COMMUNITY FAQ'S
COMMUNITY FAQ'S
One of the oldest communities settled by homesteading pioneers in this region of Arkansas, Clinton’s dynamic history dates to the 1870’s. It’s a gem of natural beauty with strong regional heritage holding a special attraction to both visitors and long-time residents.
We invite you to take a closer look into the growing community life and business development in our area. We’re easily accessible on the direct route between Little Rock & Branson, Missouri. Enjoy our historic downtown, parks & trails, local arts & crafts, antique & boutique shopping, floating & camping, and much more!
Greers Ferry Lake
Greers Ferry Lake offers 40,000 acres of good fishing and water sports. There are several marinas, campgrounds, and boat docks available. Tributaries to the lake run through and around Clinton, providing excellent wade fishing.
Access the water from Hwy 65 on the south side of Clinton (turn on Hwy 95 E towards Choctaw Marina) or from Hwy 16 on the north side (through Shirley towards Fairfield Bay).
In Town
Clinton maintains 2 public parks with lighted walking trails, music amphitheater, fishing pond, outdoor classroom & nature garden, skateboard park, soccer field, 9 baseball/softball fields, and a newly-launched Disc Golf Course.
The Archey Park Riverwalk system is pedestrian, bicycle, and pet friendly, linking both park areas to the historic downtown, with water access to the Archey Fork Nature Conservancy area. Ample parking, with many shops & restaurants are within convenient walking distance.
Prefer to make your miles in the air? Clinton’s own Municipal Airport is centrally located right off Hwy 65, just minutes from our beautiful airpark community, Holley Mountain.
Other amenities include Tennis Courts, nearby nature park & trails at South Fork Nature Center, the famous Natural Bridge, a state-of-the-art educational facility at the new Van Buren County Public Library and more!
Recreation
Events
Clinton Hunger Run 5k (Last Saturday in March)
Archey Fest (Last Saturday in June)
National Championship Chuckwagon Races (Labor Day)
Van Buren County Fair
Chili Cookoff (October)
Scare on the Square (Halloween)
Christmas in Clinton (First Saturday in December)
Click for more events & attractions!
History
Clinton was named for DeWitt Clinton, the New York governor who built the Erie Canal. The land was acquired by the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, and settlers from the East soon began to populate the area. The first Clinton post office was established in 1833. The city was incorporated for the first time in 1851.
The Van Buren County Courthouse, located on the historic downtown square, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Encyclopedia of Arkansas: CLINTON →
Don’t miss a visit to the Van Buren County Historical Museum! On 3rd St, just off Main Street & Yellowjacket Lane.
Vitals
Clinton is the county seat of Van Buren County, with an area of nearly 12 square miles. As of the 2012 census, Clinton had a population of 2,602, and Van Buren County had a population of 17,295. At an elevation of 564 feet, it is the southern entrance to the Ozark Mountains, located on shores of the Little Red River, just miles from Greers Ferry Lake.
Transportation
– U.S. 65 (the major connecting route on the way to Branson, MO), State Highways 9, 16, 95, and 330 all intersect in Clinton
– Clinton Municipal Airport and Holley Mountain Airpark
– Jefferson Lines features a bus stop in Clinton, connecting the city to other major destinations in the state and throughout the country
Accommodations
2 hotels, 3 motels, campgrounds, rv parks, and rental cabins
Education
– Clinton School District is one of 5 K-12 school districts in the county
– Clinton Public Schools are fully accredited with the AR Department of Education
– Head Start & ABC program
– North Central Career Center Adult Education
– New state-of-the-art Van Buren County Library & Conference Center
– 5 universities and colleges are within 40 miles of Clinton
Municipal Services
Police Protection: 7 City Officers, 9 County Officers, 3 State Officers
Fire Protection: 19 volunteer & 1 paid firefighter
Fire Insurance: Class 4t ISO rating
Health Services: County hospital, family clinics, vision clinics, dentists, and local specialty offices including physical therapy, surgeon, chiropractor, community mental health and county health unit
Media
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KFGL/KHPQ Radio (Live Stream)
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Van Buren County Democrat-Gazette (subscription newspaper)
Government & Growth
City Government
Mayor Richard McCormac, Recorder-Treasurer, City Council & City Commissions
City Government
Curious about how a little town can make great progress? Read about the efforts here!
Resources
Community Resource List
Click the link for a comprehensive local directory of assistance & outreach programs.
Think you want to live here?
Visit this helpful Relocation Guide & request a free information kit from our Chamber of Commerce.