Welcome cozy season with a trip to one of the state’s many independent bookstores. With options spanning every single genre, you’ll get lost browsing through shelves upon shelves of tales old and new.
Twin Cities
Owned by Louise Erdrich—award-winning author of titles like “Love Medicine,” “The Birchbark House,” and many more—Birchbark Books & Native Arts is a gathering place for Indigenous culture and stories. The bookstore carries young adult (YA) and children’s stories, with a special focus on Indigenous American titles. Climb up to the birchbark children’s loft or cozy up in the hobbit hole. In addition to books, discover gifts and art mainly created by Indigenous artisans, including but not limited to silverwork, quillwork, and dreamcatchers.
Courtesy of Birchbark Books & Native Arts
2115 W. 21st St., Minneapolis; birchbarkbooks.com
Named after the plant that is crucial to the metamorphosis of monarch butterflies, Milkweed serves as a similar function for authors and readers. Milkweed operates as a nonprofit organization featuring not only a bookstore but an independent publisher of literary nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Today, Milkweed’s publishing house and bookstore are located in one large industrial-style space that is open and collaborative in nature. On top of the plethora of works found at Milkweed, readers can also attend one of its many weekly events—from lectures to author readings.
Courtesy of Milkweed Books
1011 S. Washington Ave., Minneapolis; milkweed.org/bookstore
Other Skies Weird Fiction offers readers the chance to explore their more peculiar, imaginative sides with its wide variety of horror, fantasy, and science fiction works. Many of its book selections are out-of-print or limited editions, making it the perfect stop for those looking for the rarer finds. Other Skies’ atmosphere reflects its book selection, with caskets serving as bookshelves, moody lighting, and dark-colored, heavy curtains. Readers can also find fun, freaky merch both in store and online.
Courtesy of Other Skies Weird Fiction
803 Dodd Road, St. Paul; otherskies.ink
Browse one of the most whimsical bookstores you may ever step into at Wild Rumpus Books—boasting works dedicated to children and young adults. Adorned with fairy tale-like decor, Wild Rumpus is queer- and women/nonbinary-owned and sells a variety of children’s and YA titles that honor the bookstore’s values of creating a welcoming and inclusive space. Enroll your child in a children’s book club or attend a weekly story time. Make sure to look out for Wild Rumpus’ animal staff members, including two cats, two chinchillas, two guppies, one cockatiel, one turtle dove, and one gecko.
2720 W 43rd St, Minneapolis; wildrumpusbooks.com
Greater Minnesota
From antiquated classics and new-age literature to sought-after collectibles—Books Revisited in St. Cloud boasts a wide collection of gently used books. With thousands of titles available, Books Revisited has books pouring out of the shelves that nearly reach the ceiling. No matter the genre, you are almost certain to find something up your alley. Books Revisited regularly ships not only nationwide, but also worldwide.
607 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud; booksrevisited.com
The Bookstore at Fitger’s in Duluth offers book lovers not only local authors, but also regional folklore topics surrounding Lake Superior and the Northwoods of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Located in Fitger’s mall, The Bookstore is adjacent to historic lakefront hotel Fitger’s Inn and many other shops, offering reader saccess to quality shopping and dining, as well. Join one of The Bookstore’s book clubs or check out its Facebook page to see what events are coming up.
Courtesy of The Bookstore at Fitger's
600 E. Superior St., Duluth; fitgersbookstore.com
Books, beer and coffee—what could be more glorious? Fortunately, book lovers have the option to enjoy all three at one location not far from the Twin Cities. Hopkins’ Cream & Amber possess every genre imaginable, with a cafe next door featuring coffee, beer, wine, hot sandwiches, and snacks. Peruse the bookstore then head over to the cafe to try Cream & Amber’s new fall coffee menu. The venue hosts several events throughout the month; check out its calendar to see what events are upcoming.
Courtesy of Cream & Amber
1605 Mainstreet, Hopkins; creamandamber.com
On the shores of Lake Superior sits Drury Lane Books, a quaint, cozy bookstore located in a historic building that has housed numerous shops over the years. Founded by author Joan Drury, Drury Lane is now owned by Joan’s two children, and features current bestsellers and local stories. Readers can even browse Joan’s favorites, too! Drury Lane is hosting a Full Moon Poetry Reading on Nov. 5, and its free, open-to-the-public book club is meeting on Nov. 16.
Photo by Laura Muus Photography
12 E. Wisconsin St., Grand Marais; drurylanebooks.com
Garden Party Books’ warm atmosphere and family-friendly operation make it a great stop for readers of all ages. The bookstore is divided into small rooms, each themed by genre—from romance to sci-fi/fantasy.There’s even a Craft Room and Kids Room, too. Local book launches, poetry readings, local author festivals, and even a book fair at local brewery Thesis Beer Project are just a few of the events readers are treated to annually.
Courtesy of Garden Party Books
