LeClaire, Iowa is a fast-growing community located off Interstate 80 right next to the Mississippi River. Less than 30 minutes away from the Quad Cities metropolitan area, LeClaire has a rich history waiting to be uncovered and is a true riverfront town: charming, warm, and welcoming. Full of history, unique shopping, river excursions, fun special events, and unbelievable flavors, LeClaire was recognized as having one of the best Main Streets in Iowa!
LeClaire is the birthplace of “Buffalo Bill” Cody, one of America’s most recognizable figures from the Old West. Explore the museum in his name to get a better understanding of the culture and history of LeClaire. In fact, this city loves history so much that it’s known for being the birthplace of the “Pickers Movement,” and was actually featured on the hit TV show American Pickers on the History Channel.
Downtown LeClaire is easily accessible to visitors and locals alike and offers delicious bites, river view patios, fine and ethnic dining experiences, and tons of local businesses. If you’re looking to find the best quality of life in the U.S., you can add LeClaire to that list. Factor in a low cost of living and below-average costs for housing, utilities, groceries, and healthcare, LeClaire is why so many people are packing their bags and heading toward the Midwest. It’s been recognized as one of “America’s Coolest Small Towns” by BudgetTravel.com and is extremely popular when it comes to visitors trying to get the true authentic feel of what Iowa’s all about.
LeClaire is known for its fun events: live music, wine and craft beer fairs (a local favorite known as Libations Lane has three amazing options to find locally crafted wine, spirits, and beer), comedy shows, seasonal car shows, riverboat cruises, and of course, Tugfest! Don’t miss out on stopping by Wide River Winery or the Mississippi River Distilling Company before you hit your Twilight River Cruise.
Keep the outdoor vibes going by enjoying some fresh air at the LeClaire Levee. There’s a boat launch, access to the river, awesome picnic areas, and historical sites like the Scott County Freedom Rock and Veterans Memorial to check out, too.
After a full day of exploring, we definitely recommend heading to What BBQ. They specialize in brisket, pulled meats, cajun food, and more. Cody Road Historic District is another great place to experience the old-time charm of LeClaire while grabbing some local goodies from the many unique boutiques lining the street!
LeClaire is embracing growth! With tons of commercial real estate available in LeClaire, there are tons of opportunities to start a small business or find the perfect one to work for. The city has experienced exponential growth—64% since 2000—due to its proximity to the Quad Cities, the Great River Road, and the route that most travelers take from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you’d like to renovate a historic storefront or build from scratch, the experts at Ruhl&Ruhl can help you find the perfect property for your needs.
Are you looking for work? Some of the most popular industries in LeClaire and the Quad Cities area as a whole include the following:
LeClaire is located in Scott County. The surrounding area’s economy and market are home to some pretty big name companies, schools, and manufacturers like:
It’s a good time to buy a home in LeClaire. Some of the most expansive and beautiful homes in LeClaire are the historic river pilot homes that sit high on the hill overlooking the one and only Mississippi River. Take a drive through LeClaire to spot some of these expansive properties to understand the importance of LeClaire’s position as a bustling river town years ago and what it has come to be today.
Explore homes for sales in LeClaire, IA, and learn more about the local community and its rich history. Or, browse homes for sale in the Iowa Quad Cities to learn more about the local communities.
If you’re looking for new career opportunities in the Iowa area, we’re always looking for folks to join our Ruhl&Ruhl team. Check out our careers page for more information.
Want to stop in and talk with an agent in person? Visit:
Nearest Ruhl&Ruhl Office
1228 Middle Road
Bettendorf, IA 52722
Phone Number: (563) 441-1776
Le Claire, Iowa started in 1804 when the Indian tribes Sauk and Fox battled the Sioux for the land, over 1,000 casualties occurred. This battle took place where Olathea Golf Course currently stands. In 1832 Antoine Le Claire came to town and made a deal with the Indians. From there, settlers came to the town and it thrived off the Mississippi as a river community. But in 1890 the railroads came through LeClaire, which took away much of the river transportation and put Le Claire into a setback. It was then that farming became popular around the community. For full details about the LeClaire history visit the Buffalo Bill Museum.
The LeClaire community is rapidly expanding and has lots for its residents to experience. Whether it’s a night boat ride along the Mississippi River, enjoying a night out at one of the wineries or shopping during the day; Le Claire has an abundance of things for its resident to participate in. The community has become increasingly popular after being aired as the hometown for its world-famous store, Antique Archeology or better known as the History channels hit TV show American Pickers.
The LeClaire community has many different activities to keep its residents busy. During the summer you can take a swing at one of LeClaire’s golf courses or if you’re looking for something more extreme you can check out the skate park. During the summer many people enjoy boating on the Mississippi River and watching the birds dive into the water to get their dinner. One big event in LeClaire is Tug Fest, which involves some very competitive tug-of-war matches (across the Mississippi River) along with a big festival.
Links to City Resources & Attractions
City of Le Claire
Quad City Chamber of Commerce
Buffalo Bill Museum
Antique Archaeology – American Pickers
Tugfest