Traveling for Food – Our Family Reviews

Ready to trade your screens for serene river views, campfire chats, and a cold one at a local brewery?

Clinton, Iowa, and the Quad Cities have a mix of great driving destinations, outdoor adventures, and fun local stops that make them perfect for a road trip. Whether you’re traveling with your family, friends, or just need a solo getaway, here’s a guide to some of the best spots in the area.

Must-Visit Stops

1. Wild Rose Casino & Resort
Start your adventure with some entertainment at Wild Rose Casino. Whether you’re stopping by for gaming or just grabbing a meal, it’s a great way to kick things off. I don’t recommend the hotel aka resort though, it’s overpriced! I’d love to see more old-school slot machines at the Casino too, like Betty the Yeti.

2. Rock Creek Marina & Campground
This outdoor hotspot is ideal for families and nature lovers. Enjoy fishing, paddleboat rentals, and hiking trails while soaking up the Mississippi River’s views.

3. Eagle Point Park
Known for its panoramic views of the Mississippi, this park is a fantastic place to relax or have a picnic. There’s plenty of space to explore and lots of photo opportunities! [INSERT IMAGE: View of the Mississippi River from Eagle Point Park]

4. Thomson Causeway Campground
Camp right along the Mississippi River at this peaceful spot. It’s first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early for a prime site. Be aware of the nearby train tracks, but many say the views and setting are worth it.

Eat, Drink & Explore

5. Great Revivalist Brewery
This local brewery in Clinton offers tasty craft beers and a welcoming atmosphere. They’re open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, so you can stop in whenever hunger strikes. Make sure to grab a flight of beer and a warm pretzel, which is cooked in the brewery’s wood-fred brick oven.

Great Revivalist Brewery in Clinton, IA

Flight O’ brews at Great Revivalist Brewery in Clinton, IA

My Favorite Kitty Taco Shirt & Brews at Great Revivalist Brewery in Clinton, IA

6. Green Tree Brewery (LeClaire, IA)
Take a short drive to this riverfront brewery, where you’ll find great drinks and a laid-back vibe. It’s a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

7. Stout’s Irish Pub
Craving hearty food? This pub in Clinton is a cozy spot for comfort food and a relaxed meal with family or friends.

8. Phoenix Gifts & Tobacco
This quirky local shop in Clinton is perfect for souvenirs or unique finds to remember your trip.

Top Campgrounds to Check Out

9. Bulger’s Hollow Campground
This campground offers beautiful river views, a boat launch, and a quiet atmosphere.

Looking for a peaceful spot right on the Mississippi River? Bulger’s Hollow Recreation Area is a hidden gem for wildlife viewing, boating, fishing, and camping. Located 7.5 miles north of Clinton, IA, off Highway 67, it’s a little off the beaten path—you’ll need to drive about a mile on a gravel road to get there—but trust us, it’s worth the trip.

The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis from mid-May through mid-October, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. Reservations aren’t available, and all 23 campsites are nonelectric. Of these, 14 are designated for RVs, and 9 are for tent camping. While there aren’t RV hookups, the campground offers basic amenities like drinking water, vault toilets, and a dump station. For day visitors, the boat ramp, picnic shelter, and playground are open year-round.

Keep in mind that Bulger’s Hollow is located directly parallel to train tracks, so light sleepers might want to bring earplugs. That said, if you’re a deep sleeper or a fan of the gentle rumble of trains in the background, you’ll feel right at home.

Pro Tip: Bulger’s Hollow now uses a “Scan and Pay” system through the Recreation.gov mobile app. Before heading out, download the app and create an account since there’s limited cell service in the area. Once at the campground, you’ll need to physically arrive to secure your spot, scan the QR code at your chosen site, and pay through the app (credit card only—cash is no longer accepted).

Address: 4686 170th Street, Clinton, IA 52732

boats in the water in the Mississippi River at Bulger’s Hallow near Fulton Iowa

Bulgers Hallow near Fulton Iowa

camping in a tent a bulgers hallow near Fulton Iowa

Photos by Recreation.gov

Whether you’re launching your boat, enjoying a picnic, or simply soaking in the river views, Bulger’s Hollow Recreation Area is a tranquil retreat for nature lovers. Just don’t forget your earplugs—and maybe your camera!

