Best Of

Best Flea Markets In Minnesota

June 4, 2018 / 6:00 AM CDT / CBS Minnesota

Flea markets are the cure for the over saturation of Walmarts and Targets. Far from the organized shelves of big box retailers, flea markets feature the best of what you can't find anywhere else. You'll be sure to find something unique, and will probably find it at a bargain price, at your local market.

Looking for your own treasure hunt? Find a great deal on an antique piece or pick up some great local handicrafts while you enjoy the summer sunshine and people watching. Check this list of some of the best flea markets around Minnesota to get yourself started.

Brainerd Market

522 N.E. 11th Ave.
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 833-2897
www.brainerdmarket.comThe Brainerd Flea Market has been operating as the most convenient and comprehensive flea market in the area for many years now. Over 40 different vendors offer antiques, new merchandise and collectibles in a clean, indoor facility. The Brainerd Market also has the distinction of being open year-round, an unusual concept for flea markets. There is also a central checkout area that takes major credit cards and handles purchases for all of the vendors. The market is a great experience for all local swappers and bargain hunters.

Hamel Lions Flea Market

Medina Entertainment Center Grounds
500 Hwy 55
Hamel, MN 55340
(612) 597-728
www.hamellions.org

Price: Free admission, Free parking

The Hamel Lions Flea Market is conveniently located a short drive west of Minneapolis, directly off of Highway 55. Running every Sunday except for Mother's Day from the beginning of May through the middle October, the market boasts more than 200 vendors. Items available range from collectibles to books to antique jewelry. Farmers market-fresh produce and plants are also available seasonally. Concession stands here stand elbow-to-elbow with vendors stalls, so grab a snack as you meander through and hunt for treasure.

Wadena Flea Market and Craft Fair

13560 US Highway 10
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 640-1126
www.wadenafleamarket.com

A bargain lover's paradise. the Wadena Flea Market and Craft Fair is made up of four huge buildings filled with crafts, books, clothing, antiques and everything else you never knew you needed. Craft supplies are also on hand in case you want to tap into your creative side and possibly start a booth of your own. Wadena is located in the center of Minnesota and vendors come from all over the state to display their wares. Parking is free, admission is free and free time is needed if you want to browse.

Stop, Swap & Shop

15400 Buck Hill Road
Burnsville, MN 55306
(612) 547-9277
www.stopswapandshop.com

Price: Free admission, $1 parking/per car

New to the flea market competition for 2012 is Stop, Swap & Shop. Located in the Buck Hill Ski Area, local owners Jennie and Vaughn Wallace hope to bring more variety to the Twin Cities through their new venture. The flea market features the handmade wares of local artisans as well as vintage clothing, antique collectibles, furniture, and all sorts of old goodies waiting for new life with just the right shopper. Stop by to enjoy the sun and check out the ski hill in summer, while you browse the stalls. Or consider renting your own space and selling off the items that didn't make the cut anymore at your own spring cleaning.

PacRatz Flea Market

16405 Aberdeen St. N.E.
Ham Lake, MN 55304
(763) 413-1400
www.pacratzfleamarket.comForget the Pampered Chef parties and waiting for an invite to that next Tupperware party because the PacRatz Flea Market features these home-based sales phenomena all the time. Along with your cooking implements and food containers, many other items are featured as well. Over 40 vendors have collectibles on display including coins, Barbies, Beanie Babies and hard-to-find figurines. Antiques, crafts and other flea market fare can also be found. Check out this spectacular indoor-outdoor shop-a-thon next time you're in Ham Lake.

Wright County Swapper's Meet

13594 100th St NW
South Haven, MN 55382
(320) 274-9005
www.wrightcountyswappersmeet.com

Price: Free admission, Free Parking

Located about an hour west of Minneapolis, Wright County is a massive flea market experience. This swap meet regularly has 200+ vendors, but can see as many as 500 vendors in attendance on holiday weekends. With an ever-changing mix of regular vendors and new faces, it's easy to spend a Saturday morning checking out the great items available. Billed as a "combination flea market, farmers market, art fair, antique mall, closeout store, pet store and garage sale" with a full lunch available, Wright Count Swapper's Meet is sure to have something for everyone.

Hamel Lion's Club Flea Market
Medina Entertainment Center Parking Lot
500 Highway 5
Hamel, MN 55340
(612) 910-9895
www.hamellions.org

Some may say this flea market that is sponsored by the Hamel Lions Club is the best in the world. Residents of Hamel and surrounding communities wait all year to sell their best stuff during flea season. Along with a fantastic craft sale and farmers' market, the flea market accommodates thousands of Minnesotans each year. Enjoy the concessions after you shop and fill up on some favorite local treats.

Shady Hollow Flea Market

12957 Co. Hwy 17
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(602) 809-6661
shadyhollowfleamarket.com

Price: Free admission, Free Parking
Click here for a calendar of events

Nestled north of Alexandria and Fergus Falls, Shady Hollow Flea Market is a gem of a flea market. Showcasing nearly 100 vendors most Sundays (which include 20+ vendors in "boutique" cabins and other vendors in more traditional stalls), this market offers a variety of goods. Added for the 2012 season, the market also boasts an Art Fair, and indeed offers a number of handicrafts for sale, as well as the traditionally found antiques, collectibles, jewelry, electronics, tools, fabrics and more. Shady Hollow also offers typical farmers market fare and food vendors to keep you going through your day of marketing.

Post Road Flea Market

Hwy 5
Minneapolis, MN
(612) 408-2737

Price: Free admission, Free parking

The Post Road Flea Market is a word-of-mouth institution located near the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport (Follow Hwy 5 toward the MPLS Airport; take the Post Road exit and follow signs). Smaller than some of the outlying options listed above with only about 15 vendors, but equally diverse, the flea market offers the opportunity for a quick stop right in the Twin Cities' backyard. Featuring both new and used items that include stamps, rare coins, toys, books and other collectibles, the Post Road Flea Market is a fun and friendly Saturday morning excursion. Contact proprietor Robert Wiley for more information about selling.