To most people, Mike Wolfe is the guy behind the wheel on American Pickers, navigating America’s backroads in search of vintage treasures. But behind the camera, Wolfe is living out something far deeper than televised picking—he’s using his love for history to breathe new life into forgotten towns and fading communities.
This deeper journey, known to some as the Mike Wolfe passion project, is less about artifacts and more about purpose. It’s about preserving the character of small-town America, valuing craftsmanship, and telling the stories of places and people who shaped what this country once was—and could be again.
Let’s take a closer look at the roots of this mission, how it’s changing towns across the country, and why it just might inspire you to look at Main Street a little differently.
Why Restoration Became Wolfe’s True Calling
Wolfe has always been drawn to forgotten things—whether it’s a dusty gas station sign or a pre-war motorcycle with more rust than metal. But somewhere along the way, his passion evolved. It wasn’t just about owning pieces of history; it was about honoring them.
He started to notice that the small towns he visited weren’t just losing their shops—they were losing their identity. For him, that realization turned into a mission: to help these communities—and their architecture—stand tall again.
And so, his passion project was born. Not a business. Not a TV show idea. A personal crusade rooted in love for old things, old ways, and the people who still believe in both.
Just like unexpected turns in history, such as the United Airlines Flight UA770 emergency diversion, Wolfe’s journey shows how moments of change can create lasting impact.
Coming Home to LeClaire, Iowa
For all his miles on the road, Wolfe found himself coming home to LeClaire, Iowa, a Mississippi River town he once couldn’t wait to leave. Ironically, it’s now the heartbeat of his restoration work.
One key turning point was purchasing a three-story brick building from the 1860s—once used as a storefront and left largely untouched. He described uncovering it as feeling like he was walking through a time capsule. Forgotten tools. Handmade furniture. Layers of local history sealed behind closed doors.
That property would become his headquarters, store, and creative haven—and the beginning of something much bigger than he originally imagined.
Saving America’s Main Streets
If there’s one place that reflects the soul of a small town, it’s Main Street. These once-busy strips were the heartbeat of communities—where neighbors met, newspapers were sold, and businesses thrived.
But years of economic shifts, sprawling suburbia, and dot-com convenience left many of these places hollowed and forgotten. Wolfe saw the decay up close, and he couldn’t ignore it. He saw an opportunity to restore not just individual buildings, but the energy and pride of Main Streets themselves.
His approach? Start small. One building. One block. One conversation with a local craftsman who remembers how things used to be. Before long, one restoration turns into a ripple effect.
Real-World Examples:
| Town | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, Tennessee | Shuttered garages, broken windows | Boutique shops, art spaces, foot traffic buzzing |
| LeClaire, Iowa | Boarded-up historic structures | Restored antiques hub, thriving tourism stop |
| Nashville, Tennessee | Abandoned warehouse space | Mixed-use gallery and vintage retail |
A Closer Look at the Columbia Project
Perhaps the strongest example of Wolfe’s vision coming to life is in Columbia, Tennessee.
Over the past several years, Wolfe purchased and restored multiple buildings around its Main Street. Instead of bringing in big retail chains or trendy restaurants, he turned the spaces over to local craftsmen, antique dealers, and business owners with roots in the community.
It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about belonging. Locals now walk those sidewalks with pride.
And it’s working. The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce reported a 60% increase in foot traffic the year after his first restoration projects were completed.
This isn’t flipping properties for profit. It’s investing in living history.
Two Lanes: A Love Letter to Small-Town America
Wolfe has always had a soft spot for those stretches of road most people drive past in a hurry—two-lane highways with empty diners, dusty signs, and maybe a hidden antique shop if you squint hard enough.
That’s what inspired Two Lanes, a brand that’s part blog, part store, and part movement. Through it, Wolfe shares stories, photos, and products that reflect a slower, more intentional way of life: handmade leather wallets, salvaged tools, hand-stitched denim—all sourced from American makers.
