Park for Camanche Days. Over five days, people participate in a parade, Color Run 5K and competitions like a car show and a baking contest. There is live music and a craft fair throughout most of the event, and the festivities end with a fireworks show.
Local businesses include Current Coffee Co. and farmstands
Independent businesses make up most of the shops and restaurants in the area. “Camanche is a little smaller, so we’ve got a couple of smaller mom and pops,” Lind says. Locals can start their morning with a drink from Current Coffee Co., and Spring Garden Family Restaurant’s menu consists of diner-style breakfast and lunch options. Residents find fresh produce and baked goods at Heart & Soil Farm Stand and Firrell’s Farmstand, which are in front of homes. There is a Dollar General in Camanche, although most people will travel to Clinton to shop. Grocery options include Hy-Vee and Aldi, and there are big-box stores like Walmart and Home Depot.
Camanche Fire Department mitigates wildfire risks
According to First Street, Camanche is at a major risk of wildfires. One way the Camanche Fire Department mitigates this risk is through controlled burns. There are also restrictions on waste burning within city limits; yard waste is only allowed to be burned on certain days of the week. These restrictions do not extend to bonfires and campfires, but the fire chief can ban all fires when there is a higher atmospheric risk of spreading.
