10 of Minnesota's Best Towns for Antique Shopping

Located along Highway 94 between the Twin Cities and Fargo, Alexandria is a hidden gem with plenty to offer: lakes, woods, museums, hiking trails, and a vibrant historic downtown lined with boutiques, restaurants, and antique shops. 

Take a stroll down Broadway Street and pop into Now & Then Antique Mall, a former bank turned multi-level treasure trove of vintage finds. Just up the way, Past & Present Home Gallery offers everything from dining sets and hutches to seasonal décor and everyday essentials. Continue on to explore Yesterday’s Antiques and Narlie’s Upscale Consignment Boutique. 

For comic book lovers and collectors, don’t miss Hidden Treasures Collectibles and Comics at the Viking Plaza Mall, where you’ll find everything from classic comics and games to action figures and other nostalgia.

Venture to Bemidji, where the Northwoods meets 400 lakes within a 25-mile radius of town. Lake Bemidji marks the northernmost lake feeding the Mississippi, earning the town its well-deserved nickname: “The First City on the Mississippi.” As you head into town, you’ll be greeted by the statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. 

Grandma’s Attic Antique Mall, located downtown, is Bemidji’s largest antique store, featuring a wide variety of primitive and antique goods. Head a couple of blocks over to visit First City Antique Mall. Back N Time Antiques and Americana is a short drive north and features rustic lodge decor, folk art, and handcrafted wooden furniture. 

Beyond antiques, Bemidji is home to a variety of thrift and consignment stores scattered across town.

Roughly 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis, Buffalo is renowned for its abundance of antique and home goods shops, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a whole weekend of shopping. Buffalo is home of “the occasional sale”—a local tradition where shops in town are open the first Thursday through Sunday of each month. Many shops are also open from Thursday to Sunday, with some remaining open daily. 

On the edge of town, you’ll find Buffalo Nickel Antiques, with two stories of rustic primitives, vintage items and home goods housed in a charming white-and-brick barn. Head further into town to visit Now & Again, Annie’s Attic Antiques, and Lakeview Antiques and Collectibles — all within walking distance of each other. 

Check out Waldon Woods Antiques on your way into or out of town, known for their nautical goods, in-home bars, antique clocks, and stained glass windows. Time your visit for the first weekend of the month to visit Second Hand Rose and This and That Occasional Sale.

On the eastern shore of Lake Superior, Duluth offers a rich mix of natural beauty, breweries, restaurants, and shopping. Its antique scene is equally impressive, though best explored by car, with shops spread across several neighborhoods. 

Father Time Antiques in historic Canal Park is an easy stop if you’re in the area, featuring a great selection of rugs, kitchenware, dining ware, and linens. Take a quick trek to the downtown waterfront to visit Lester River Trading Co. 

East of downtown, you’ll find Old Town Antiques & Books and Chester Creek Books. The latter is housed in a former church, featuring a collection of over 40,000 books and antiques. 

On the city’s westside, head to Duluth Antique Marketplace on Grand Ave, surrounded by a few more shops within walking distance. And just outside Duluth, The Vintage Hideaway Marketplace in Hermantown is well worth a stop for its wide-ranging selection.

The city of Hopkins is located a few miles west of Minneapolis and is just four square miles in size. Its charming downtown boasts five antique shops along Mainstreet (the local spelling), making it a growing antiques hub in the metro. 

Antiques on Mainstreet offers 7,000 square feet of treasures across two levels, with an eclectic mix of vintage goods. Just steps away, Pink Elephant Vintage & Antiques spans three stories and specializes in retro and mid-century modern finds. Blake Antiques specializes in pieces from the 1850s to the 1960s, featuring a curated selection of high-quality furniture. 

Nearby, Hopkins Antique Mall provides another large space filled with vintage clothing, jewelry, old technology, and furnishings, while Jack’s Vintage Jewelry showcases vintage estate and costume jewelry.

An hour’s drive from the Twin Cities, Northfield is home to both St. Olaf and Carleton colleges and offers a cute downtown nestled along the scenic Cannon River. With its mix of mom-and-pop restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and unique boutiques, it’s the perfect spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway. 

