The best book, hobby & craft shops in Des Moines

7 book, hobby & craft shops we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Des Moines’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Bakeries & Sweets · Entertainment · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Nightlife · Arts & Culture · Shopping · Sporting Goods · Home & Garden

Pinned in Des Moines today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Des Moines — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · 7 places · showing the latest additions first

American Music Center

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

If your guitar needs fresh strings or a full setup this week, American Music Center has been Iowa’s go-to for decades, with new and…

1130 E Army Post Rd

“If your guitar needs fresh strings or a full setup this week, American Music Center has been Iowa’s go-to for decades, with new and pre-owned guitars, amps, drums, and PA gear plus legit in-house repairs. Pop in, geek out, maybe even ogle the classic cars rolling into their expanded space soon.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, August 3, 2026

Website ↗

Rieman Music - Altoona

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Long-running shop offering instruments for sale and rent, plus lessons, repairs, and live-sound equipment.

4420 E Broadway Ave

“Long-running shop offering instruments for sale and rent, plus lessons, repairs, and live-sound equipment.”

Website ↗

Uptempo Music

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Friendly, local music shop selling new and used instruments, accessories and sheet music.

2714 Beaver Ave

“Friendly, local music shop selling new and used instruments, accessories and sheet music.”

Website ↗

Mashe Modern

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Bright, modern fabric shop with longarm quilting services.

1412 Walnut St (Dallas Center)

“Bright, modern fabric shop with longarm quilting services.”

Website ↗

Run a Des Moines business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

Guitar Center

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Large chain carrying acoustic and electric guitars plus amps, drums and keyboards.

3910 University Ave (West Des Moines)

“Large chain carrying acoustic and electric guitars plus amps, drums and keyboards.”

Website ↗

Memory Bound Papercraft Store

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Craft and scrapbook supplies and workshops store featuring stamps, paper and card-stock selections, plus kit-making demos.

641 N Ankeny Blvd (Ankeny)

“Craft and scrapbook supplies and workshops store featuring stamps, paper and card-stock selections, plus kit-making demos.”

Website ↗

Rob's Music & More

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Stringed musical instruments store selling new, used and rare gear, plus repairs and friendly service.

3526 SW 9th St C

“Stringed musical instruments store selling new, used and rare gear, plus repairs and friendly service.”

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →