Des Moines, IA

East Village district

Iowa's capital offers antique shopping in the East Village, Valley Junction, and surrounding communities. The city's agricultural wealth and stable population preserve quality estates, while its insurance industry heritage provides Victorian prosperity pieces.

10+
Stores
8.3★
Avg Rating
Sat
Best Day

Best Antique Stores in Des Moines, IA

Top Rated
Open Sundays
Multi-Vendor
Best Prices

Antiques Iowa

Surprisingly large interior space with deceptive exterior
STORE FORMAT
Multi-Vendor Mall
STORE SIZE
Vast Warehouse
PRICE RANGE
$$
SPECIALTIES
Antiques & CollectiblesPaper Goods & EphemeraBooks & Comics

WHAT CUSTOMERS LOVE

  • Vast selection and variety across multiple categories
  • Reasonable prices on most items with occasional sales
  • Clean, well-lit, organized space with helpful staff

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • Some booths overpriced relative to market value
  • 4% credit card processing fee charged to customers

Antiques Iowa is a massive multi-vendor antique mall in Story City featuring 120+ dealers offering an enormous selection of genuine antiques and collectibles. Customers consistently praise the store's impressive size (much larger than it appears), exceptional variety including vintage paper goods, postcards, maps, old books, comics, coins, toys, and Americana. The clean, well-organized space with locked display cases offers something for every collector. Most items are reasonably priced, though some premium booths command higher prices. Plan 2-5 hours for thorough browsing. Conveniently located right off the interstate.

1639 Broad St, Story City, IA 50248

Calico and Company

Clean and well-organized
STORE FORMAT
Multi-Vendor Mall
STORE SIZE
Large Store
PRICE RANGE
$
SPECIALTIES
Decorative ItemsCollectiblesVintage/Primitives

WHAT CUSTOMERS LOVE

  • Friendly staff
  • Mix of old and new items
  • Well-curated displays

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • Credit card surcharge
  • Some feel too many craft items vs. antiques

This two-level antique store houses 60+ vendors offering a diverse mix of old and new treasures. Known for farmhouse decor, vintage items, and collectibles like Pyrex, the well-organized space stays remarkably clean with thoughtfully arranged displays. Visitors appreciate the reasonable prices on everything from antique toys to home decor. Plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring both floors, where you'll discover handcrafted items alongside nostalgic treasures.

1022 Alabar Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701
Open Tue-Sat

Collectamania

Huge selection and variety of items to discover
STORE FORMAT
Multi-Vendor Mall
STORE SIZE
Vast Warehouse
PRICE RANGE
$$
SPECIALTIES
Antiques & VintageCollectiblesVintage Games & Media

WHAT CUSTOMERS LOVE

  • Vast selection and constantly changing inventory
  • Ability to find unique and unexpected treasures
  • Reasonable overall pricing compared to specialty antique shops

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • Inconsistent cleanliness and organization across vendor booths
  • Pricing inconsistencies and occasional overcharging by some vendors

Collectamania is a massive indoor flea market and antique mall in Des Moines featuring multiple vendor booths with constantly changing inventory. Shoppers can find a diverse mix of genuine antiques, vintage items, collectibles (NASCAR memorabilia, retro games, miniatures), vintage clothing, and household goods at reasonable prices. The huge warehouse space requires several hours to fully explore, with most items organized by vendor booth. Known for friendly staff and unique treasures, though cleanliness and pricing consistency vary by booth.

3200 Delaware Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313

Czech Village Antiques

Vast selection and variety of items
STORE FORMAT
Multi-Vendor Mall
STORE SIZE
Large Store
PRICE RANGE
$$
SPECIALTIES
AntiquesCzech and Slovak AntiquesCollectibles

WHAT CUSTOMERS LOVE

  • Abundance of unique and interesting items to discover
  • Reasonable pricing and good deals
  • Friendly, knowledgeable staff assistance

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • Occasional staff rudeness or poor customer service interactions
  • Slow checkout process during busy times

Czech Village Antiques is a large, multi-dealer antique mall located in historic Czech Village, Cedar Rapids. Spanning two levels with basement areas, this packed destination features American and European antiques with a specialty in Czech and Slovak items. Customers rave about the vast selection of collectibles including cast iron cookware, Pyrex, vintage oil lamps, toys, and Czechoslovakian memorabilia. With professionally restored cast iron pieces and fair pricing, visitors typically spend 1-2+ hours browsing. The friendly staff and well-organized displays make it easy to navigate despite the abundance of inventory.

82 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Fern Hill Gifts and Quilts

Extensive fabric selection
STORE FORMAT
Single Owner Shop
STORE SIZE
Antique Store
PRICE RANGE
$
SPECIALTIES
AntiquesQuiltsGifts

WHAT CUSTOMERS LOVE

  • Quality fabrics for quilting
  • Unique gift items
  • Homemade fudge/chocolates

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • Not handicap accessible
  • Located away from main Amana village

Fern Hill is a charming antique store in South Amana, Iowa, specializing in antique furniture, vintage quilts, and architectural salvage. The shop combines genuine antiques with quilting supplies, gifts, and home decor items. Browse their curated selection of antique furniture, children's antiques, seed boxes, and architectural garden pieces. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM-4:00 PM.

