Blog Post

Readers know I will always share my great antique hunting experiences with them. The last road trip just ended and I want to get down (on what I’ll call “paper”) our finds for the benefit of the serious antique shopper. Wifey and I were returning one granddaughter to North Dakota and bringing another back to her home in Wisconsin.

We just can’t travel that distance without stopping to explore for antiques along the way. Taking the road less traveled for its scenic beauty and finding great eating spots is all part of the adventure. Most of our shopping was at places known to us and revisited simply because the hunting for antiques proved successful in the past. I also hit upon a little village with a gathering of shops I shall add to the list for our next trip.

Antique Center in La Crosse, WI.

Our first stop was at the Antique Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin, a well-established fixture in the downtown area. We always find unusual antiques here and consider it a “must stop” when near the area. Even Granddaughter managed to find some buttons and hardware pieces. This well run mall has a consortium of owners/dealers ready to help you find your strangest needs.

Hwy 35 The Great River Road, Photo WI Historical Soc.

From La Crosse, our trip north followed the Mississippi River. This time we took the Wisconsin side on Highway 35, the Great River Road, as the time had passed when most shops were open, and our last excursion had been on the Minnesota side. Riding at the edges of the mighty bluffs or following along the railroad bed through vast corn fields and quaint river towns makes the ride very special.

After a night’s rest in Hudson, Wisconsin it was straight on to Fargo for a few days of family fun and exchanging passengers for the return trip.

Since the whole family enjoys antique hunting, we managed to hit some estate and yard sales with modest success. But Wifey had made arrangements for some alone time for our shopping and we were off for a great exploration.

I had called ahead to confirm the open hours for our favorite Minnesota antique shop, Buggy Wheel Antiques in Audubon, Minnesota and operated by Rod and Connie and located at 18353 U.S. Hwy. 10. I suggest a call to check their hours or for an appointment, 218-439-6980.

To say our hunting there was special would be too mild, but rest assured we left plenty for you to see as our van only holds so much and we needed to leave a seat for our other granddaughter on the return trip home.

Two other places to mention: first the Moorhead Antiques Mall, I-94 at Exit 2, in Moorhead Minnesota (218-287-1313). This mall is famous with collectors of all stripes. It should make your “must visit” list. Our van was completely rearranged to add the goodies we had to fit in when stopping here. (Could our granddaughter ride on the roof?)

Our last stop was into the town of Osakis, Minnesota. We had spotted a new sign while traveling north on I-94 and wanted to stop on our way home. The town has several interesting shops to explore, with Antiques Osakis as the anchor store, which is open May 12th to November 4th every day, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The two women at the counter were very helpful and we wished our van had been empty, but alas, only a couple of small items would fit into our poor, old, overloaded van. But return we shall, and next visit will be with an empty van on the way up.

If you want to share a special antique mall or shop with other readers, give me a response back and we will try to visit.

Oh, no I did not find any Thelma or Louise luggage on this trip, I just have to explore more.