Have you heard of the American Pickers? Did you know that they have a store?
In our opinion, it’s a great road trip for fans of the show, and anyone who loves great vintage decor.
Find out more about the American Pickers, their store, and what you can do nearby.
Let’s get started!
About the American Pickers
American Pickers is the name of a History Channel original series following antique and collectible pickers. The stars of the show typically find their catches in run-down barns, buried in garages, and sometimes in homes of hoarders.
The pickers then take these items from junk to treasure.
The series premiered on January 18, 2010, with 3.1 million viewers.
Where Is the American Pickers Store?
The American Pickers have an online store that primarily sells branded merchandise and souvenirs. They sell their finds in brick-and-mortar stores called Antique Archaeology in Iowa and Tennessee.
The original Antique Archaeology store opened in 2000 in the historic Mississippi River town of LeClaire, Iowa. It’s located in a two-story former fabrication shop.
A second location opened up in 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s located in the old Marathon Automobile car factory which dates from the early 1900s (Marathon Village.)
LeClaire location: 115 1/2 Davenport St, LeClaire, IA 52753
Nashville location: 1300 Clinton St. Ste 130, Nashville, TN 37203
Who Are the Stars of American Pickers?
Mike Wolfe created American Pickers. He began picking when he was 8-years-old. Wolfe is often on the road searching for and finding rare valuables in the most unexpected barns, attics, and sheds. He owns Antique Archaeology stores where he sells the antiques he finds.
Frank Fritz was a co-host on American Pickers from 2010 to 2020. Fritz’s favorite finds were antique toys, oil cans, vintage Hondas, and peanut-related items. In 2020, Fritz left the show after he had back surgery and the pandemic hit. According to an article in Country Living, it also seems that he had a falling out with Mike Wolfe.
Danielle Colby and Robbie Wolfe also appear on American Pickers. Colby, Wolfe’s sister, is the shop manager overseeing the stores in Iowa and Nashville. Robbie Wolf is Mike Wolfe’s brother, who’s been picking since age 8.
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What Else is LeClaire, Iowa, Famous For?
LeClaire is famous for being the home of American Pickers. But it’s also the birthplace of Buffalo Bill, born William Frederick Cody. You can tour the 1847 house that Buffalo Bill’s father built just outside LeClaire.
Other Things To Do Near the American Pickers Store
While you’re in LeClaire, make sure to check out the Buffalo Bill Museum. Then, enjoy a cruise along the Mississippi River. Both attractions are less than half a mile from the American Pickers store.
Buffalo Bill Museum
The Buffalo Bill Museum was established in 1957. It features exhibits about the Mississippi River, Native Americans from the area, local history, and of course, Buffalo Bill.
One of the more unexpected displays in the museum is The Loan Star Stern Wheeler. This is a wooden-hulled steamboat constructed in 1869. The boat is inside, and you’re allowed to board and look around.
Keep in mind that this is a relatively small local museum, not the Smithsonian.
Take a Cruise
LeClaire sits right on the Mississippi River, so why not take a riverboat cruise?! Board The Riverboat Twilight for a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise while passing Pt Byron, Princeton, and Cordova, river towns in Illinois.
If you’re interested in longer riverboat tours, The Riverboat Twilight also offers 1-day and 2-day cruises. However, the longer cruises don’t launch in LeClaire, but in Dubuque, almost 1.5 hours away.
Best Camping Near the American Pickers Store
You’ve spent the day shopping at Antique Archaeology and exploring LeClaire. So now it’s time to rest at either Scotty County Park Campgrounds or Fisherman’s Corner Campground.
Scott County Park Campgrounds
Located 22 minutes away from Antique Archaeology, Scott County Park is 1280 acres and has multiple camping areas. Woodside and Bald Eagle Campgrounds have paved full hookup campsites. Incahaias and Pine Grove Campgrounds have water and electric hookups.
Only some of the sites are reservable; the others are first-come-first-serve. Bald Eagle Campground is open year-round. Scott County Park has hiking, swimming, sledding, cross-country skiing, and other activities.
Location: 18850 270th St., Eldridge, IA 52748
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Fisherman’s Corner Campground
Located on the Mississippi River, Fishermans’ Corner Campground is less than 10 minutes away from Antique Archaeology. The campground has 51 paved campsites with electric hookups. Potable water spigots are sprinkled throughout the park, and a dump station is also available. The campground is closed from October 23 to May 1.
The day-use area has fishing opportunities and a boat ramp. Hikers can walk the paved Mississippi River Trail that crosses the entrance of the campground.
Location: 16815 IL-84, East Moline, IL 61244
Is a Trip to the American Pickers Store Worth It?
Yes! You can snag some antiques and cool merchandise at Antique Archaeology, but that’s not all. While you’re here, explore the birthplace of Buffalo Bill and learn the history of LeClaire. Hike or ski the area, and enjoy a relaxing riverboat cruise along the Mississippi if you crave outdoor activities.
Don’t miss your opportunity to explore this slice of small-town America.
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How do I find out if American Pickers would be interested in several items that may be worth checking into. Can provide pictures.
Need someone to go to my dad’s house, And Pic he have a lot of stuff in Bakersfield