The best book, hobby & craft shops in Dakota County

“Part community hangout, part treasure hunt, Niche Books mixes new and used reads for all ages, a kid-forward front room, and delightfully nerdy gifts. fm, and even take gently used trades.”

From the Lakeville newsletter, October 7, 2026

“Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids.”

“Whether your happy place is haunted houses, far-off galaxies, or quests with suspiciously talkative swords, Other Skies Weird Fiction curates horror, science fiction, and fantasy that actually surprises.”

From the Maplewood newsletter, September 11, 2026

“NerdinOut-Inver Grove Heights is a 7,000-square-foot playground of new releases and back issues, action figures, retro and modern video games, trading cards, and anime merch. They also buy, sell, and trade, so bring those closet treasures and level up your collection.”

From the Cottage Grove newsletter, September 8, 2026

“If you need a thoughtful sacramental gift or something uplifting for your own shelf, Divine Inspirations Books and Gifts has you covered with devotional aids, children's books, teaching supplies, and more.”

From the Richfield newsletter, September 2, 2026

“First Star Music Studios turns half-forgotten guitars and shower singers into actual musicians, with private lessons for voice, piano, guitar, drums, ukulele and more, in your home or online. This week, lean on Al, who’s been teaching since 1961, and let him fix that stubborn instrument while you learn.”

From the South Minneapolis newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Big Sky Hobby is the spot for RC flyers and drivers, stocking trainer planes, brushless trucks, plenty of parts, and even CAD/3D printing services when you need that just-right bracket or fix. Pop in this week and get your next backyard shakedown or Nokomis speed run dialed.”

From the South Minneapolis newsletter, August 7, 2026

“From a quick setup to full-on resurrection, The Guitar Shop is the go-to for expert guitar repair, affordable guitars and accessories, plus friendly guitar and piano lessons that actually stick. St. Paul folks, give your future jam session a nudge and get those fingers moving this week.”

From the Woodbury newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“If your stash is looking blah, Sew Trendy MN has the good stuff... vibrant Kaffe Fassett and Tula Pink, Ruby Star, Moda and Riley Blake, plus precuts, widebacks, minky kits, bundles, patterns and notions. Slide in this week, spark a quilt you actually want to finish.”

From the South Minneapolis newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Eclipse Music packs a huge stompbox selection from classics to boutique oddities, plus G&L guitars, amps, and pedalboard essentials like cables, power, and MIDI. A low-key spot for Woodbury players chasing new tones this week, and the kind of gear that keeps band practice interesting.”

From the Woodbury newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Whether you're piecing your first baby quilt or chasing that perfect backing, Wildflower Quilt Co. has curated fabrics, kits, patterns, and all the notions, plus sewing machines and furniture. Sign up for classes or the quirky Mystery Five-0, then let their longarm services bring it all together.”

From the Lakeville newsletter, September 20, 2026

“3 Kittens Needle Arts has what your next project needs, from needlepoint canvases and threads to self-finishing items, books, and notions, plus classes, trunk shows, and finishing help. Stop in this week, pick a canvas that sparks joy, then settle in for a cozy stitch session.”

From the Woodbury newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Ready to shake up your routine? Modern Day Music is the nearby hub for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs in West St. Paul.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, October 1, 2026

“Rose Yarn Co. is the kind of local shop where you pop in for a stitch marker and leave inspired, with delicious skeins and a new project plan. Yarn, notions, kits, plus rotating classes like Learn to Knit, Learn to Crochet, Beginner Socks and Intro to Colorwork keep your needles clicking all season.”

From the Lakeville newsletter, October 14, 2026