Clinton: Railway History, Radar and Nature

Clinton offers travelers several distinct points of interest: railway and educational history, its radar heritage, a historic walking tour, and outdoor recreation. South of town is a day-use area along the Bayfield River; wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and live harness racing add active and date-specific options. Depending on their interests, travelers can focus their plans on local history, the landscape, or a specific event date.

Railway History and Radar

The CNR School on Wheels Museum in Clinton is a provincially significant testament to history, education, and railways. It is connected to the history of the unique school train system in Northern Ontario, which operated from 1926 to 1967. The Sloman school car is also relevant to understanding this system: it was one of seven school cars used in the north during the 41-year period from 1926 to 1967. This topic thus brings together educational and railway history rather than focusing solely on a single car.

Another connection to the history of technology is in the heart of Clinton: a distinctive radar antenna stands at the intersection of Highways 4 and 8, identifying the area as Canada’s “Home of Radar.” The antenna on display in Clinton was part of a long-range radar system developed during the Cold War to detect incoming Soviet aircraft or missiles. This gives a specific location in town a connection to the history of radar development during that period.

Walking Tours and Photo Spots

A historic walking tour explores Clinton’s history. The self-guided, family-friendly Central Huron Giant Chair Tour is a different experience: it passes through Clinton and surrounding communities and includes nine oversized red wooden chairs at photo spots. While the walking tour focuses on local history, the Chair Tour offers a different emphasis. Check current route details before planning, as they may change.

Along the Bayfield River and Outdoors

South of Clinton, the Clinton Conservation Area is a day-use area along the Bayfield River. The two-kilometre (1.2-mile) recreation trail passes through successional forest, follows the Bayfield River, and winds through a white pine plantation. The riverbank, forest, and plantation give the trail a different character from the technology and local history attractions. There are five geocaches in the area; the number may change.

For watersports, 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. As operator information may change, check current offerings before visiting.

Harness Racing in Clinton

Clinton Raceway hosts an average of 15 race days per year. Live harness racing takes place there on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. from May through September. If a particular race is the reason for your trip, check the date before visiting; seasonal schedules may change.

Discover more destinations: Bluewater, Goderich, Wingham, Exeter

For the broader travel overview: Huron County.