The History Channel’s long running series American Pickers is heading back to Illinois this September, and producers are looking for private collectors, unique properties and the stories behind them.
Led by creator and host Mike Wolfe, the series has spent more than 16 years traveling America’s back roads in search of forgotten treasures, vintage memorabilia and one of a kind collections. Rather than focusing on antique stores or flea markets, the production visits private collections where history has been preserved in barns, garages, warehouses and family properties.
The production team announced they will be filming throughout Illinois and neighboring Iowa during September 2026. Producers are currently accepting leads from collectors who may have historically significant items or unusual collections.
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American Pickers premiered on The History Channel in 2010 and has become one of the network’s signature unscripted series. While the show’s cast has evolved over the years, its mission has remained the same. Discovering forgotten pieces of American history while sharing the stories of the people who have preserved them.
Illinois has long been familiar territory for the series. Numerous episodes have featured collections across the state, including several memorable visits in the Chicago area, northern Illinois and Mike Wolfe’s hometown of Joliet.
The production is interested only in private collections. Antique stores, flea markets, museums and businesses that are regularly open to the public are not eligible.
Illinois residents who believe they have a collection worth considering are asked to include their name, city and state, contact information and a brief description of their collection to americanpickers@cineflix.com or call (646) 493-2184.
