The One-Of-A-Kind Flea Market In Illinois That You Could Spend Hours Exploring
By Linze Rice|Published November 10, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
Living in a Chicago suburb, I have no shortage of big box stores around me. Don’t get me wrong, it can be hugely convenient to know that household staples are in stock just a few minutes from my house. Of course, these types of stores lack any soul or character, and anyone who truly loves and appreciates shopping knows that’s part of the magic. Flea markets are perfect examples of this — they provide not only the thrill of the hunt but often the payoff as well. And this unique shopping market in Chicago, IL is the ideal place to spend hours searching for the piece that’s calling your name.
The Randolph Street Market, located at 1341 W. Randolph St., is a beloved flea market in Chicago's West Loop that features artists, collectors, dealers, and vendors of all types with both vintage and modern goodies for sale.
The market is held both indoors and outdoors, depending on the time of year, and is located inside the beautiful Plumber's Hall building, showcasing a unique mix of rooms and halls across multiple floors, as well as a stage.
The market has become known for its antique and vintage offerings, indie designers, holiday shopping, collectors' markets, and handmade wares that make for great personal items or gifts. Everything from jewelry to clothing, to furniture, to posters, to food can be found here.
There is a seemingly endless maze of rooms, plus the parking lot and sometimes street, filled with adorable tchotchkes, memorabilia, crafts, and more. Pro tip: Walk up the double set of stairs in the main hall, there are vendors up there as well!
Not only does the market showcase sellers with goods for sale, there are also often artists on site ready to create something one-of-a-kind for you. Plus, keep an eye out for food and drink vendors for the perfect shopping fuel.
When it's not too cold or rainy, the market spills into the outdoors — filling up the parking lot and surrounding area with tents full of additional gems. Whether you're looking for a unique print, a vintage bicycle, an '80s action figure, or a retro dress, you can usually find it.
The market is open on a rotating schedule, so be sure to check its website for its next opening. Then, grab your tickets online — it's $12 per person in advance or $15 at the door. Families can also opt for a $50 package that includes admissions, a drink, and a snack for two adults and up to four children.
Start planning your trip to this unique shopping market in Chicago, IL by checking out the Randolph Street Market website and Facebook page. And while you’re in the West Loop, try out this 5-star foodie bike ride tour, which explores the city’s trendy West Side neighborhoods seeking out food and treats from around the world.
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