10. 6B’s Campground (Maquoketa, IA)
Close to Maquoketa Caves State Park, this private campground is great for families looking for both adventure and relaxation. Enjoy fishing, kayak rentals, hiking trails, and more. We did not get to visit this one but it’s along the River!

11. Backbone State Park (Delaware County)
This state park’s South Loop Campground has some of the best RV sites with lake views. With excellent fishing, hiking, and a beach, it’s a must for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lake Delhi in Iowa

Dam at Lake Delhi in Iowa

Backbone State Park, Iowa

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Backbone State Park, Iowa

Bonus Stops

12. American Pickers & Antique Archaeology (LeClaire, IA)
Fans of the show will love visiting this famous shop to browse antiques and unique finds.

Scenic Drive Along the Great River Road

If you love a good scenic drive, following the Great River Road on the Iowa side is a must. From Clinton to LeClaire, the route hugs the Mississippi River and offers incredible views of the water and charming river towns. Take your time and soak it all in—there are plenty of spots to pull over for photos or just to enjoy the scenery.

From LeClaire, cross the bridge into Rock Island for more riverfront vibes before continuing to Moline. We made a stop at Bent River Brewery in downtown Moline, IL, to sample their craft beer and grab some appetizers. The atmosphere is fun and laid-back, making it a great place to take a break from all the exploring. If you visit in the wintertime, like we did, and you decide to sit at the bar, bring a few warm layers as it’s chilly to belly-up barside!

Bent River Brewery in Moline, Illinois

This drive is the perfect mix of scenic beauty and fun stops, so don’t rush—enjoy the journey as much as the destinations!

Rolling with the River: Wrapping Up Your Epic Mississippi Road Trip

Road-tripping along the Mississippi River is an unforgettable adventure full of scenic drives, charming small towns, and unique stops. From exploring the Great River Road and its stunning river views to discovering vibrant local spots like Bent River Brewery in Moline, IL, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Camping enthusiasts will find plenty of options to suit their style, whether it’s the peaceful waterfront views at Bulger’s Hollow Recreation Area, the rustic charm of 6B’s Campground near Maquoketa, or the RV-friendly amenities at Backbone State Park. For a more active escape, paddle your kayak, cast a fishing line, or hike the trails at Central Park in Jones County or Fountain Springs Park in Delaware County.

If you’re up for a bit of fun in town, Clinton, IA, offers lively spots like Wild Rose Casino & Resort and delicious eats at Great Revivalist Brewery or Stout’s Irish Pub. Meanwhile, nearby LeClaire is home to quirky gems like Antique Archaeology and local breweries like Green Tree Brewery, making it a great pit stop for history buffs and craft beer lovers alike.

No matter your travel style—whether you’re into camping, brewery hopping, or simply cruising scenic byways—this stretch of the Midwest has something memorable to offer. Pack your bags, fire up the truck, and hit the road. Adventure awaits along the Mississippi!

At the end of April this Year, my best friend Josh, and I headed from southern Wisconsin to Pigeon Forge at the mouth of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing adventure with my best bud and was more fun than I’ve had in a long time. We enjoyed daily sightseeing around the Smokies, tasting new food, cooking outdoors, late night swims and lot of hot tubs! Below is a collection of my favorite highlights from the trip and at the bottom of the post, find my short directions from Wisconsin as well as a funny list of things I did not want to forget to bring along!

Louisville and Pigeon Forge here we come!

We arrived in Louisville, KY! We lucked out and found an indoor overnight public parking garage across the street from our Airbnb, checked in, wondered down the first alley which had overhead string lights and colorful graffiti that brought us to t Black Jockey’s Lounge where we enjoyed dinner with amazing new company and some bourbon and live music!

Our airbnb in Louisville KY

The 2nd roadtrip day, we drove 5 hours from Louisville, KY to Pigeon Forge, TN and checked into our timeshare. Upon arrival, we napped until midnight and recouped from our fun night before! Day 3, we woke and spent the rest of the week exploring Gatlinburg and the Smokey Mountains National Park! Did you know, the Smokey Mountains NP is unique in that it’s the only National Park with free entrance fees!

