Best Antique Shops to Visit in the Midwest

As empty-nesters, my husband and I seek out antique stores when we travel. That’s why we’ve put together the best antique shops to visit in the midwest.

I don’t know about you, but I can browse antique shops over Black Friday sales any day. In the Midwest, I feel like road trips and antique shopping go hand in hand. 

The Best Antique Shops in the Midwest

Driving through the countryside, looking for the best antique shops in the Midwest, is the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. From small shops to giant antique malls, these are just a few of the best antique shops in the Midwest.

Illinois – Sandwich Antique Mart

2300 East Church Street, Sandwich, IL; 815-786-6122

Ask anyone in Illinois where to find antiques, and they’ll send you to Sandwich. (The Mississippi River town of Galena would be a close second choice!) Shoppers can browse amongst antique furniture, pottery, glassware, and home accessories. This is the oldest antique shop in Sandwich, and they often have special themed events throughout the year. At just 60 miles away, Sandwich makes for an easy day trip from Chicago.  

Indiana – Vintage Treasures Antique Mall

625 West Coliseum Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN; 260-482-9455

Antique shopping is just one of the many fun things to do in Fort Wayne, Indiana! They sell more than antiques here, as you can find furniture, crafts, upcycled and recycled items, as well as “barn finds.” All told, there is over 20,000 square feet of space at the Vintage Treasures Antique Mall, so give yourself plenty of time to explore, and bring plenty of money as you just never know what you’ll find!

Iowa – Antique Archaeology

115 Davenport Street, Le Claire, IA; 563-265-3939

If you’ve watched the History Channel’s American Pickers, you’re already familiar with Le Claire, Iowa. The show put Le Claire on the map as an antique destination, and you can now shop several antique shops just one block off the Mississippi River. The store sells a combination of American Pickers merchandise and actual antiques, so you may not find as many antiques as you might expect. Give yourself a full day to explore the other shops and restaurants of Le Claire, though!

Kansas – Paramount Antique Mall

13200 US-54, Wichita, KS; 316-722-0500

Paramount is so popular, they actually have three different locations, so you may want to consider a Kansas road trip to visit them all. Find glassware, vintage advertising, coins, jewelry, pottery, china, and so much more. In the warmer months, from April to October, all locations also host outdoor vintage flea markets once a month. The outdoor markets sometimes attract over 100 vendors, so you may need more than one day for the full experience. 

Michigan – Around the Farm Antiques

12025 Gera Road, Birch Run, MI; 989-244-6056

With nearly 50 booths from various antique dealers, this Michigan antique shop is the perfect place to shop in Saginaw County. If you happen to be on a weekend getaway in Frankenmuth, Birch Run is just 15 minutes away. In addition to a large collection of antique license plates for sale, you’ll find plenty of nostalgic farm equipment and tools that will take you back to the days of running around grandpa’s farm. 

Minnesota – Midtown Antique Mall 

301 Main Street South, Stillwater, MN; 651-430-0808

This antique mall on the Mississippi River claims to be the largest in the Midwest. With three floors of antiques, the third floor is dedicated entirely to antique furniture. Over 65 dealers contribute to the ever-changing inventory here, and shoppers can find anything from toys, comics, and stamps, to jewelry, coins, and flatware. With several other antique shops in town, Stillwater is definitely a destination for antique hunters. 

Missouri – Relics Antique Mall 

2015 Battlefield Road, Springfield, MO; 417-885-0007

With a cute cafe and an events center, Relics is more than just Missouri’s largest antique mall. This 90,000 square foot antique mall has antiques, collectibles and a huge flea market. In addition to the usual antique items, they have some unique offerings, like vinyl records, vintage Barbies, and original Sears catalogs for a blast from the past. This place is so huge, you’ll definitely need a full day, and a food break at Relics Cafe. 

Nebraska – Grain Bin Antique Town

10641 South Old Highway 83 Road, North Platte, NE; 308-539-7401

This adorable “antique town” consists of 20 restored wooden granaries, each holding loads of antiques, in a picturesque setting. An antique boardwalk connects the granaries, as well as the central barn, which also houses more antiques to browse. The prices are super reasonable, and it’s hard to walk away empty-handed as the staff is just so friendly and welcoming. Whether you live in Nebraska or are just passing through, the Grain Bin Antique Town is worth the detour!

North Dakota – Fargo Antiques & Repurposed Market

5258 51st Avenue South, #300, Fargo, ND; 701-356-9199

Known as the FARM, the Fargo Antiques & Repurposed Market is one of the best antique shops in North Dakota. With over 60 different vendors in one location, you can find just about anything you are looking for, and lots of cool antiques that you didn’t even know you needed. In addition to antiques, the FARM has furniture, collectibles, vintage items, repurposed items. They even sell vintage candy!

Ohio – Ohio Valley Antique Mall

7285 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, OH; 513-874-7855

Voted one of the best places to shop in Cincinnati, the Ohio Valley Antique Mall is huge! There are over 500 antique dealers, and they are always adding new inventory, so even if you’ve already been, it’s worth coming back for another look. Browse through furniture, books, clothing, and collectibles spread over 85,000 square feet. If you have more time, there are plenty of great antique shops in Butler County. 

South Dakota – St. Joe Antiques Mall 

615 St. Joseph St., Rapid City, SD; 605-341-1073

With over 20,000 square feet of retail space, this is the largest antique shop in South Dakota. This antique mall has 45 individual dealers, so there’s a wide selection of antiques to browse. Since this is such a popular spot for antique shoppers, the inventory changes frequently, so you can always find something new. Whether you’re looking for furniture, tools, artwork, collectibles, clothing, books, glassware, or military memorabilia, you can find it at St. Joe Antiques Mall. 

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Dells Antique Mall

S2279 Timothy Lane, Baraboo, WI; 608-356-7600

We love this Wisconsin antique shop for the shopping and the location. Wisconsin Dells is a super fun family destination, with outdoor adventure, tons of indoor and outdoor waterparks, and several hotels and restaurants. So, let the family enjoy a day at the waterpark while you antique in peace! There are over 250 antique dealers, and the property also houses a craft mall, cafe, winery, and the Wisconsin Opry. You might need more than a full day to see everything at the Wisconsin Dells Antique Mall.

Do you enjoy shopping for antiques? Share your favorite antique store or shopping experience below.