Clintonville's setting creates a quiet atmosphere
Clintonville is all about its quiet setting, created by the patchwork of crop fields surrounding the city and the waterways that go through it, where locals can kayak and fish. A grocery store, private airport and a gaggle of local restaurants support the community, with bigger cities nearby offering additional amenities. “I had a guy in my office one time, and he was asking me some questions about the area,” says broker Gerry O’Connor with O’Connor Realty Group, a 40-year Clintonville resident. “He said, ‘You know, Gerry, I’m not coming here for what you have. I’m coming here for what you don’t have.’” Clintonville welcomes newcomers while maintaining a steady population of generational residents. “I raised my kids here and my grandchildren are here now,” O’Connor says.
Access to the river and lake through Clintonville's public parks
Olen Park straddles the Pigeon River, where people can watch the ducks from the trails along the riverbank or the pedestrian bridges. The green space also includes a disc golf course, playground and tennis and pickleball courts. Pickerel Point Memorial Park sits along Pigeon Lake, where a boat launch and dock offer ways to enjoy the water. A walking trail encompasses the lake. Clintonville Riverside Golf Course is an 18-hole course stretched across 140 acres and is open to the public. “They just built what they call The Pond. It’s new from last year,” O’Connor says about the body of water at Bucholtz Park. “It’s for swimming, and in the winter, they use it for ice skating. Businesses will sponsor weekends in the summer for people to swim for free.”
Historic and midcentury homes found across the city
Housing starts with historic, Victorian-era Nationals and continues with 1920s and ‘30s bungalows to midcentury ranch-style homes. A few subdivisions, like Shore Drive, border Pigeon Lake, where waterfront properties have private docks. Narrow driveways lead to a mix of attached and detached driveways, where some people park their boats when not on the water. Sidewalks line both sides of the streets in most neighborhoods, illuminated by streetlights placed at regular intervals. Homes typically go as low as $130,000 and up to $350,000.
Clintonville's public schools include community amenities
Clintonville Elementary School and Clintonville Middle School both receive C-plus ratings from Niche. Clintonville High School receives a B-minus rating and has an agriculture program with courses like forestry, dairy science and veterinary science. The high school campus also includes public amenities available for the community, like the recreation center. “Our city is kind of small, and it would be pretty hard to support a YMCA. When they built that new high school, they had a referendum about putting in a swimming pool and a rec center with a gym,” O’Connor says. “Everybody can use it. It’s a Y-type thing, but it’s very affordable for everyone.” Fox Valley Technical College has a Clintonville branch, which offers over 200 options for associate degrees, technical programs and certifications.
Summer festivals that give back to Clintonville organizations
The Farmers Market takes place in the community center parking lot on Thursday afternoons from June to October, bringing fresh produce and baked goods to Clintonville. For the past 65 years, the Clintonville Lions Spring Carnival has been a May tradition. The festival is a fundraiser for the Clintonville Lions and includes carnival rides and games in Olen Park.
Amenities available in nearby New London and Shawano
While Clintonville has plenty of what residents will need, from a grocery store to parks and its own school district, nearby New London and Shawano have everything else. Wisconsin Route 22 heads north to Shawano, about 15 miles away. ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano is here, about 14 miles away. New London is 18 miles south, accessible along U.S. Route 45. Clintonville Municipal Airport supports private flights, but
Downtown Clintonville's local restaurants and grocery store
Local restaurants line Main Street in downtown Clintonville. The Living Room Coffee Shop and Vintage Décor describes exactly what patrons can find there — caffeinated drinks and vintage displays for sale. “There’s a brand new place that just opened in town,” O’Connor says about The Vault. “It was an old historic bank building.” Kenya’s Family Restaurant serves a mix of Mexican and American. “We’re 15 minutes from New London and 15 minutes from Shawano, and they have Walmarts,” O’Connor says. “We have a grocery store here, too, but people like to shop a little bit more sometimes.” Marketplace Foods is Clintonville’s grocery store.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