103 220th Trl, South Amana, IA 52334

Funky Finds Vintage & Retro

Exceptional mid-century modern and retro selection with unique, curated pieces
STORE FORMAT
Single Owner Shop
STORE SIZE
Large Store
PRICE RANGE
$$
SPECIALTIES
Mid-Century Modern FurnitureVintage Clothing & AccessoriesRetro Decor & Collectibles

WHAT CUSTOMERS LOVE

  • Constantly changing inventory that rewards repeat visits
  • High-quality, well-preserved vintage items in excellent condition
  • Fair to reasonable pricing for curated, unique pieces

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • Prices can be higher than comparable estate sales for similar items like Pyrex and Corningware
  • Basement flooding mentioned as issue affecting inventory

Funky Finds Vintage & Retro is a family-owned vintage shop in Downtown Des Moines specializing in mid-century modern furniture, clothing, and retro collectibles from the 1950s-70s. The two-level showroom features record albums, vintage cameras, barware, lamps, dinnerware, and much more. The lower level hosts multiple vendors offering constantly changing inventory. Customers praise the curated selection, reasonable prices, friendly staff, and immersive time-travel experience. Perfect for MCM enthusiasts and vintage lovers seeking unique, well-preserved pieces.

1731 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

The Picker Knows

Huge variety and selection of items
STORE FORMAT
Multi-Vendor Mall
STORE SIZE
Vast Warehouse
PRICE RANGE
$$
SPECIALTIES
Antiques & CollectiblesVintage ItemsJewelry

WHAT CUSTOMERS LOVE

  • Unique one-of-a-kind finds and treasures
  • Large scale and variety ensuring something for everyone
  • Frequent inventory changes keeping experience fresh

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • Cluttered/disorganized layout in some areas
  • Quality control issues (defective items, pest-infested furniture)

The Picker Knows is a large antique mall in West Des Moines featuring multiple vendor booths and stalls across five dedicated aisles. Customers praise the vast selection of antiques, vintage items, collectibles, jewelry, and unique finds—from stained glass tools to taxidermy. With frequent inventory turnover and reasonable prices, it's a half-day destination where shoppers can easily spend hours browsing. The clean, well-organized space with friendly staff makes it a popular local favorite.

1208 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Thrifty Flea Market

Exceptional owner and staff friendliness
STORE FORMAT
Single Owner Shop
STORE SIZE
Boutique Shop
PRICE RANGE
$
SPECIALTIES
Vintage GlasswareToolsVintage Clothing

WHAT CUSTOMERS LOVE

  • Owner Gary's knowledge and welcoming personality
  • Extremely affordable pricing (items from 50 cents to $40 for multiple pieces)
  • Quality vintage and antique items in good condition

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • Small store size limits selection
  • Inconsistent or unclear hours

Thrifty Flea Market is a small, budget-friendly shop in Des Moines specializing in vintage glassware, tools, and collectibles. Owner Gary and his staff are known for exceptional customer service, fair pricing, and willingness to negotiate. The store features a constantly changing inventory of vintage furniture, clothing, camping supplies, and unique finds, all priced to move. Customers consistently praise the clean, well-organized space and find quality items at unbeatable prices, often leaving with multiple purchases.

1212 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Open Thu-Sat

Watch & Clock Junction

Expert repairs and knowledge
STORE FORMAT
Single Owner Shop
STORE SIZE
Boutique Shop
PRICE RANGE
$
SPECIALTIES
WatchesClocksWatch Accessories

WHAT CUSTOMERS LOVE

  • Technical expertise
  • Restoration of sentimental timepieces
  • Reasonable pricing

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • Long wait times for complex repairs
  • Occasional repair quality issues

Watch & Clock Junction is a specialized timepiece shop in Johnston, IA with over 35 years of expertise in watch and clock repair and sales. The showroom features one of central Iowa's most diverse collections including vintage watches, antique timepieces, pre-owned luxury watches, and new brands. Beyond sales, they offer comprehensive repair services including battery replacement, band adjustments, engraving, appraisals, and house calls for grandfather clocks. They also stock Iowa's largest selection of watch bands and accessories, welcome trade-ins, and purchase old and vintage watches.

5785 Merle Hay Rd, Suite 1, Johnston, IA 50131

West End Architectural Salvage

Friendly, helpful, and accommodating staff
STORE FORMAT
Single Owner Shop
STORE SIZE
Vast Warehouse
PRICE RANGE
$$$
SPECIALTIES
Architectural SalvageAntique FurnitureVintage Decor

WHAT CUSTOMERS LOVE

  • Exceptional staff friendliness and helpfulness
  • Unique, curated inventory with high-quality pieces
  • Multi-sensory experience combining shopping, coffee, and beautiful historic space

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • High prices/expensive (mentioned in 3 reviews)
  • Upper floors lack air conditioning in summer heat

West End Architectural Salvage is a vast four-floor (plus basement) treasure trove in historic downtown Des Moines specializing in architectural salvage, antique furniture, vintage decor, and eclectic finds from all eras. Founded 20 years ago by Don Short to preserve historical architectural pieces, the store offers an immersive browsing experience across multiple levels filled with stained glass, metalwork, vintage signs, hardware, and unique Americana. The integrated full-service coffee bar and cocktail lounge enhance the experience, while the beautifully preserved historic building itself adds character. West End also functions as an event venue and offers custom furniture design services. Featured on HGTV and multiple People's Choice Award winner.

22 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Best Stores in Des Moines, IA Map

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Best Times to Visit

  • Season: May-October (best weather)
  • Parking: Easy - street parking and lots available

Shopping Tips

  • Valley Junction Thursday farmers market includes antiques.
  • Many shops closed Mondays.
  • Iowa State Fair (August) brings special sales.
  • Farm auctions spring/fall offer primitives.

Dining Options

  • Numerous restaurants in Des Moines, IA area
  • Plan a full day trip with dining
  • Local cafes and eateries nearby

Frequently Asked Questions about Des Moines, IA