Homes for Sale in Camanche, IA

Shortly after The Black Hawk Purchase of 1832, Dr. George K. Peck of Hamilton County, New York surveyed the newly acquired land to find a place to form a settlement. He platted 20 acres that would become the town. Camanche, Iowa was intended to be named after the Comanche tribe but Peck misspelled the name when he founded the city.

Once he founded Camanche, Iowa, Peck traveled to what would become known as Chicago to sell his lots and encourage development. These efforts also led to the founding of Albany, Illinois and the construction of a ferry.  

The first building was erected in 1837 and by 1856, there were more than 256 buildings.  This rapid growth ensured the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railway was built to run through Camanche.  The city was named an original charter city in the state of Iowa.

Unfortunately, in June 1860, tragedy struck. A devastating tornado ripped through town and destroyed almost the entire town in a matter of minutes. Years of building and development came crashing down and 29 people lost their lives.  

The tornado resulted in the town turning from a commercial hub to a residential community. Today, many people enjoy living alongside the river and enjoying everything Camanche, Iowa has to offer residents.

Parks:  There are eight parks for families to enjoy in Camanche, Iowa, including Platt, Central, Anthony, Lum, Triangle, George Peck and Pocket Parks. There is also a public swimming pool located in Camanche High School, and a newly built Camanche bike path and recreation trail.

Camanche Historical Museum:  Learn about the town’s past by visiting the historical museum. Here you can find county histories, tax records and family records. You can also explore the long and interesting past of Camanche. The museum is open by appointment only.  

Rock Creek Marina and Campground:  This campground has everything for an exciting camping experience. You can choose to camp outdoors or in log cabins. You can rent a canoe, paddle boat or regular boat or explore the marina or camp store.

One of the popular activities is to take a Blue Heron Eco-Cruise on the Mississippi River. You can learn about the fish, wildlife and bird habitats both on and off of the river.  Public cruises are offered on Thursdays at 7pm from May to October. This 26-passenger vehicle is also available for private cruises.