Follow the Herd

Everywhere in LeClaire!

Stampede along the Great River Road into LeClaire, IA, and support local businesses for a chance to win a fantastic prize pack! The LeClaire Buffalo Stampede Sweepstakes features 17 decorated buffalo statues placed at businesses around town, each named and given background stories by their respective businesses. Just snap a selfie with one or more of these bedecked bison and you’ll be entered to win!

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Snap Your Selfie! Visit any participating location in LeClaire and strike a pose with their resident buffalo. Only one selfie is needed to enter, but you can submit additional selfies for multiple entries, so visit all 17!

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Share It! Post your selfie to social media using #leclaireiowa and showcase our river community — and the Buffalo Stampede — to the world!

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Enter to Win! Fill out the form and upload your photo below and you’ll be entered to win a prize package valued at more than $1,000 — including gift cards and lodging discounts!

Aunt Hattie’s Fanciful Emporium: LeClaire Hoodie & Logo t-shirt – $85 Value
Bamboo Baby Boutique: Stuffed Buffalo – $20 Value
Bela: Buffalo tea towel and Swedish dishcloth – $25 Value
Blue Sky Quilt Shop: Gift certificate and quilt-themed puzzle – $35 Value
Buffalo Bill Museum: Hooded sweatshirt & Mississippi River tabletop book – $86 Value
Buttercup Candles: $25 Gift card
Cities Insurance Group: $100 Visa card
Cody Road Coffee: Hoodie – $44 Value
Cody Road Trading Post: License Plate 3-way purse – $40 Value
Crane & Pelican Café: $15 Gift Certificate
Ember on the Hill: Blanket – $27 Value
Green Tree Brewery Four-pack of craft beer – $20 Value
Happy Joe’s: Large Pizza – $30 Value
Mississippi River Distilling Company: Bottle of Iowish – $30 Value
The Potter’s House: Polish Pottery 8” brownie pan – $102 Value
Riverboat Twilight: 4 Sightseeing Tickets – $90 Value
Steventon’s: Bottle of Wine – $50 Value
Wide River Winery Tasting Room: Buy one, get one overnight at Wide River Inn, plus wine tasting and bottle of wine – $180 Value

Submit your selfie for a chance to win!

Your stampede around LeClaire doesn’t end at just one photo op. Visitors can enter multiple selfies, so stop by all 17 businesses, snap a selfie with their buffalo, and read their stories!

Cornelius

Ember on the Hill @ 206 N. Cody Road

Meet our buffalo, Cornelius, a tribute to the heart of Iowa! Inspired by the native buffaloes that once roamed these great plains, this buffalo statue celebrates the rich history, natural beauty, and agricultural heritage of our state. From the golden cornfields and lush prairies to the bustling small towns and especially the vibrant community spirit of LeClaire, this buffalo represents all things Iowa. Decorated with symbols of our great state, it’s a reminder of our deep connection to the land and the resilience that defines us. Stop by and experience a piece of Iowa’s proud legacy!

Buffalo Bob Ross

Aunt Hattie’s Fanciful Emporium @ 102 S. Cody Road

Buffalo Bob Ross learned you can choose to be happy. So, he became the inspirational leader of his herd and focused everyone on the Joy of Grazing, whether it be in meadows, brush, or the wooded areas they roamed surrounded by happy trees and clouds. If the herd ever wandered into unfamiliar territory, Buffalo Bob Ross reminded them it was only a happy accident. That’s how he found his home at Aunt Hattie’s Fanciful Emporium, where he lives surrounded by grasses, brush, the Mississippi River, and people who don’t laugh to feel good, but feel good because they laugh.

Judge

Wide River Winery Tasting Room @ 106 N. Cody Road

Judge the buffalo wasn’t your ordinary buffalo. He was both the winemaker and the town’s judge. Judge was passionate about his regulars and welcoming out-of-towners. So, he joined tastings to share his love for grapes, people, and the law. While keeping the town safe was important, his passion was enjoying good wine with good people. Once, Judge realized Berry the Bear stopped trying to recreate the town’s famous wine and simply stole from Wide River Winery instead. Judge took Berry to court and proved his case, after which Berry returned the stolen wine with an apology letter. Justice had been served, but forgiveness was the final victory.

Billy the Patriot

Cody Road Coffee / Cody Road Trading Post @ 114 N. Cody Road

Our local, family-owned businesses pride themselves on producing 100% locally sourced food and drink (Cody Road Coffee) and stocking American-made products (Cody Road Trading Post). To honor and continue to celebrate Buffalo Bill Cody’s impact on the American Frontier, the westward expansion, and the rise of the cowboy as a cultural icon, our buffalo symbolizes the American Dream and influence many men and women — such as Buffalo Bill Cody — had on our country, as well as our small, historic town of LeClaire, IA, that many of us are proud to call the home of our local businesses.

Tyson the Bison

Bamboo Baby Boutique @ 217 N. Cody Road

Tyson the Bison is truly a community project! Many hands helped “paint” and decorate and name him.

Buttercupp

Buttercupp Candles @ 429 N. Cody Road

Once upon a time in the rolling prairies near the Mississippi River lived a young buffalo named Buttercupp. His coat shimmered with hues of golden yellow and a hint of soft greens. He was known for his gentle spirit and his knack for bringing warmth and light to anyone. Buttercupp dreamed of finding a way to bring joy and a touch of magic just like Buffalo Bill Cody, so he made his way to LeClaire. There, he met Ellie Cupp, who saw something special in Buttercupp and painted his coat to reflect his spirit. Buttercupp became the heart of Buttercupp Candles, welcoming everyone with a glow that seemed to come from within.