Stroll down Division Street and explore a handful of vintage shops — all within easy walking distance — each offering its own eclectic mix of items. 

At Vintage Etc., you’ll find an ever-changing collection of novelties, artwork, vinyl, stereo equipment, and clothing. Down the street, Fate Vintage & Estate Sales showcases artwork, books, glassware, dinnerware, and a plethora of quirky finds, along with occasional estate sales worth planning around. 

Marketplace @ 416 combines vintage with contemporary, offering a mix of upcycled, handmade, and new goods. Antiques of Northfield is home to the world’s most extensive collection of 1950s TV lamps, alongside everyday items and rare, one-of-a-kind pieces. 

If you're in a thrifty mood, head down a few more blocks to Used-A-Bit Shoppe, a used home goods store operated by local seniors.

Nestled along the scenic Mississippi River bluffs in Southeastern Minnesota, Red Wing is a city steeped in history and industry. Known for its rich legacy of craftsmanship, Red Wing has long been a hub for Minnesota manufacturing, producing everything from work boots and ice skates to its famous stoneware pottery. If you’re a fan of Red Wing Pottery, there’s no better place to visit than the city where it all began. Local antique shops proudly showcase the iconic brand. 

At Larry’s Jugs & Antiques, you can check out a variety of vintage and antique items, including a large selection of crocks and stoneware. Nearby, Pottery Place Antiques, located in the former Red Wing Pottery factory, features two stories of items, including antique kitchenware, glassware, and vintage clothing. 

Home of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester is situated along the rolling bluffs of the Zumbro River in southwestern Minnesota. With a mix of cosmopolitan innovation — thanks to its world-renowned healthcare facilities — and old-school Minnesota charm, Rochester is a scenic destination for dining, entertainment, and shopping. 

John Kruesel’s General Merchandise is a prime destination for antique shopping downtown. It’s chock-full of curious items, including pictures, clothing, and memorabilia. However, vintage light fixtures are the shop’s specialty — a must for historically accurate homes. 

Old Rooster Antique Mall, situated just outside downtown, is a prime location to find vintage and antique furniture, as well as other home goods such as lamps, dinnerware, and collectibles. 

There are also several antique stores in nearby communities just outside of Rochester, too, including Old River Valley Antique Mall (Stewartville) to the south, Mantorville Square Antiques (Mantorville) and Cherished Antiques & Furniture (Kasson) to the west, and Eyota Antiques (Eyota) to the east.

Considered Minnesota’s oldest town, Stillwater is one of the state’s premier destinations for antiquing. The city’s historic Main Street, located along the banks of the St. Croix River, offers a scenic destination to search for well-loved items. The city’s antique shops are known for their expansive, multi-level spaces — perfect for both leisurely browsing and dedicated searching. 

Get lost in Midtown Antiques, the largest antique mall in the Midwest. Its third floor features a wide selection of antique American and European furniture. Meanwhile, on the lower floors, you will find jewelry, leaded glass windows, artwork, antique lighting, and much more. 

Staples Mill Antiques is housed in the historic 1850s Isaac Staples Sawmill, the oldest building left in downtown Stillwater. Inside the 10,000-square-foot, 2½-story structure, you’ll wind through a maze of rooms filled with treasures. 

It’s also worth checking out Stillwater Antiques Mall, known for its selection of fine antiques, and American Gothic Antiques, known for its mix of antique items and handcrafted goods from local artists.

Take a trip to Winona in Southeastern Minnesota and explore the area’s stunning Mississippi River bluffs, then spend some time browsing the city’s unique antique shops. 

Just outside of town, you'll find Treasures Under Sugar Loaf, named for the iconic bluff it sits beneath. This three-story emporium is a true destination for antique lovers, offering everything from breweriana and antique car parts to retro telephones and toys. 

In town, don’t miss Riverland Auctions & Thrift Store. Though technically a thrift store, this massive space features entire estates, packed with vintage clothing, housewares, and surplus goods. 

Other local spots worth checking out include A-Z Collectables, Pieces of the Past, and The Rusty Bucket (note: temporarily closed).

Find more of Minnesota's best shopping.