Need a charming Mississippi River town escape? Head to LeClaire! Nestled along the Iowa-Illinois border, LeClaire is a historic river town full of small-town hospitality, quirky shops, and beautiful waterfront views. Whether you’re exploring antique stores, cruising the river, or visiting the hometown of Buffalo Bill, LeClaire is a relaxing and uniquely American destination.
LeClaire, IA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Cruise the Mississippi on the Riverboat Twilight – Take a scenic day or overnight cruise aboard an old-fashioned riverboat with narrated tours and stunning river views.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum – Learn about legendary showman Buffalo Bill Cody, steamboat history, and local life on the Mississippi.
- For Shoppers: Explore Antique Archaeology – Stop by the original store from the TV show *American Pickers* and browse vintage treasures and unique finds.
- For Couples: Sip wine or craft spirits with a river view – Relax at Mississippi River Distilling Company or Wide River Winery with handcrafted drinks and cozy tasting rooms.
- For Families: Play at Hollyhock Park and walk the Levee Trail – Let the kids run, picnic, and enjoy views of barges and boats along the riverfront.
When I like to visit LeClaire, IA
The best time to visit LeClaire is from May through October, when you can enjoy riverboat cruises, patio dining, and community events. Fall brings beautiful Mississippi River foliage, while summer is ideal for festivals and outdoor fun. Winters are quiet and cozy, great for holiday shopping and historic tours.
Tips for getting to LeClaire, IA
- By Car: LeClaire is right off I-80, about 20 minutes northeast of Davenport and 2.5–3 hours from Chicago.
- By Plane: The nearest airport is Quad City International Airport (MLI), located about 20–25 minutes away.
Where I like to stay in LeClaire, IA
- Hotel Blackhawk, Autograph Collection – Elegant historic hotel nearby in Davenport with a spa, fine dining, and Mississippi River views.
- Comfort Inn & Suites Riverview – Convenient stay in LeClaire with river views and free breakfast near downtown attractions.
- Local B&Bs and Vacation Rentals – Cozy cottages and riverfront homes offer great charm and peaceful accommodations in and around town.
Best Things to Do in LeClaire, IA
1. Step Into the Wild West at the 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
2. Sip and Savor Spirits at 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
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
3. Raise a Glass to River Views at 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
4. Dine with Small-Town Charm at Steventon’s in LeClaire
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
5. Taste Bold Blends at 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
6. If You Crave Scenic Cruises, Board the 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
My favorite local events:
- LeClaire Tug Fest (August) – A unique cross-river tug-of-war competition with food vendors, carnival rides, and fireworks.
- Cars and Coffee (Monthly) – Auto enthusiasts gather downtown for casual weekend car shows and community vibes.
- Christmas in LeClaire (December) – Holiday markets, carriage rides, Santa visits, and festive décor light up the town.
My favorite day trips within 30–60 Minutes of LeClaire, Iowa:
- Davenport (20–25 min) – Visit the Figge Art Museum, dine at riverside restaurants, or see a concert at Adler Theatre.
- Bettendorf (25 min) – Check out the Family Museum or enjoy trails and parks along the riverfront.
- Muscatine (45–50 min) – Explore historic riverfront architecture, the National Pearl Button Museum, and cozy cafés.
- Rock Island Arsenal (30 min) – Learn about military history and tour the Rock Island Arsenal Museum.
- Maquoketa Caves State Park (60 min) – Hike and explore caves, bluffs, and scenic forests in this hidden gem of a park.
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