Harry

Riverboat Twilight @ Front Street

Our buffalo represents the essence of the Twilight, using our signature Twilight blue as its base. Then, some psychedelic poured paint showcases our blended, eccentric Twilight family. The disco ball horns represent how we like to keep it a little weird and funky. And the moss shows the wonderful foliage and scenery you can experience onboard the Twilight. The buffalo was named after the late Harry Alsman, a true friend of the Riverboat Twilight. The design and concept was created by Captain and artist DK. A big thank you to her and her mom for all their hard work on making Harry a masterpiece. Next time you’re at our dock, say “hi”!

Buffalo Bill

Cities Insurance Group @ 510 North Cody Rd.

We have named our buffalo Buffalo Bill on Cody Road! Bill is honored to promote another Iowa legend, Caitlin Clark. He wants everyone to know Caitlin is not only the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) and an inspiration to many young girls, but she is also the B.U.F.F.A.L.O. (Basketball’s Undeniable, Favorite, Female, All-time, Legendary Olympian)! Yes, we know, just wait!

Stonehoof the Bison

LeClaire Civic Club @ 127 S. Cody Road

Some time ago when buffaloes were plenty on the plains, there was a young buffalo called Shadowfire, who walked through what became LeClaire. When he came to a structure, he encountered a group of witches walking through the village. One must have been a Medusa disciple because one look at her face turned Shadowfire to stone. The witch declared he should forever be known by the name Stonehoof. The LeClaire Civic Club wants to thank Helen and Scott Edwards for all the hours and days that went into recreating the likeness of Stonehoof. May he live in petrification eternally.

Antoine LeClaire

The Crane & Pelican Café @ 127 S. Second St.

We named our Buffalo “Antoine” after Antoine LeClaire, the founder of LeClaire.

Wakan Gli

Buffalo Bill Museum @ 199 Front St.

We chose a concept that fits with the Buffalo Bill Museum and decided on the legend of the “white buffalo.” He is white with black crystals on his hooves and eyes. The Legend of the White Buffalo: Wakan Gli, which means “Sacred Return” in Lakota. Only one buffalo of a million will be born “white” — with black hooves and black eyes. The Lakota believe a white buffalo is the most sacred of all creatures, and its birth symbolizes the coming together of humanity in a oneness of heart, mind, and spirit.

Buffa-tini

Steventon’s @ 510 1399 Eagle Ridge Road

Our buffalo’s name is Buffa-tini in honor of our award-winning martinis.

Barney the Buffalo

Green Tree Brewery & Mississippi River Distilling Company @ 303 N. Cody Road

Barney is named after the lovable, libation-loving character from The Simpsons and is a testament to the area’s vibrant brewing and distilling scene. Once a humble, hardworking buffalo on the plains, Barney was drawn to the bustling city lights and the promise of adventure. He wandered until he stumbled upon the Mississippi River, where he found a home among the breweries and distilleries. Barney’s love for food and drink made him a frequent patron of local establishments. His friendly demeanor made him a beloved figure. Now, Barney stands as a symbol of the region’s rich history, its thriving craft beverage scene, and its unwavering spirit.

Brus

The Potter’s House @ 122 N. Cody Road

I am Brus, the Polish pottery buffalo at The Potter’s House in LeClaire, IA. I guard The Potter’s House and I get a little “testy” when people mess with my Polish pottery, so I may bite or kick you! Come take a pic with me, but BEWARE — enter at your own risk!

Bela

Bela @ 510 215 N. Cody Road

The idea for our quirky, customized buffaloes was born from LeClaire’s history with the animal. LeClaire is the birthplace of Buffalo Bill Cody, a famous Old West figure and bison hunter. Our buffalo, Bela, is modeled off Iowa’s beautiful landscape. We’ve always found beauty in its rolling fields and wide-open spaces. This cheerful buffalo features beautiful sunflowers like those near Belle Plaine, blue skies, and a quintessential red barn. Thank you to the talented Sophia Wollan and her husband Josiah, who spent countless hours making Bela the beautifully painted creature she is today! Pose with her for a photo and tag the store!

Patches

Blue Sky Quilt Shop @ 208 S. Cody Road

Patches is painted in a pattern that is known as a "crazy quilt". Every person and experience that has influenced Patches' life have been collected and are represented in each piece of 'fabric'.

Buffaroni

Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream @ 119 N. Cody Road

At Happy Joe’s, a unique sight greeted visitors: Buffaroni, a concrete buffalo with a soft spot for ice cream. Every summer, kids would line up for ice cream cones, giggling and whispering secrets to the buffalo. The owner, Rich, scooped a special flavor — “Buffalo Berry,” a blend of strawberry and blueberry. One afternoon, some children gathered around Buffaroni with colorful construction paper, crafting a giant ice cream cone. When Rich saw their creation, he decided to surprise them. “Tonight, Buffaroni gets his ice cream!” he announced, placing a bowl of Buffalo Berry at the base of the statue. The kids imagined Buffaroni enjoying every scoop. The festival became a tradition, uniting the town through laughter, creativity, and the love of ice cream.

Community Guide | Contact Us

Stampede

Follow the Herd

Everywhere in LeClaire!

How It Works

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Prizes

Stake Your Claim

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• The Buffaloes • & Their Stories