6 Quirky Book Stores in Southern Wisconsin

The sensation of browsing a new bookstore feels like a treasure hunt and a form of meditation all in one, and Wisconsin has plenty of remarkable shops that deliver. From small-town stores with big character to unexpected shops in larger cities, discover your new favorite quirky bookstore in Southeast, Southcentral and Southwest Wisconsin.

Niche Book Bar - Milwaukee

Milwaukee is home to tons of great bookstores, but one of its newest shops especially stands out. Located in the city’s Bronzeville Cultural and Entertainment District, Niche Book Bar highlights literature written by Black authors in a wide variety of genres. Opened when owner Cetonia asked herself why it was so hard to find Black literature not solely rooted in trauma, this unique shop offers used and new titles as well as cafe and wine selections in a charming century-old building. 

Discover your new favorite author before exploring more of the neighborhood that includes HoneyBee Sage Wellness & Apothecary Cafe, America's Black Holocaust Museum and the Bronzeville Collective.

A Room of One’s Own - Madison

A trip to Madison isn’t complete without a stop inside A Room of One’s Own, a city staple since its opening in 1975. The trans-owned bookshop offers a wide selection of current and classic fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, local interest titles, gifts, toys and greeting cards, in addition to children's and young adult, women's studies and LGBTQ fiction and nonfiction sections. Especially notable are their lovingly curated displays that range from staff picks to highlighting small presses. With multiple rooms perfect for browsing, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here.

Take your new selections to nearby Forward Craft & Coffee or Olbrich Botanical Gardens to spend more quality time with your crew.

Arcadia Books - Spring Green

Just west of Madison in the artsy haven of Spring Green, you can find Arcadia Books in a charming brick building in the city’s downtown. Take a trip to this independent bookstore to peruse a wide variety of titles, including many local authors, and keep an eye on their calendar for fun events. Grab a coffee or a meal from the in-store cafe and enjoy sitting with friends and family near the large, sunny front windows while you dive into your new books. With Taliesin and American Players Theatre right down the road, it’s easy to spend a whole weekend savoring the impressive artistic wonders of Southwest Wisconsin.

InkLink Books - East Troy

If you’re hoping to step back in time at a one-of-a-kind bookstore, look no further than InkLink Books in East Troy. As soon as you enter the shop’s lantern-lit doorway, you’ll know you’re somewhere special. With a cozy wood-burning stove at the room’s center and painted goddesses of wisdom looking down on you from above, you and your group will feel transported to a magical realm filled with shelves and shelves of all kinds of stories. 

Author events here are also unique, as they are often paired with delicious four-course dinners and wine selections. Whether you visit this southern Wisconsin gem for a quick browse or a one-of-a-kind literary-infused meal, you’re sure to remember your trip for years to come.

Driftless Books & Music - Viroqua

“Quirky” is an understatement for Driftless Music & Books, a former tobacco warehouse that today is likely the largest used bookstore in Wisconsin. Located in the southwest region of the state in the bohemian community of Viroqua, you and your crew can spend hours wandering through the labyrinth of over 500,000 books, records and art that make up this remarkable shop. Not looking to spend? Bring some fresh produce or handmade items to barter for your chosen book. When planning your visit, be sure to note that the shop closes from January to April each year.

After shopping (or bartering) ‘til you drop, get your caffeine fix at the flagship Wonderstate Coffee or enjoy a fresh farm-to-table meal at the Driftless Cafe.

Renaissance Book Shop - Milwaukee

To visit this impressive hidden gem, you’ll have to make your way into someplace unexpected: Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport. Worth a visit even if you don’t have a flight to catch, Renaissance Book Shop is in the main terminal, before the security checkpoint, and even validates parking with a purchase of $10 or more.

Originally located in downtown Milwaukee, the airport branch opened in 1979 and was reportedly the first used bookstore ever to open in an airport. With around 60,000 volumes to explore, including a notable aviation section, this shop is worth the stop.

Still in the mood to shop? Discover these Wisconsin small towns with shopping surprises.