Updated September 2026
There’s something special about walking into a bookstore with time to browse. You might arrive looking for one title and leave with a recommendation you never would have found on your own.
To put this guide together, I asked readers on my Facebook page and Reddit to share their favorite independent bookstores. Their suggestions range from neighborhood shops in Minneapolis and St. Paul to bookstores worth a trip to Northfield, Red Wing and Cambridge. Browse by interest below, whether you’re looking for children’s books, used and rare finds, mysteries or science fiction.
General Interest Bookstores
Magers & Quinn Booksellers — Minneapolis
This Uptown Minneapolis bookstore is a place to browse without a particular title in mind. Explore its shelves, then check the events calendar for author conversations and readings.
- Address: 3038 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55408
- Website: magersandquinn.com
Next Chapter Booksellers — St. Paul
Next Chapter pairs staff recommendations with a busy calendar of author events and book clubs. Its Snelling Avenue location is a good stop when you want help choosing your next read.
- Address: 38 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul, MN 55105
- Website: nextchapterbooksellers.com
Moon Palace Books — Minneapolis
Moon Palace sells new and used books in south Minneapolis. Browse the shelves, see what’s on its events calendar and make time for the café while you’re there.
- Address: 3032 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55406
- Website: moonpalacebooks.com
SubText Bookstore — St. Paul
Located in downtown St. Paul, SubText is a general-interest bookstore with staff favorites and author events. Stop in when you’re nearby or browse its recommendations before your visit.
- Address: 6 W. Fifth St., St. Paul, MN 55102
- Website: subtextbooks.com
Used and Rare Books
The Book House in Dinkytown — Minneapolis
Give yourself time to explore this upstairs Dinkytown shop. The Book House has sold used books since 1976 and also carries records; it’s a good choice for readers who enjoy finding something unexpected.
- Address: 1316 Fourth St. SE, Suite 201, Minneapolis, MN 55414
- Website: bookhouseindinkytown.com
Midway Book Store — St. Paul
Midway specializes in used and rare books near University and Snelling avenues in St. Paul. Its inventory makes it a stop for collectors and anyone who likes searching beyond the latest releases.
- Address: 1579 University Ave. W., St. Paul, MN 55104
- Website: midwaybook.com
Science Fiction, Fantasy and Mystery
Uncle Hugo’s Science Fiction Bookstore and Uncle Edgar’s Mystery Bookstore — Minneapolis
Two specialty bookstores share this Minneapolis location. Head to Uncle Hugo’s for science fiction and fantasy, or browse Uncle Edgar’s when you’re in the mood for a mystery.
- Address: 2716 E. 31st St., Minneapolis, MN 55406
- Website: unclehugo.com
Dream Haven Books — Minneapolis
DreamHaven focuses on science fiction, fantasy and horror, along with comics, graphic novels and books about film and media. It’s a useful stop when your reading interests extend across those genres.
- Address: 2301 E. 38th St., Minneapolis, MN 55407
- Website: dreamhavenbooks.com
Once Upon a Crime — Minneapolis
Mystery readers can make a trip specifically for this Uptown Minneapolis store. Once Upon a Crime specializes in mystery fiction and hosts events with authors, including local writers.
- Address: 604 W. 26th St., Minneapolis, MN 55405
- Website: onceuponacrimebooks.com
Children’s Bookstores
Red Balloon Bookshop — St. Paul
Red Balloon is a Grand Avenue destination for children’s books. Its storytimes and author events give families another reason to visit beyond picking out a new book.
- Address: 891 Grand Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105
- Website: redballoonbookshop.com
Wild Rumpus — Minneapolis
Wild Rumpus makes a bookstore visit an outing for young readers. Along with its children’s books and recommendations, families can look for the animals that live in the shop.
- Address: 2720 W. 43rd St., Minneapolis, MN 55410
- Website: wildrumpusbooks.com
Black and Indigenous Literature
Black Garnet Books — St. Paul
Black Garnet Books curates books and art by authors and illustrators of color. Visit its St. Paul location to discover a new writer or attend a community event.
- Address: 1319 University Ave. W., St. Paul, MN 55104
- Website: blackgarnetbooks.com
Birchbark Books & Native Arts — Minneapolis
Owned by author Louise Erdrich, Birchbark Books specializes in Indigenous books, art and gifts while also offering a broader selection of reading. It’s a place to seek out Native writers and thoughtful recommendations.
- Address: 2115 W. 21st St., Minneapolis, MN 55405
- Website: birchbarkbooks.com
Politics and Social Movements
Mayday Bookstore — Minneapolis
Mayday is a volunteer-run bookstore in Minneapolis’ West Bank neighborhood with a focus on political literature and social movements. Browse its books and magazines if you’re looking for perspectives on labor, activism and history.
- Address: 301 Cedar Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55454
- Website: maydaybookstore.org
Bookstores Worth the Trip
Content Bookstore — Northfield
Content brings a general-interest bookstore to downtown Northfield, with books for different ages alongside games, puzzles and gifts. It’s an easy addition to a day spent exploring the city.
- Address: 314 Division St. S., Northfield, MN 55057
- Website: contentbookstore.com
Fair Trade Books — Red Wing
Fair Trade Books stocks new and used titles in downtown Red Wing, plus puzzles and fair-trade gifts. Its mix of books gives you plenty to browse during a visit to town.
- Address: 320 Bush St., Red Wing, MN 55066
- Website: fairtradebooksrw.com
Scout & Morgan Books — Cambridge
Scout & Morgan is an independent bookstore in Cambridge, about 50 miles north of the Twin Cities. Browse its books while visiting downtown, and look into its book groups if you live nearby.
- Address: 114 Buchanan St. N., Cambridge, MN 55008
- Website: scoutandmorganbooks.com
More Best of Minnesota Guides
- 5 best places to play bingo in Minnesota
- 5 best meat raffles in Minnesota
- Hidden gems at the 5 best museums in Minnesota
- 18 Mexican restaurants in Minnesota worth the trip
- The best ice cream shops in Minnesota
- The best restaurant, brewery and winery patios in Minnesota
- 17 best restaurants for breakfast in Minnesota
- 5 best bakeries in Minnesota
- 5 best holiday light displays in Minnesota
- 5 best coffee shops in Minnesota
- The best pizzerias in Minnesota
- 7 top spots for a margarita in the Twin Cities
- 19 favorite meat markets in Minnesota and western Wisconsin
- The best Broasted chicken in Minnesota
While you’re here, take a moment to read how I adapted after losing both parents before I was 25 years old and my journey with epilepsy.
If you want more, sign up for my monthly e-newsletter!