This Iowa Town Has The Most Walkable Downtown
LeClaire has earned a national following as the home of Mike Wolfe’s Antique Archaeology, the shop made famous by American Pickers. Its star status fits naturally into a downtown that is easy to explore on foot. A stroll through town leads visitors from well-known antique finds to local history at the Buffalo Bill Museum, all while the Mississippi River provides scenic views along the levee.
The waterfront setting adds even more charm, with the Riverboat Twilight offering sightseeing cruises and the riverfront giving the district its relaxed, classic small-town atmosphere. Annual events like TugFest bring even more energy to the streets, especially with the town’s signature tug-of-war competition stretching across the Mississippi and linking two states in one unforgettable tradition. With inviting places to stay, local spots to eat, and nearby attractions around the Quad Cities, LeClaire offers the kind of walkable downtown where shopping, river scenery, and lively community traditions all come together in one memorable visit.
A Unique Utopia
This quaint town has streets lined with interesting and diverse attractions that are sure to entice anyone. Arguably, the most famous stop in LeClaire is Mike Wolfe’s Antique Archeology. Gaining notoriety from its show American Pickers on the History Channel, fans of the program can stop in the actual brick-and-mortar store and see Wolfe’s finds. Founded in 2000, the store sells vintage items, antique collectibles, souvenirs, and unique one-of-a-kind gifts, while also displaying some of Wolfe's personal collections of rare motorcycles and distinctive antiques not found anywhere else.
Mike Wolfe is not the only famous face to come out of LeClaire; it is also the birthplace of Buffalo Bill Cody, and he is honored at the Buffalo Bill Museum. The museum features historical, cultural, and educational resources for the preservation of memorabilia related to Buffalo Bill himself, Mississippi River pilots, and local farm and home pioneer history. Buffalo Bill artifacts, a one-room schoolhouse replica, and the Lone Star riverboat are all on display.
Not just attractions, but events are a big part of LeClaire’s pastime. Join in for one of its most spectacular annual events, TugFest. The three-day themed festival has a carnival, live music, food trucks, beer tents, a parade, a 5K race, a bags tournament, fireworks, and, to cap off the weekend, a thrill rush of excitement in the form of tug-of-war across the longest river in the US. That’s right, the tug of war competition features competitors on both sides of the river vying for top honors.
The River Wild
Famous for its location near the Mississippi River, LeClaire makes sure to capitalize on its proximity to such a famous US landmark by taking visitors down the river by steamboat. Make accommodations with Riverboat Twilight and delight in one of their sightseeing, one-day, or two-day cruises. Operating since 1987, the Riverboat Twilight is a replica Victorian Riverboat with a lower galley and full bar, seating 140 passengers. With plenty of seating indoor and outdoor among the three decks, there are plenty of spots to choose from for riveting river views.
Along the LeClaire Levee, guests can find the Scott County Freedom Rock. The 7.5-ton boulder was painted by Ray Sorenson, along with 98 others located throughout the state, to honor and pay gratitude to the veterans and soldiers who serve their country. Also, famously located along the Mississippi River, near the levee, is the annual Vettes on the River. The Corvette-only car show gathers annually to showcase vintage and modern cars while also fundraising for a great cause, supporting local veterans. So, you can either bring your own Vette or come see the Vettes, while supporting vets at Vettes on the River.
Where to Stay & What to Eat
Oenophiles can enjoy a relaxing stay at the Wide River Winery Inn. The cozy apartment located above the winery is in the heart of historic downtown and features a patio courtyard that guests are invited to enjoy with a bottle of wine, possibly after a tasting at the Wide River Winery. For a more secluded, tranquil stay, settle in along the Mississippi River at the Old Mill Guesthouse. This quaint inn is within walking distance to breweries, distilleries, and wineries, as well as Antique Archaeology. Enjoy the cozy space that is filled with historical charm.
Along the river, in 1851, the Dawley House was built by LeClaire’s former postmaster. Today, the original home still dazzles with its original pine floors, chandeliers, fireplaces, and trim, and is home to The Crane and Pelican. Opened in 2009, the charming café offers patrons starters, salads, sides, sliders, soups, suppers, and sweets, all with immaculate riverfront views.
Nearby Towns
Get out and explore the surrounding towns of LeClaire, including the one on the other side of the tug of war competition, Port Byron, Illinois. Grab a drink at the Hairy Cow Brewing Company and relax for an afternoon. Named for the Scottish Highland cattle raised on property just outside of town, the fluffy creatures have inspired not only the name of the brewery, but also the craft brews. Grab a pint and a pizza and settle along the riverbank at Ogle County’s first brewpub. After a drink or two, enjoy some more fresh air at the Nardi Equine Preserve. With over 10 miles of scenic trails for hiking and horseback riding, the scenic park provides visitors with views of prairie remnants, oak savannas, oak forests, and sandy soil prairie recreations. For panoramic views of the area, don’t miss your chance to hike to the top of Rohrssen’s Hill, located right within the preserve.
Just about half an hour outside of LeClaire, the town of Rock Island has some unique history that is honored in multiple museums. Start at the 213-acre park at Black Hawk State Historic Site, which showcases the cultural history and diverse natural resources of the Quad Cities. Featuring hiking trails along the Rock River, and the history of the Black Hawk and the Sauk and Meskwaki people in the John Hauberg Museum, the park is a mix of outdoor adventure and local cultural past. Another interesting site is the Army’s second-oldest museum, The Rock Island Arsenal Museum, opened July 4, 1905. Exhibits within the museum tell the stories of diverse locals, innovative manufacturing procedures, and the production of advanced military equipment, and the effect it had on the Islands' past, present, and future.
Check out the attractions in Clinton by taking in a show in a peculiar setting. The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre has been drydocked on the Army Corps of Engineers levee and has been producing musicals and comedies for 39 years. Enjoy a show among the 217 other patrons aboard this classic steamboat. Visit another distinct location and learn about the town’s interesting history with construction equipment at The Sawmill Museum. Highlights of the museum include exhibits related to lumber’s journey from the forests of Wisconsin to Clinton's Sawmills Water Table, Struve Mill equipment, a vintage circular sawmill, a floating Log Raft Simulator, a Ford Model T, and so much more! Visit the museum founded on Historic Lincoln Highway next to the Mississippi River and delve deep into local olden times.
Along the mighty Mississippi lies the charming town of LeClaire, renowned for a small antique shop that gained nationwide notoriety and put the town on the map. But Antique Archeology isn’t the only thing bringing visitors to LeClaire. The proximity to the river, the tug-of-war match that spans two states, and hiking along the river are just a few of the attributes that keep visitors coming back and locals entertained. Book a stay at one of the riverfront houses and see for yourself why this Iowa town has the most walkable downtown.