Behind every photo and every item is a story of someone who still makes things with care. It’s not nostalgia—it’s real life.
The Motorcycle Connection
Long-time viewers of American Pickers already know: Wolfe loves motorcycles, sometimes more than the people around them. But few fully realize how motorcycles tie into his broader storytelling vision.
Old bikes, especially early Indian and Harley-Davidson models, are physical representations of resilience and rebellion. Wolfe doesn’t just restore them—he curates them. Often exhibiting them in restored buildings, they add visual poetry to his spaces.
When you walk into one of his projects, you might smell old leather, hear roots music playing softly, and see a WWII-era board track racer proudly displayed like a piece of art. It’s immersive and intentional.
Honoring the Craft of American Makers
Wolfe’s project goes beyond fixing up buildings or collecting antiques. He’s passionate about putting local, skilled hands back to work.
Take a look at the kinds of artisans he supports:
| Craft Area | Type of Product |
|---|---|
| Leatherwork | Hand-stitched belts, bags, and accessories |
| Reclaimed Woodwork | Tables, shelves, and store fixtures |
| Fabric & Textile | Raw denim, vintage-style work aprons |
| Metal Signage | Hand-punched road signs, directional art pieces |
His Two Lanes platform gives these makers visibility—and encourages consumers to choose quality over quantity.
Restoring Economies, Not Just Walls
When Wolfe steps into a forgotten building, he’s thinking about more than plaster and paint. He thinks about what that restoration will give back to the town.
From Asheville, NC to Marfa, TX to LeClaire, IA—Wolfe-linked projects have created unique destinations, supported small businesses, and sparked tourism where it had faded.
According to Main Street America’s 2025 report, towns that have implemented heritage-driven revitalization saw:
- 38% more small business applications
- 65% increase in local tourism
- 41% year-over-year growth in community grant access
It’s proof that passion—when paired with action—can be incredibly good for economics.
Inspiring a New Generation of Preservationists
Wolfe knows history only lasts if someone keeps passing it on. That’s why his projects increasingly focus on education and mentorship.
Through school trips, hands-on rustoration events, and artisan apprenticeships, he’s helping the next generation fall in love with the old stuff—and learn to take care of it.
Whether it’s a teen welding for the first time or a local woodworker teaching a trade class, these efforts spark careers, not just curiosity.
How You Can Be Part of the Mission
You don’t need to own a historic building or be on TV to make a difference. In fact, Wolfe would be the first to tell you that real change starts with small steps:
- Support your neighborhood antique shop instead of a box store
- Restore something old instead of throwing it away
- Talk to an older neighbor about your town’s past
- Share your own two-lane stories on social media
- Travel slow and intentionally—your favorite place might not be on the interstate
It doesn’t take much to start your own passion project. You just have to look at what’s around you with fresh eyes.
FAQs
What exactly is the Mike Wolfe passion project?
It’s Wolfe’s long-term effort to restore small-town America through preservation, craftsmanship, and community revitalization.
Where can you see his projects in person?
Places like Columbia (TN), Nashville, and LeClaire (IA) all feature restored buildings and shops tied to Wolfe’s mission.
Is Wolfe still part of American Pickers in 2025?
Yes—and he’s using the platform to continue promoting preservation and storytelling.
What is Two Lanes?
A blend of blog, brand, and retail experience founded by Wolfe to highlight American-made goods and backroad stories.
How can I support local preservation like Wolfe?
Shop small, respect your town’s history, volunteer locally, and advocate for restoring—not replacing—what’s already there.
Conclusion
The Mike Wolfe passion project is rooted in something simple but rare: the belief that history is worth saving—and that communities don’t need skyscrapers to matter.
By honoring old buildings, supporting skilled makers, and walking the sidewalks of forgotten towns, Wolfe proves you can build a future without erasing the past. It’s not a TV plot. It’s a lifestyle. And it’s one more of us could stand to live by.
