A slow-paced way of life and Italian roots in rural Clinton
The City of Clinton is about 15 miles from Terre Haute, located between the rolling hills and farmland of western Indiana, bordering the winding Wabash River. “Clinton is an agriculture-based community right on the river,” says Jeff Michalic, local owner and managing broker with Mossy Oak Properties. “Most people move here for the slower pace of rural living.” In the town’s early days, Clinton drew in an influx of immigrants coming to work in the area’s coal mines, many of which came from northern Italy. Today, Italian sculptures and restaurants still serve as community focal points, and the community’s history is celebrated with various events throughout the year.
Celebrating Italian heritage in Clinton
Thousands of visitors come to Clinton every Labor Day weekend for the Little Italy Festival, which has been an annual tradition since 1966. The four-day event features grape stomping, live music, dancing and the second-longest parade in Indiana.
Local businesses and historic landmarks across town
Main and Ninth streets are lined with many of the area's local businesses and heritage sites, including La Piccola Casa. Also known as the "Little Italian House." The small, historic cottage is open to the public and showcases a garden, preserved household products and Italian immigrant photos. Nearby, Piazza del’ Immigrante is a monument celebrating Clinton’s immigrant population.
There are over a dozen locally owned eateries across town, including The Cottage, which serves coffee and hand-scooped ice cream. Gerrie’s Gourmet Food & Spirits offers classic Italian Fare from veal parmigiana to brick oven pizza and lobster ravioli. A short drive north, Iron Skillet serves southern comfort food for brunch, with homemade pie and biscuits and gravy. While Clinton is a small community, residents don’t have to leave town for shopping and amenities. Locals can pick up their groceries at the nearby Walmart, Save a Lot or Kirby Foods. The community is also home to a pharmacy, a hardware store and a small hospital.
Historic homes and fenced-in yards
Mature trees line the streets and dot back yards in Clinton, with ranch-style homes, bungalows and Victorian-inspired farmhouses sitting on lots ranging from 5,000 square feet to half an acre. Most houses were built between the late 1800s and the 1960s and fenced-in back yards are common. Home prices in Clinton are significantly lower than the Indiana median, with move-in-ready single-family homes ranging from $50,000 to $225,000. Fixer uppers and manufactured homes can go for $15,000 to $25,000.
Riverside recreation and a yearly golf tradition
Boaters and anglers can access the Wabash River from Riverside Park, home to a boat launch and picnic tables. Sportland Park sits on the west side of town and has picnic shelters, a playground, a walking track and facilities for baseball, basketball and soccer. For a round of nine, the public Mathew’s Park Golf Course is a short drive north. “Every year, the course hosts the Bisecca Golf Tournament,” says Michalic. Started by two local teachers, the annual tournament has become a community staple over the past 50 years. “People will set up their chairs to claim a spot on the Tuesday before the event, which doesn’t start until Saturday,” says Michalic. “People cheer and boo just like you’re watching the masters.”
Library programs and dual enrollment at South Vermillion High
Local families are served by Central Elementary School, which earns a C-plus overall grade from Niche. South Vermillion Middle School, home of the Wildcats, has a C grade. The B-minus-rated South Vermillion High School partners with the University of Indianapolis for its dual credit offerings. The Clinton Public Library hosts a variety of community programs and events, from a teen writing club to summer reading programs.
Thoroughfares to Terra Haute and Indianapolis
Locals can take the 15-mile drive south to downtown Terra Haute via Indiana state Road 63. Interstate 70 can take drivers around 90 miles to Indianapolis. Indianapolis International Airport is roughly 70 miles away.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
