Serenely nestled along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, Le Claire is an attractive small town which has something to offer every visitor. The town was founded by brave river adventurers in 1830’s and is still home to a delightful Historic District where there are about 60 commercial and residential buildings to admire. Fans of the “American Picker’s” show can have fun visiting their home-base called Antique Archaeology. You can explore the 25-mile Cody Trail (to learn about Buffalo Bill) or the Great River Road National Byway. Other activities include shopping, taking a nostalgic ride on a Mississippi riverboat or visiting a few breweries and the Mississippi River Distilling Company.
Buffalo Bill Museum
To make your visit to LeClaire more interesting visitors should consider starting at the Buffalo Bill Museum to get some background information. The Museum is dedicated to showcasing a wealth of documents and artifacts related to regional history. In particular, visitors can learn about William Cody (Buffalo Bill), the Mississippi River, the early Native American Indians and the brave settlers. Museum exhibits include a one-room school house from the early 1900’s, an exhibit devoted to the history of the Riverboat Pilots and the one-of-a-kind Lone Star Stern Wheeler. There is also a special area where children can have some hands-on fun. You can buy souvenirs of your visit at the on-site museum store.
Buffalo Bill Museum, 199 North Front St, LeClaire, IA 52753, Phone: 563-289-5580
The Mississippi River Distilling Company
Encompassing the popular Cody Road Cocktail House, The Mississippi River Distilling Company is a small-batch distillery located in LeClaire. The company makes a variety of hand-crafted spirits using locally sourced grains. The finished product is matured in a selection of oak barrels which impart distinctive flavors and aromas. In addition, they bottle ready-made cocktails which may be purchased for home consumption. If you are looking to spice up your next BBQ you can buy their distinctive Cody Road Steak Sauce, flavored with Bourbon. Visitors are invited to stop by for a free tour of the distillery or to just sit and relax while you sip a great cocktail overlooking the Mississippi River.
The Mississippi River Distilling Company, 303 North Cody Rd, LeClaire, IA 52753, Phone: 563-484-4342
Green Tree Brewery
The original Green Tree stood tall and proud on the banks of the Mississippi for over 225 years. Sadly, the tree succumbed to Dutch elm disease in 1964, but will never be forgotten for the part it played in many LeClaire residents’ lives, including that of Buffalo Bill himself. Today the Green Tree Brewery honors the great old elm and provides a meeting place for locals and visitors to get together and have a good time. They also make some pretty good small-batch craft beers which you can sample in the Tap Room – there are usually around 15 great brews to try. Although the brewery does not serve food patrons are welcome to bring in their own food from surrounding restaurants.
Green Tree Brewery, 309 North Cody Rd, LeClaire, IA 52753, Phone: 563-729-1164
Steventon’s, LeClaire, IA
Located on an elevated bluff overlooking the Mississippi, Steventon’s is the ideal destination for a relaxing meal experience. When the weather is good you can enjoy some of the best views in Iowa from the two-tiered deck as you sip your favorite cocktail or a glass of wine. When the weather is not so good you can rely on the fire-pit to keep you warm. The food menu comprises a selection of great American classics, prepared from fresh local ingredients and served with an eye for detail. Highlights include a perfectly grilled Filet Mignon, Honey-garlic Pork Ribeye, Saffron Scallops and their New York Cheesecake.
Steventon’s, 1399 Eagle Ridge Rd, LeClaire, IA 52753, Phone: 563-289-3600
Wide River Winery Tasting Room
Are you an avid fan of wine? Do you want to taste some of the finest wines that LeClaire, Iowa has to offer? Stop by the Wide River Winery Tasting Room to sip on locally made, award-winning wines. Guaranteed to leave a great impression, the Wide River Winery Tasting Room gives guests the opportunity to sample up to five different wines. Select from the winery’s range of wines with options like dry wines and sweet wines available. Guests on a tasting trip can even keep their wine tasting glass as a souvenir and a memorable reminder of their tasting room visit.
106 N. Cody Road, LeClaire, Iowa 52753, Phone: 563-289-2509
Riverboat Twilight
Whether it’s your first time to LeClaire or not, a trip on Riverboat Twilight is a fascinating things to do. It is one of LeClaire’s most popular tourist attractions and gives passengers the opportunity to see and explore the sights and sounds of the Mississippi River from aboard an old-fashioned riverboat called The Twilight. Trips on this sight-seeing cruise are roughly an hour and a half long and will visit river towns nearby such as Princeton, Port Byron, and Cordova. As you sail, the knowledgeable and eloquent captain of the Riverboat Twilight will also share interesting stories from history and facts about the Mississippi River. Sip on a refreshing and complimentary glass of lemonade or iced tea while on your cruise which beings and ends at LeClaire’s port.
Front Street, LeClaire, Iowa 52752, Phone: 800-331-1467
