Minnesotans love a good bargain. After all, we are home to Target, one of the largest discount retailers in the world. But what if you're on the hunt for something truly unique that you can't get at a regular store? Easy. You head out to one of these nine Minnesota flea markets to haggle for your fabulous one-of-a-kind treasures. These are some of the best flea markets in the state.
1. Shady Hollow Flea Market - Detroit Lakes
Starting off our list of the best flea markets in Minnesota is the Shady Hollow Flea Market. This Detroit Lakes flea market has been around for over 40 years - and for good reason. It is considered one of the best in the entire state. With 23 permanent vendors and over 100 others from around the area, you will always find something new at this flea market. Find your newest treasure - vintage t-shirts, antique housewares, old records, and more - every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
2. Hamel Lions Flea Market - Medina
On any given Sunday throughout the summer, those in the know stop in at the Hamel Lions Flea Market in Medina. Shoppers line up for the unique doodads and trinkets you can buy from vendors at this outdoor flea market. It runs every Sunday from May through September in the Medina Entertainment Center parking lot. Visit the Hamel Lions Flea Market website for the most current dates and times.
3. Elko Traders' Market - Elko
Elko is a small town not far south of the Twin Cities, but its population must double when the Elko Traders' Market opens up. The market is only open on Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day weekends but it's so good that you should probably start planning now. Dealers show up from miles around with everything from costume jewelry to that long-lost toy your mom threw away in the '60s. Mark your calendar for some incredible shopping at this Minnesota flea market.
4. Wright County Swappers Meet - South Haven
Here is one of the most enormous Minnesota flea markets. It's located in South Haven about an hour northwest of the Twin Cities. On a normal weekend, they have a few hundred vendors. Depending on the weekend, this place sometimes hosts 500 vendors - and many more shoppers! Pop in on summer weekends April through August to find antiques, crafts, and more.
5. Stillwater Flea Market - Stillwater
The Stillwater Flea Market is held the last weekend of every month from May through September. If you look hard enough, you'll be able to find beautiful antiques at amazing prices. Why? Because the Stillwater Flea Market is huge. Bonus: its organizers also host craft and gift fairs at various locations throughout the year. Coming here is sure to make shopping in Minnesota fun! Visit the Stillwater Flea Market Facebook page to learn more.
6. Gold Rush Days Antique & Market Show - Oronoco
Every year, the little town of Oronoco goes all out for one weekend during its Gold Rush Days antique market. This event operates much like a flea market: vendors show up with their goods, and eager buyers flock to the town to snap them up. The only difference is that, since it's an antique market, you know you'll find something good. Gold Rush Days is celebrated every third week in August. Visit the Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days Facebook page to learn more.
7. Fling Flea Market - Anoka
The Fling Flea Market is unique because it is one of the few Minnesota flea markets located completely indoors. On the second Sunday of every month from October through April, visitors can browse wares without having to brave the cold. This is the best flea market for thrifting in Minnesota. Visit the Fling Flea Market Facebook page to learn more.
8. St. Cloud Indoor Flea Market - St. Cloud
Inside a nondescript red building by the side of the road, a secondhand shopper’s paradise awaits. This well-stocked shop is open five days a week all year long. There is always something new on the shelves here, so you should probably stop in at least once a week to scoop up the treasures before someone else does. This flea market is open Tuesday through Saturday. Visit the St. Cloud Indoor Flea Market Facebook page to learn more.
9. Wadena Flea Market - Wadena
Last on our list of the best flea markets in Minnesota is the Wadena Flea Market. Operating every weekend from May through September, the Wadena Flea Market is all you need if you're in the area looking for an antique fix. This flea market has four buildings with indoor vendors, but it often gets so large that people set up outside as well. If you're ever in the area, it's a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. Visit the Wadena Flea Market website to learn more.
Have you ever been to any of these Minnesota flea markets? Do you have any other favorites? Let us know in the comments along with what you purchased at each place! Or, if you're interested in more secondhand treasures, check out this list of amazing antique stores in Minnesota.
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