Le Claire: Historic Heritage and River Cruises

Le Claire combines a historic district with river cruises on the Mississippi and several places of cultural and historical interest. Antique Archaeology and Libations Lane add further highlights. You can tailor your stay to what interests you most about the city.

Explore a Historic District on Foot

Around 60 buildings make up the Cody Road Historic District in Le Claire. The district covers nine blocks along a section of U.S. 67. Visitors can stroll through it and visit shops and restaurants along the way. For travelers who want to experience the city’s history beyond individual buildings, the district offers a walk through an entire neighborhood.

River Cruises on the Mississippi

Fly Hovercraft’s river cruises depart from Le Claire. Routes include trips north to Princeton, across the river to Cordova, Illinois, and south past Port Byron, Illinois. When choosing a cruise, you can consider the different directions: a route north, a crossing to Illinois, or a trip south. Features of the rides include transitions between land and water, 360-degree turns, and sideways slides. If you’re planning a ride, check availability for your date in advance, as the operator’s offerings may vary.

Museums and Historic Heritage

The Buffalo Bill Museum explores the history of its namesake. It also covers education, innovation, the contributions of Indigenous peoples, agriculture, domestic life, and the Mississippi River. Its scope therefore ranges from one individual to various aspects of society and everyday life. This differs from a walk among the buildings of the Cody Road Historic District.

The River Pilot Houses were recognized on May 7, 2019, as part of the nine-block Cody Road Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Lonestar Steamer, by contrast, is notable for its construction: it is the only surviving wooden steamboat in the country built using the traditional construction methods of the western rivers. The two examples illustrate different aspects of cultural heritage—the inclusion of historic houses in a listed district and the preserved design of a riverboat.

Antique Archaeology and American Pickers

Antique Archaeology in Le Claire is located in a former manufacturing workshop. The two-story building serves as the base for the show American Pickers and houses a shop with selected finds and merchandise. If you’re familiar with the show, this connection to the building offers another point of interest. Merchandise offerings may change; if you’re planning a visit specifically for the merchandise, it’s a good idea to check the latest information in advance.

Libations Lane

Le Claire’s Libations Lane is home to a brewery, a distillery, and a winery, all within two blocks of one another. These three types of establishments give the area a distinct focus alongside the historic buildings, museum, and river cruises.

Discover more destinations: Eldridge, Walcott, Bettendorf, Davenport.

For the broader travel overview: Scott.