10 Best Bookstores in Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis is home to an impressive literary scene, spanning libraries, bookstores, and events to boot. Many independent publishers, writers, and avid readers call the city home, partly thanks to its top-ranking MFA program. Whether you live in Minneapolis or are planning a visit, these 10 bookstores are sure to surprise and delight you.
Located in Uptown, Minneapolis, this is one of the largest—if not the largest—independent bookstores in the city. This shop has been supplying the city with a massive stock of new and used books for over 25 years. Just remember to bring an extra bag, because there’s a good chance you’ll leave with more books than you expected.
Attached to Geek Love cafe, Moon Palace books is the perfect place to grab a snack before or after browsing the shelves. This loft-like bookshop boasts a great selection of books and an ultra-famous sourdough pizza. This place is massive, so carve out a good chunk of your day for exploring.
This welcoming neighborhood bookshop is as cozy as the Northeast neighborhood it calls home. Visitors can peruse the shelves for new and used books, or curl up in one of the cute little seating areas if they want to stay a bit longer. As a bonus, visitors might even find some charming handmade pottery for purchase.
Nestled in the Lowry Hill area near Lake of the Isles, this unique shop is part bookstore, part Native American arts shop. Native-owned, Birchbark helps represent the diverse residents of Minneapolis by specializing in native writers, journalists, and historians.
Near Lake Nokomis, this peaceful bookstore offers plenty of sunbathed sitting areas to settle into. This queer-woman-owned bookshop boasts a whimsical atmosphere, a wide selection of books, and a dog-friendly policy. Be sure to stop in and pop a squat with (or without) a beloved pup.
Crime fiction lovers rejoice! This little Uptown bookshop seems simple, but descend the stairs and you’ll find a massive basement full of new, old, and rare crime novels. Don’t forget to check their website, too, for upcoming author events and signings.
James & Mary Laurie Booksellers
If you love the smell of old books or the look of rare bindings, you’ll fall in love with James & Mary Laurie Booksellers. Just down the block from Target Field, you’ll find carefully organized shelves of rare, old, and enchanting hardcover prints. And those who love a little vinyl, too, will find a ton of classical and jazz records to take home.
The quirkiest of book lovers will feel right at home in this wild store. You’ll bump into cats, canoes, and maybe even a live chicken while you peruse their stuffed-to-the-gill shelves. From baby and toddler books to young adult novels and new releases, there’s something for everyone at this fascinating shop.
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell your favorite paperbacks, Paperback Exchange has got you covered.
Located in the historic Dinkytown building, this may be one of the oldest bookstores in Minneapolis. Organized into a labyrinth of book rooms, visitors are invited to get lost in the shelves and even peer through a window that overlooks Bob Dylan’s old apartment.
