9 BEST Michigan Towns for Antiquing
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Antiquing is more than just a hobby — it’s a lifestyle. Nothing quite compares to the thrill of the hunt, with each antique store representing endless possibilities.
From adding to your treasured collection to discovering something beautiful amid the clutter, you are sure to find something valuable as you go antique shopping in Michigan.
But, where should go? Check out our list of the best Michigan towns for antiquing!
Ishpeming
In the Upper Peninsula, Ishpeming is considered the best place to go antique shopping. Of particular note, you will find the Main Street Antique Mall in the center of the city’s historic downtown area.
Featuring three floors and more than 8,000 square feet of space, the size of this antique mall is surprising to many first-time visitors. While the sheer size of the antique shop may be overwhelming, the shopping experience is anything but stressful.
The shop is organized into specific sections, allowing treasure hunters to focus on the types of items that interest them most. With designated areas for camp and cottage supplies, ladies’ fashion, and mid-century modern items, there is sure to be something for everyone at this store.
NOTE: The hours for this mall vary based on the season, so shoppers should contact the store for its current schedule.
Traverse City
Traverse City may be best known as the Cherry Capital of the World, but it’s also known as one of the best places to go antiquing in Northern Michigan. In the city’s idyllic, historic downtown, you will find three incredible antique shops to explore.
Wilson Antiques
Wilson Antiques is, perhaps, the most widely-known antique shop in Traverse City and has earned accolades for being the most extensive antique store of its kind in Northern Michigan.
The original downtown location has been welcoming shoppers for more than 30 years, and it currently features more than 20,000 square feet of space over four floors and two mezzanine levels.
With 40 vendors showcasing their products, there is literally always something new to discover. Wilson Antiques is open daily throughout the year but is closed on major holidays.
Antiquities Warehouse of Grand Traverse
Founded by a Traverse City native, the Antiquities Warehouse of Grand Traverse elevates the antique shopping experience by adding a touch of refined luxury.
This antique store specializes in curating architectural pieces from around the world, allowing shoppers to browse a wide range of industrial, refurbished, and antique items. It is open year-round but is closed on Sundays and major holidays.
Maggy’s Vintage Shop
Not far from these larger-than-life antique stores, you will find Maggy’s Vintage Shop, an intimate, locally owned shop that specializes in pre-owned items.
From vintage clothing items to retro home decor, this shop has an inventory that is constantly rotating, ensuring that there is always something new to discover. Like the other antique shops in Traverse City, it is open year-round.
Harbor Springs
Those who are searching for a touch of Europe in the heart of the Midwest will love the Joie de Vie antique shop in picturesque Harbor Springs. Established in 1986 as a French Country antique store, this shop has been bringing European antiquities to Michigan for more than 30 years.
While other antique shops rely on vendors to bring in rare finds and interesting products, the owners of this shop provide the inventory. They spend the winter in France and search the countryside for antique products to bring back to their tiny shop in Michigan.
The result is an eclectic inventory featuring rare items, antique products, and contemporary artwork from France, Belgium, Spain, and Italy. Joie de Vie is open year-round, but it typically is not open for business on Sundays.
Lansing
Described as the state’s most unique shopping experience, the Mega Mall in Lansing may be the best Michigan town for antiquing in the Great Lakes State.
Boasting more than 40,000 square feet of space, this larger-than-life mall is not one to rush through. Most shoppers spend at least several hours — if not the entire day — browsing the eclectic inventory.
Items for sale at the Mega Mall include antiques, craft items, home decor, vintage furniture, and more, allowing shoppers to find anything that their hearts desire. In addition to its massive inventory, this shop has earned a reputation for jaw-dropping prices.
The Mega Mall is open daily throughout the entire year, and it’s one of the best places to snag a deal in Michigan.
Kalamazoo
On the west side of the state, shoppers will find that Kalamazoo is a top-tier antiquing city. It is home to some truly unique antique shops, many of which specialize in specific products and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Heritage Architectural Salvage & Supply
Heritage Architectural Salvage & Supply combines the joy of antique shopping with the challenge of home improvement projects. This antique shop specializes in salvaged windows and doors, antique furniture, and vintage hardware, inviting visitors to find one-of-a-kind pieces for their modern homes.
For DIYers, this shop is a literal dream come true. This shop is open year-round but is closed on Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays.
Kalamazoo Antiques Market
If you are in search of a traditional antiquing experience, head to the Kalamazoo Antiques Market, which is the only shop of its kind in the downtown area.
Featuring vendors that offer antique decor, artwork, and more, this market is a favorite among locals who are passionate about antiquing. This market opens daily throughout the entire year.
Bay City
In Bay City, the two largest antique retailers operate side by side and give shoppers a glimpse of what can happen when two businesses partner together collaboratively and innovatively.
The Bay Antique Center and the Bay City Antiques Center combine to provide antique shoppers with more than 60,000 square feet of space to explore. Since the stores encompass an entire city block, it’s recommended that you come ready to spend the entire day.
Not only will you find antique home goods, retro toys, and vintage clothing, but you also will be able to discover incredible collections of antique bottles, iconic trading cards, handmade pottery, fine china, and Victorian furniture.
Both shops are open seven days per week throughout the entire year.
Allen
Located near Michigan’s southern border with Ohio, Allen is a town that would be easy to pass through. While it may be home to just more than 200 full-time residents, this tiny town has earned a reputation for being one of the best Michigan towns for antiquing.
There are more antique stores per capita in Allen than there are in any other town in the state, and some of these shops have some truly incredible items for sale.
Hog Creek Antique Mall
Perhaps the most well-known antique store is the Hog Creek Antique Mall, which has more than 150 vendors and more than 23,000 square feet of space.
While the inventory changes daily, some of the treasures that you might find include vintage carousel horses, postcards and roadmaps, records, retro Pyrex, Victorian decor, and Disney collectibles. This shop offers daily shopping throughout the year.
Allen Antique Barn
As the largest antique shop in Michigan’s antique capital, the Allen Antique Barn is a favorite among avid shoppers. Self-described as having two barns under one roof, this massive antique shop consists of two floors and more than 300 vendor booths.
While each vendor has something different to offer, this shop is particularly well known for its antique furnishings. It is open daily throughout the year.
Smaller Stores
In addition to these large antique shops in Allen, you will find dozens of smaller shops within just a few miles of each other. If antiquing is your passion, Allen needs to be your next Michigan destination!
Ypsilanti
Located in historic Depot Town, Salt City Antiques is an antique shop that feels as if it was preserved during the 1960s and ’70s.
While other antique shops have an inventory that spans across the decade, this shop specializes in mid-century modern products, helping to stand apart from other nearby antique malls.
Shoppers will find furniture, wall hangings, glassware, and more, and inventory is constantly being added. Salt City Antiques is open year-round but typically closes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Livonia
In Southeast Michigan, the best place for antique shopping is Livonia, which is home to the Town Peddler Craft and Antique Mall. Established in 1993, this is the largest and oldest antique shop of its kind.
It features more than 400 dealers, all of whom have distinct displays that include handmade goods, craft items, retro decor, antiques, and repurposed products.
In addition to being famous for its vast inventory, this craft and antique shop is known for its welcoming culture and helpful staff members. It is open year-round but is closed on major holidays.
Plan Your Adventures at the Best Michigan Towns for Antiquing
No two antique shops are alike, which is why those who are passionate about antiquing prefer to travel far and wide to explore the many antique stores in the state. When you take a day trip to these Michigan towns, you can return home with incredible treasures from eras gone by.