Do you enjoy exploring the best antique stores in Illinois? If you said “yes,” then you may want to plan a weekend getaway just to go antiquing! We have taken care of all the planning with a weekend itinerary to some of the state’s best antique stores, along with a couple of restaurants and a place to spend the night. So, pick a weekend, pack a bag, gas up the car, and use this itinerary to follow along!

This trip covers 162 miles and just over three hours of driving time. You can find a link to our interactive Google Map. Our itinerary starts in the small town of Sandwich, Illinois, which is known for its antiquing. You can spend a day or two visiting all the shops here, but we handpicked just a few to get you started.

1. Olde Timers Antique Centre, Sandwich
Google Maps
131 E Church St, Sandwich, IL 60548, USA
Dennis Hood/Google
We begin our journey in the town of Sandwich, a town that's home to numerous antique shops. One must-visit antique store in town is Olde Timers Antiques, which happens to be the largest antique mall in the area. Open seven days a week, the store features plenty of antique, vintage, and collectible items from over 130 vendors. Visit the Olde Timers Antique Centre on Facebook for more information.
2. Sandwich Antique Mart, Sandwich
Landon Verbrugge/Google
2300 E Church St, Sandwich, IL 60548, USA
Rambling Randy/Google
Down the street from Old Timers is the Sandwich Antique Mart, the oldest antique store in town. You'll find anything and everything from furniture to pottery, glassware, and more! Visit the Sandwich Antique Mart Facebook page for more information.
3. Bull Moose Bar & Grille
msubulldog25/TripAdvisor
202 S Main St, Sandwich, IL 60548, USA
Bull Moose Bar & Grille/Facebook
After spending a good amount of time at the antique stores around Sandwich, you'll probably work up quite the appetite! There are plenty of restaurants close by, including Bull Moose Bar & Grille. You can enjoy a variety of American fare while dining in the historic 1893 Pullman dining car that's part of this underrated restaurant in Illinois. Visit the official Facebook page for Bull Moose Bar & Grille for more information.
4. Pops Pop Up Shop, Pontiac
Pops Pop Up Shop/Google

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517 W Howard St, Pontiac, IL 61764, USA
POPS POP UP LLC/Facebook
Get your kicks along Route 66 at Pops Pop Up Shop, a one-of-a-kind store providing refurbished antiques as well as collectibles and custom light fixtures. You can even pick up some Route 66 souvenirs here. Read all about Pops Pop Up Shop and what you can expect at this one-of-a-kind flea market in Illinois.
5. El Paso Antique Mall, El Paso
El Paso Antique Mall/Facebook
15 Linco Dr, El Paso, IL 61738, USA
El Paso Antique Mall/Facebook
Whether you're in the market for antiques, vintage items, collectibles, glassware, or just about anything else you can think of, El Paso Antique Mall is the place to browse. You will love the variety and quality of the goods sold here. Visit the El Paso Antique Mall website for more information.
6. Old Log Cabin, Pontiac
Rob Brennan/Google
18700 Historic U.S. 66, Pontiac, IL 61764, USA
Old log cabin/Facebook
We're headed back into Pontiac before our last stop for a great place to grab a bite to eat. The Old Log Cabin sits along Route 66 and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The home-cooked food is absolutely delicious and you must have a slice of pie while you're here! Visit the Old Log Cabin website for more information.
7. Paraphernalia Antiques, Wilmington
Paraphernalia Antiques/Facebook
Paraphernalia Antiques, 112 N Water St, Wilmington, IL 60481, USA
Paraphernalia Antiques/Facebook
The last stop on our epic flea market road trip in Illinois is Paraphernalia Antiques, a store that specializes in estate jewelry as well as antiques and European imports. Choose your next treasures from a wide selection and if you need help, just ask the wonderful, knowledgeable staff. Visit the official Facebook page for Paraphernalia Antiques for more information.

Would you take this road trip to some of the best antique stores in Illinois? What are your favorite antique shops around the state? Tell us in the comments!

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More to Explore

Flea Markets in Illinois

Sarah M. | March 27, 2023

What's the biggest flea market in Illinois?

Endless bargain hunting awaits when you visit Swap-O-Rama, the biggest and best flea market in Illinois. Swap-O-Rama is one of the oldest chains of markets in Illinois. It is known as "The First Name In Flea Markets" and receives about 18,000 customers each weekend. Visitors can shop over 700 sellers all together. Since 1969, Swap-O-Ramas have been popping up all over Chicagoland. Currently, there are three locations. In addition to Alsip, there is one in Melrose Park and one on Ashland in Chicago. In addition to antiques, household items, and gifts, visitors also enjoy fresh eats sold at Swap-O-Rama. Find food that will keep you going throughout the day, like hot dogs, Italian ice, churros, pizza, chicken wings, sandwiches, and so much more. You could spend one day looking around indoors and the next shopping outside, or go ahead and try to tackle it all at once. You'll definitely need good walking shoes, hydration, and a budget, even though it will be hard to stick to. For these reasons, and so many more, Swap-O-Rama is definitely a must-visit flea market in Illinois.

What are some good places for antique shopping in Illinois?

From flea markets to vintage stores to antique shops, you'll find it all in Illinois! If antiques are your love language, you'll want to check out the following antique stores in Illinois:

  • Volo Antique Malls. Volo Antique Malls is a family-owned store started by William and Gert Grams. Gert was a stylish lady who loved all things vintage and antique, so naturally the family decided to open an antique store on the same property as their existing auto museum. If you, like Gert, are a lover of all things vintage and antique, you'll have the opportunity to explore over 300 vendor booths and miles of aisles (seven, to be exact!) at Volo Antique Malls!
  • Alton, Illinois. Yes -- the entire town! Alton's historic downtown area is also known as "Antique Row." Featuring dozens of gift and specialty shops as well as over 15 antique stores, it's the perfect town to shop for one-of-a-kind items.
  • The Little Traveler. Don't let its name fool you; this antique store in Illinois is anything but little! Since 1922, this vintage and huge antique mall has been at the center of Geneva's shopping district, which is one of the most unique in the Midwest. There are 36 rooms for guests to explore, and each will take you to a different part of the world. You'll find apparel, home decor, gourmet food, and so much more.

 

Looking for more amazing antique shops in Illinois? Read about another antique mall in Illinois in this article. Happy shopping, friends!

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