Touches of the Alexandria area's Scandinavian and resort town heritage pop up in stores like Now and Then, which features four floors of antiques in a sturdy, elegant former bank building. You might find Norwegian sweaters, giant fishing lures and lifesavers among the many collectibles and nostalgic pieces. It’s among a handful of antique shops in Alexandria that also includes Past and Present Home Gallery and Special Memories, where you can find collectibles, toys, puzzles and unique gifts.

Northern Minnesota’s antiques tap into the region’s cultural roots at stores such as Back ‘N Time Antiques and Americana, which sells beaded and birch bark Native American crafts, rustic wooden spoons and Scandinavian carvings from early pioneers, along with decoys, bait buckets, handmade fishing lures and more. You’ll also find three other antique stores throughout the city.

Take a historic walking tour of this northwest Minnesota college town to check out two of its three antique stores that include Willow & Ivy Gift Shop, a blend of new and collectible merchandise in the historic City Hall, and Crookston Floral and Antiques, with kitchenware, nostalgic signs and advertising, and collegiate sports memorabilia.

Skis, snowshoes and fishing gear rank among the most popular items at this small-town shop northeast of Brainerd that has dubbed itself the “Antique Capital of the Lakes Area.” Crosby boasts seven shops along its compact Main Street, popular with cyclists visiting the nearby Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Look for Lincoln Log toys, Iron Range postcards, burnished canoe paddles, a CanAm Flyer sled, and souvenirs from Minnesota companies such as Pillsbury at Hallett Antique Emporium, which has been around for close to two decades.

It’s fitting that one of Minnesota’s oldest towns—and one famous for its Red Wing Pottery and handcrafted Red Wing boots—would be a hot spot for folks who love collectibles. You can find museums dedicated to both products, and dig for your favorite vintage finds at stores such as Pottery Place Antiques, located in the historic pottery factory. It features an extensive selection of pottery (of course), kitchenware, glassware and more.

Head to Rochester’s charming and historic Third Street to explore John Kruesel’s General Merchandise, one of the city’s most venerable antique stores. It has an emphasis on American antiques, lighting, jewelry and historic documents. Other good picks include Old River Valley Antique Mall for primitives and quilts.

Rochester offers nine antique stores and hosts the three-day Gold Rush twice a year (in May and August). The event, which began more than 40 years ago, brings together antique and flea market dealers from across the country to the Olmsted County Fairgrounds.

North Shore Architectural Antiques has a special pull with anyone who loves renovating older homes. Look here for rescued and salvaged one-of-a-kind finds such as doors, windows, lights and hardware that are rich in character and history. Duluth boasted the nation’s highest number of millionaires per capita in the late 1800s, giving the area a wealth of Victorian decor, along with arts and crafts and art deco styles. Further north, look for Second Hand Rose, a flea market along Highway 61 near Beaver Bay.