031-smokie mountains - JOSH - road trippin

Pigeon Forge, TN to Lafayette, IN to Wisconsin

On the way home, we traveled from Pigeon Forge to Lafayette, Indiana, hometown of Purdue University, engineering mega-school! We loved our Airbnb in downtown Lafayette, which was a few blocks from fun pubs and fancy dark bars with friendly bartenders.

Going home-Lafayette-Indiana-DIGBY's pub-05-06-22

Going home-Lafayette-Indiana-THE BLACK SPARROW-05-06-22

PIGEON FORGE DIRECTIONS (Wisconsin to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)

Mineral Point to Gratiot = WI-23 south to WI-11
Gratiot = WI-11 east to HWY 78 South
78 south to 20 EAST
20 East to US 39/51 (rockford)
39/51 south to Bloomington, IL 55/74
74 east to US-465 Indianapolis
US-465 to US-65 south
65 south to LOUISVILLE
***DAY 2 From Louisville**
US-64 to US-75 at Lexington, KY
US-75 south to US-40 in Knoxville, TN
US=40 to TN-66
66 to 2813 Rolling Hills Drive Pigeon Forge (Mountain Meadows Resort)

Road trip packing

Josh and I traveled in my 2008 Honda Ridgeline (200k miles on the odometer!) and here’s some of the supplied I brought…

Don’t forget
– boombox tattoo artwork
– razor
– Pack cooler
– Beer in garage

– frisbee & yo ring
– flat top grill
– *Bacon, eggs, cheese & bread and oil (for airbnb & on the road)
– Spatchula
– small gas grill (for picnic grilling at a park in the smokies)
– coffee & **creamer
– %%laundry detergent
– SWIM SUITS
– %%Beach towels
– ##bug spray
– ##sun screen
– ##wide brimmed hat and *ball cap
– Umbrellas
– flip flops and crocs
– spare keys
– backpack for hiking

TRUCK SUPPLIES
– Check windshield wiper fluid
– travel neck pillow
– ##Kleenex for the truck
– sparkling waters for the truckill
– snacks: crackers, ##cheese, ##meat sticks/summer sausage, ##almonds
– small cooler for the truck
– cash for tolls
– ##maps including foldout maps of TN, KY and Indiana
– porta potty

Other Notable Gatliingurg and Pigeon Forge, TN Vacation Fun Spots

PIGEON FORGE TROLLY

Runs daily from 8am to midnight – ]rides start and end on 5 routes from Trolley Station. The station is located in the Old Mill District on Old Mill Drive. http://www.cityofpigeonforge.com/trolley.aspx

Pigeon Forge party fun

Arcade that’s free play w wristband – there is NONE
Enjoy dinner at the BAR AT THE TOP OF THE WORKLD at ANAKEESTA – https://anakeesta.com/magical-firefly-village/#cliff-top-grill-bar
Forbidden cave – https://forbiddencavern.com/photos/
Hillbilly golf – https://smokymountains.com/gatlinburg/things-to-do/hillbilly-golf-gatlinburg/
Cataract Falls – Located just 10 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center, this short ¾ mile hike is ideal for all ages and endurance levels.
Gourley’s Pond in Cades Cove – Cades Cove is full of charming places, but Gourley’s Pond is perhaps one of the most overlooked destinations. – To get to Gourley’s Pond, you’ll need to park your car at LeQuire Cemetery located at the end of Sparks Lane. Walk down the loop road for 200 feet, then turn right and continue for about 100 feet. You’ll see the pond afterward.
Elkmont Troll Bridge – Before the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established, the Elkmont area was a pioneer community, then a logging town, then a resort town for wealthy vacationers. When the park was established in 1934, Elkmont residents could choose to sell their homes for full value and relocate or sell their properties to the National Park Service for a discounted price in return for a lifetime lease. Once the National Park Service took over, Elkmont slowly started turning into a ghost town. One structure that’s still standing is the Troll Bridge. It spans a small creek a little ways off trail. If you want to see the Troll Bridge, take one of the side trails to the right about 100 feet into the Little River Trail. You’ll follow the side trail through the forest until you reach the bridge. All you have to do is follow the path parallel to the stone walls!
Rich Mountain Road
Riverwalk Greenway – Begins at Patriot Park, 186 Old Mill Ave., Pigeon Forge, TN
Lodge Factory Store