5 Must-Dos in LeClaire

Home to the famed Antique Archaeology from the “American Pickers” TV show plus a variety of other charming antique shops, LeClaire is a goldmine for conversation-worthy finds.
 

Step inside the cozy 1900s home where Mississippi Cottage Antiques fills every room with vintage furniture and glassware plus art and jewelry handcrafted by locals.
 

For retro-lovers, explore the many eras of days gone by at Decades, where you’ll find everything from hand-painted furniture and railroad collectibles to vintage comic books and war memorabilia.
 

You can’t shop for antiques without visiting The Kitsch-n Sink – it’s a retro wonderland packed floor to ceiling with mid-century furniture, vintage clothing, Pyrex, vinyl records, quirky finds, rustic yard art and basically everything but a kitchen sink. Despite being a one-room shop, visitors often rave about finding niche vintage treasures here.
 

Find more shopping fun on Cody Road.

Situated on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi, LeClaire offers various opportunities to cruise the water in style, explore the backwaters or, for fun on land, find the perfect bird-watching spot.
 

Hop aboard the Victorian-era Riverboat Twilight for a breathtaking 90-minute sightseeing ride or a two-day cruise to Dubuque and back, both of which include commentary on river history.
 

For an action-packed river ride, book a seat aboard a Fly Hovercraft. These small watercrafts introduce you to the Mississippi’s hidden beaches, enchanting islands and labyrinthine backwaters and can include sightings of Bald Eagles, Great Blue Heron, pelicans, otters and ducks.
 

Bird enthusiasts can flock to Lock and Dam Number 14 to admire high-flying Bald Eagles in the winter and pelicans in the spring and summer. The dam is located just off Highway 67 and south of Interstate 80.

Satisfy all your cravings during your visit – this community boasts the best of foodie delights and local bites.
 

Enjoy a farm-fresh breakfast at Breakfast at Berries, where locally sourced eggs and vegetables are whipped up into perfectly cooked omelets. They also serve freshly made biscuits and gravy, pancakes and chicken fried steak. Not to mention lunch and beautiful river valley views.
 

For a fine dining lunch or dinner experience, stop by the Crane & Pelican Café, which is located on the first floor of an 1861 river pilot home. Nearly everything on their menu is crafted in-house and locally sourced, and includes items like pecan-crusted salmon, shrimp and angel pasta, meatloaf sandwiches and more, plus weekly specials like half-price wine Wednesdays.
 

There’s no shortage of sweet treats – head downtown to Here’s the Scoop to sample gourmet hard serve ice cream; Shelly’s Sweet Sensations Bakery & Eatery to take home cupcakes, cake pops, cookies, macarons, cheesecakes and more delectable treats; or stock up on sweet and savory popcorn at Kernel Cody’s Popcorn Shoppe.

LeClaire also offers opportunities for passionate palettes to enjoy unique pours.
 

For wine wanderers, pop into Wide River Winery. Owned by an attorney-turned-winemaker, this woman- and family-owned winery offers a fresh take on traditional wine tasting. Take a seat at the counter, select a handful of whimsically (and legal-themed) named wines to sample then select a bottle or two to take home. Some favorites include Sweet Justice and Felony Red.
 

If you’re a cocktail connoisseur, the Mississippi River Distilling Company is a must-stop. This small-batch distillery transforms locally sourced grain into gin, vodka, rye and bourbon plus seasonal liqueurs like their beloved Iowish Cream. Relax in the lounge with a floral-forward Rosie River Gin, tart Mississippi Mule or house-signature Buffalo Bill while enjoying the scenic views and, if you have the time, enjoy a free distillery tour.
 

Craft beer bosses can unite at Green Tree Brewery, which pays homage to the iconic elm tree that towered over the river for two centuries. The stunning taproom and riverside patio offer the perfect spot to sip a flight of small-batch beers like River Bottom Red, Doc’s Blondie or Mango Me Happy while also enjoying complimentary popcorn or meals brought in from local restaurants.

Get away from it all and simply enjoy the sights around LeClaire.
 

Downtown, enjoy a scenic stroll along the riverfront, which includes walking paths, grassy areas and benches from which you can watch boats pass through the locks and even see the Riverboat Twilight pass by. Walk down to the Levee to see the Scott County Freedom Rock, a seven-ton boulder painted by Iowa artist Ray “Bubba” Sorenson II to honor local veterans.
 

For a scenic drive, hop on the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, which passes right through town, and follow the route to see sweeping views of the river and the surrounding countryside. Be sure to also stop by LeClaire's Buffalo Bill Museum, which is a Great River Road Interpretive Center that shares the stories of America's first superstar William F. Cody (a.k.a. "Buffalo Bill"), Mississippi River pilots, local farmers and pioneers and more.