Clinton combines an unusual railway history with its distinctive radar antenna; south of town, the Clinton Conservation Area leads to the banks of the Bayfield River. There is also a historic walking tour, harness racing and water sports. Which stops you plan depends on whether you are more interested in local history, nature or a time-specific event.
Railway and Radar History in Clinton
The CNR School on Wheels Museum in Clinton has province-level historical, educational and railway significance. It is connected with the history of the unique school train system in Northern Ontario, which operated from 1926 to 1967. Clinton therefore brings together educational and railway history; the museum is a specific place to visit for this topic.
Another distinctive landmark is the radar antenna at the intersection of Highways 4 and 8, in the heart of Clinton. It identifies the area as Canada’s “Home of Radar.” The antenna was part of a long-range radar system developed during the Cold War to detect incoming Soviet aircraft or missiles. Alongside the history of school trains, this provides another focus on the history of technology: Cold War airspace surveillance.
Visitors who would like to focus on Clinton’s local history can also take a historic walking tour about the town’s history.
Walking Tour, Photo Tour and Nature
The self-guided, family-friendly Central Huron Giant Chair Tour passes through Clinton and nearby communities. It includes nine oversized red wooden chairs at photo spots. Unlike the historic walking tour, it is not focused solely on Clinton’s local history: its stops are spread throughout the town and its surrounding area. If you plan this tour, bear in mind that it extends beyond Clinton; route information may change.
South of Clinton, the Clinton Conservation Area lies along the Bayfield River. The area is a day-trip destination; a two-kilometre recreational trail (1.2 miles) runs through a successional forest, along the river and through a white pine plantation. The trail description thus identifies three different landscape sections along the same route. There are also five geocaches in the conservation area; this number may change over time.
Scheduled and Active Outings
Clinton Raceway hosts an average of 15 race days per year. Live harness racing takes place on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. from May to September. If a particular race is important to your trip, check the schedule in advance, as seasonal programs may change.
Bluestone Wake Park, formerly Windmill Lake, is located at 37524 Telephone Road in Clinton. It offers wakeboarding and stand-up paddleboarding for all ages and skill levels. These water sports provide a different focus from the walk along the Bayfield River or the historic sites. As operator information may change, it is a good idea to check the latest details about what is offered before planning a visit.
A stay in Clinton offers a range of themes to choose from: the museum, radar antenna and historic walking tour focus on history; the Chair Tour complements this with photo stops in Clinton and nearby communities. The Conservation Area brings together riverside scenery and a two-kilometre trail, while the wake park and raceway each offer their own activity or event focus. When planning, pay particular attention to the seasonal racing schedule and the wake park’s latest information.
Discover more destinations: Wingham, Goderich, Bluewater, Exeter
Go to the main travel overview: Huron County.
