How do you make the drive from Chicago to Des Moines suck less? You stop in LeClaire, IA, and visit a great little distillery. And while you’re there, make an afternoon of it and enjoy a craft beer at the local brewery right next door, and dine at one of the Midwest’s best barbeque joints just down the street. LeClaire is also home to reality television’s American Pickers, so if you’re a history or antique person, you’ll want to make time to stop there as well.
Perched high on the banks of the Mississippi River, where Interstate 80 crosses between Iowa and Illinois, LeClaire is quintessential small-town-Midwest, with a rich history, quaint shops, and a welcoming feel.
Mississippi River Distilling is an authentic farm-to-table operation. According to the staff, they source nearly everything used to produce their bourbons and other spirits within a 25-mile radius.
Cody Road Bourbon – It’s made from 70% corn from LeClaire, IA, 20% wheat from Reynolds, IL, and 10% unmalted barley from Davenport, IA, it takes its name from native son William “Buffalo Bill” Cody.
And it’s good stuff too. Aged for two years in 30-gallon barrels – about half the size of traditional bourbon barrels – and bottled at 90 proof – a little lower than usual – it offers a surprisingly unique, complex, and grain-forward flavor.
Tours are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Still, the Cocktail House and outdoor patio make it well worth the visit. One of the owners took the time to sit down with me and provide an on-site virtual tour, an excellent and friendly alternative.
They also offer tasting specials. Five dollars bought me four 1/4 ounce samples and a $5 off coupon for any bottle in their shop. I took advantage of both. At some point, tours will resume, and I’ll update this post once I’ve had a chance to experience one myself.
To keep up with the distillery’s events and tour schedule, subscribe to the Mississippi River Distilling newsletter here.
Green Tree Brewery takes its name from a locally famous Green Elm Tree, which stood 50’ high and had a 100’ wide canopy. The story goes that it provided a gathering place for riverboat pilots, and shade and refuge for men looking for work. Often referred to as the Green Tree Hotel, it survived for more than two centuries.
While the tree is no longer here, its’ spirit lives on at the Green Tree Brewery.
“We didn’t want a “bar,” so we created a gathering place, much like our namesake “Green Tree Hotel.” The hotel was a tree that brought many people together for a variety of reasons. You are welcome to drop in and stay awhile.” – Owners Dr. Richard and Denise Day
https://greentreebrewery.com/history/
Green Tree offers both indoor and outdoor seating, friendly staff, and a large variety of craft beer selections. I sampled a flight of four (bartenders selection), and all of them were excellent. My favorite was Doc’s Blondie – not entirely surprising, given that my base beer is Busch Light.
Doc’s Blondie – “A light, crisp American blonde ale. Simple and refreshing. An American blonde ale is an alternative to American Style Lager. (5.1% alcohol with an IBU-15 bitterness rating)
What BBQ & Bar came recommended by the manager of Green Tree Brewery. She did not steer me wrong. Speciallializing in smoked meats – brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken – they cook with post oak, which creates a milder, less smokey flavor. It’s some of the best barbeque I’ve had.
Like most great barbeque places, it’s not exactly a fine-dining experience. But it’s clean, and the locals and servers are friendly. The owner even stopped by to say hello, because that’s what people in LeClaire do.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re looking for a break from the interstate or a fun day-trip from Chicago, Des Moines, or anywhere in between, you can’t go wrong with LeClaire. For more information on what to see and do in and around the area, click here.
