Greater Minnesota's Best Bookstores

Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery in Park Rapids sells books, offers bindery services, hosts book groups, and welcomes authors for special events. Located next door to Bella Caffè, it’s the perfect spot to grab a book and a coffee for the afternoon.

The region’s largest used bookstore, Biffley’s & Bookmark sells used books, board games, card and dice games, DVDs, vinyl records, and more. 

Nearby, Victor Lundeen Company also offers a large selection of books alongside its long-held (more than 100 years!), sterling reputation as a print shop. 

Browse new and used books at Big Pine Books in downtown Perham in Otter Tail County. Join one of their monthly book clubs or their special author signings.

Located in historic downtown Detroit Lakes, Bluebird Books opened its doors in 2022. View their selection of books, read in their cozy reading corners, or attend special events featuring popular Minnesota writers like William Kent Krueger.

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Filled with new and used books, The Book Keepers is the only bookstore in a 30-mile radius of Hutchinson. They also sell puzzles, board games, greeting cards, and locally sourced crafts.

Located in an old jewelry store, this historic downtown bookstore combines grandeur with a wide selection of used books. Fully operated by volunteers, all proceeds benefit local nonprofits supported by Rice County Area United Way. Take time to browse through glowing shelves of donated books under the light of a solo chandelier. Plus, make a day of it by exploring its well-curated sections and intentional space for kids and then book a tour at Faribault Woolen Mill Company, one of the country’s last fully integrated woolen mills.”

Featuring thousands of titles, Books Revisited in St. Cloud has one of the largest selections in the region. Stroll through the stacks to discover a new author or cross the next book off your list.

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With a mission to foster a love of reading for all, this shop offers a welcoming space for readers to find their next read or attend an event. They have over 5,000 titles available, including gently used books.

An independent bookstore in the heart of downtown Alexandria, Cherry Street Books offers a thoughtfully curated selection for readers of all ages. Stop in for story time, author events and book clubs, or join in on summer reading challenges designed especially for kids.

Content Bookstore is more than just a place to buy books. Take your time browsing shelves filled with thoughtfully curated titles, complete with handwritten staff notes, mood-based recommendations and plenty of personality. Displays highlight everything from National Book Club picks to hidden gems, and the knowledgeable staff is always ready to help you find your next great read. 

Once you’ve made your selections, cross a few names off your gift list with puzzles, stickers, journals, cards and other charming finds. Then wander into the attached kids’ shop, stocked with games, toys, age-appropriate books, costumes and a highly coveted selection of plush Jellycat toys.

Find books, puzzles, sweets, Minnesota-made goods and more at Dorset Books & Candy Shack in the tiny town of Dorset (population 22). Located near the Heartland Trail and in the self-proclaimed “Restaurant Capital of the World,” this charming stop is well worth a visit when exploring one of Minnesota’s smallest communities. 

Just when you think Grand Marais couldn’t be more charming, you stumble upon Drury Lane Books. Perched along the shore with sweeping views of Lake Superior, this cozy shop invites you to linger, whether you’re browsing through thoughtfully curated shelves or flipping through a new find. For more than 20 years, it’s been a beloved stop for readers seeking the perfect North Shore read.

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This dark red brick bookstore is like stepping into a cozy novel with books stacked and packed on shelves. Make the trip even more unique by taking the one-hour train ride from Union Depot to Red Wing for the day. You’ll find certified puzzles, a small but broad kids’ section and incredibly helpful staff. It’s obvious they enjoy finding books for people. 

In fact, be sure to let them know if it’s your first time in. We won’t give away the surprise; all we’ll say is, “books make great gifts.”

This popular bookstore inside Lake Affect Coffee offers new and used titles. They regularly host story time, writing workshops, and The New London Story Show, featuring live readings from local writers. 

Four Pines Bookstore in downtown Bemidji is the town’s only independent bookstore and offers hundreds of selections. They also host author readings or signings, adult book fairs, a book club, and reading challenges.

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While there are actually no live plants here, they somehow still manage to make you feel like you’re walking through a secret garden. After you leave the main entry, you’re invited to step into smaller rooms for each genre. They’ve taken the time to decorate and offer gifts that fit the books housed there, so it truly feels like you’re walking into a new little world. This bookstore encourages you to settle in, whether on the various seating options in the store or on their quaint covered patio.

Pronounced LOO-ka, this store literally means “happiness,” and they take that tagline seriously. There's a lot of joy contained in these walls, including a coffee shop, two gallery spaces, cheeky New Ulm souvenirs, a 100-year-old piano you can actually play, community puzzles, and a staircase that leads to nowhere. 

With so much to take in, the slower service at the coffee bar feels like an intentional and gentle reminder not to rush. While you can’t go wrong with your coffee order, don't miss the seasonal, lightly sweetened Butterbier Latte. 

The space’s open layout makes everything feel spacious while still providing a decent number of nooks for sipping coffee and reading. The entire back corner by the stairs that lead to nowhere is dedicated to infant, early, middle and young adult books. Lykke also has a good variety of books by Native American authors and offers a cult-fave “mystery date with a book.”

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More Than Words is a woman-owned independent bookstore in Moorhead offering a welcoming spot to find a book, read, and connect with the community. Find books, calendars, candles, games, and more. Join one of their popular events, including a cookbook club, book fairs, and audiobook walks.

Dubbed “a very gently used bookstore,” A Novel Idea Book Shop in Willmar is operated inside the Middle Fork Cafe. Browse their vast selection or join one of their “silent book clubs” to connect with other readers and enjoy your current book.

Four out of five readers agree that the smell of old book pages when you walk into this store immediately melts all the tension from your shoulders. Well, that, combined with the warmth of soothing folk music, soft lighting, and the seasoned owner. There are BOGO kids’ books and every kind of fiction you could desire. What’s ever impressive and worth the stop alone is the wide selection of non-fiction that took over 30 years to build.

Right as you walk into Paperbacks and Pieces, you’re greeted with a robust “New” section for all ages, but the real magic is in the revolving book rack upon revolving book rack of Harlequin romance books. With ample browsing space, kids can find their next read in the used middle reader and young adult sections. 

For those looking for a deal, the bargain book section has your name on it. With books for as little as 25 cents and comfy chairs to cozy up in, you can easily spend a few hours here. Add some local items like tea towels, candles, and book-themed items to your cart before you head back up to the register.

Located upstairs at Piagris Northwoods Company in downtown Ely — not far from the dark skies and peerless paddling of the Boundary Waters — this shop sells a little bit of everything, including nature guides, local authors, children’s books, science fiction, and mysteries.

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There's a wide variety of books in this whimsical community center, but most jaw-dropping is the dedicated local section featuring Minnesota authors, plots and gifts. Nibble on some old-timey candy as you browse the Sweet Collections in the back. This rotating mini-museum features new items every quarter. Past items on display have been Berenstain Bears, Hot Wheels, retro radios, Snoopy, and more. 

The owner is likely to strike up a friendly conversation with you and wrap any of your purchases with care and creativity.

This independent woman-owned shop in Grand Rapids is located in the historic Old Pokegama Hotel Building. It hosts events all year, including themed book clubs for romance, mystery, and fantasy.

As you walk into the Zenith Bookstore — past its iconic storefront with brightly painted books — you will be greeted with thousands of books. Selling new and gently used books, greeting cards, puzzles, and gifts for book lovers, you can’t miss this gem in West Duluth. 

Find even more excellent bookstores in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.