How to Go Antiquing in the Midwest

When you are looking for that perfect antique chair or collectible item to go with your collection, you can't leave out a trip to the Midwest. Antiquing in the Midwest offers some of the same fine antiques found in the city but at lower prices. Use these steps to find out more about antiquing in the Midwest and how and where to start on your antiquing adventure.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide where in the Midwest you would like to go antiquing. Two destinations that are sure to please with reasonable prices and multiple antique stores are in Marshall, Michigan and southwestern Minnesota.

2. Travel to southwestern Minnesota about 160 miles southwest of the Twin Cities. Oak pie safes and harvest table are found in this area at a lower price than you find in the city. Read the detailed article in "Midwest Living" on "Midwest Antiquing Towns" for specific directions.

3. Visit Marshall, Michigan, the "Antique Alley" that supports more than 70 antique stores and hundreds of antique dealers. The "Southwest Minnesota Antique and Collectors' Guide" provides detailed information on antique stores, local lodging and dining experiences in the area.

4. Visit one of the Antique Tours around Walnut Grove, Minnesota, and read "The Green Guide to Antiquing in the Midwest" by Lisa Freeman and
   John Fiske to guide you through other parts of the Midwest while you go antiquing.

5. Ask the locals. One of the best ways to find out things about places you are not familiar, for anything from great food to, yes, antiques, is to ask the locals. You will find out about places that are not listed in the books and where to get great deals on the weekends or where local bazaars and estate sales are held.

Resources

• A guide to antiquing in Marshall, Michigan.
• Website for Midwest Living magazine.