Here's The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Iowa's Best Antique Stores
By Raymond Goldfield|Published August 17, 2022
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Raymond Goldfield
Author
Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
Is there anything better than searching through an old-fashioned antique store? You might find that priceless piece of decor that will be passed down for generations – or you might find your own personal “leg lamp” that will spark conversations at every family holiday. That’s part of the fun – you never know what will be found within these walls. This weekend road trip to the best antique stores in Iowa will take you all the way from Des Moines to Davenport and back again, with eight stops filled with historic items, tchotchkes, and everything in between.
Are you ready to go antiquing? You'll want to plan a lot of time to explore these eight stores - because you never know what you'll find.
This Des Moines store specializes in fixtures and furnishings from many of the old-fashioned houses around the city, which means you'll find some fascinating vintage finds!
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2. Calico Hen House (Waterloo)
Calico Hen House, 1022 Alabar Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701, USA
While this is mostly known as a home goods store, they have an extensive antiques section - and you'll want to be here for every major holiday to see the unique decorations!
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3. Plaza Antique Mall (Dyersville)
Plaza Antique Mall, 1235 16th Ave SE, Dyersville, IA 52040, USA
This small chain has locations all around the midwest and a popular TV show on cable, but they haven't gone Hollywood! This location along the Mississippi has plenty of old-fashioned finds to dig through.
A tiny hole-in-the-wall store in a bucolic small town, this is the perfect place for a laid-back and quirky antique-hunting experience. And yes, they have plenty of bears!
6. The Lilac (Farmington)
The Lilac - Antique and Vintage Shoppe, 302 N Front St, Farmington, IA 52626, USA
Located in the tiny rural town of Farmington and surrounded by nature, this store specializes in old-fashioned clothing, toys, and furnishings. You might just feel like you're in Alice in Wonderland in here!
Timeless Treasures Corner (Oskaloosa)
Timeless Treasures Corner, 121 High Ave W, Oskaloosa, IA 52577, USA
The simple facade of a gift shop hides some seriously unique gift and antique items here. It's especially a must-visit during the Christmas season thanks to their extensive figurine collection.
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8. Brass Armadillo Antique Mall (Des Moines)
Brass Armadillo Antique Mall - Des Moines, 701 NE 50th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA
Finally, it's time to visit the granddaddy of them all as we return to Des Moines - Iowa's only antique superstore.
Part of a popular mid-sized chain in the midwest, Brass Armadillo is packed with finds from all around the state. It's an especially popular location for quality second-hand jewelry.
Have you been to any of these antique stores in Iowa? Let us know your favorite spots for antiquing in the Hawkeye State in the comments section. If you’re interested in another road trip to some stores with great bargains, take a look at this tour of the best thrift stores in Iowa.
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