The best book, hobby & craft shops in Minneapolis

“Cozy independent bookstore specializing in science-related books for all ages, plus toys and games.”

“Independent bookstore featuring a variety of genres, plus readings and author events.”

“Independent bookshop with a broad collection & warm vibe, plus a compact cafe with takeout.”

“Cozy and clean bookstore with an inviting atmosphere, presenting a curated range of old favorites, new releases and classics.”

“Need a fresh set of reeds, a last-minute method book, or a rental sax that actually plays in tune? Groth Music Company is the Twin Cities’ full-line standby for instruments, sheet music, accessories, rentals and expert repairs, plus lessons if you’re finally committing to that practice plan.”

From the South Minneapolis newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Whether your collection lives on the turntable or in the car stereo, Cheapo Records has new LPs on Friday, deep bins of used vinyl and CDs, cassettes for the nostalgics, plus 1000s of posters, T-shirts, and listening gear. Hit the Blaine spot this week and treat your ears.”

From the Anoka County newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Whether you're chasing pointy, high-octane tone or just need your trusty axe dialed in, The Shred Den hooks you up with new BC Rich and Dean guitars, setups, and lessons that keep you shredding. Gift cards exist for that bandmate who never returns gear.”

From the Chanhassen newsletter, August 7, 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

“If your idea of self-care is a graphite-neck groove, Planet Bass is Maple Grove’s spot for high-end, boutique basses and gear, featuring beauties from Modulus, Fodera, Alembic, MTD, Roscoe, Zon, and Elrick. Pop in this week, try a few, then pretend you didn’t just find your forever low end.”

From the Maple Grove newsletter, August 6, 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

“Anchor Paper Express is the local go-to for specialty and everyday papers, envelopes, and packaging, plus custom cutting, quick turnaround, and no minimums. Working on DIY invites or a print project this week?”

From the Plymouth newsletter, August 3, 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).”

“Chain for decorative paper, crafting supplies & quirky gifts, plus custom stationery.”

“Retail music and instrument repair service specializing in stringed instruments, including violins.”

“Store with a vast array of yarn for knitting, crocheting, and other fiber arts, plus classes.”

“Relaxed shop offering drum sets and percussion gear for beginners to experts, plus repairs, lessons and trade-ins on used items.”

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

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

“Chain of music stores buying, selling & trading instruments, sound equipment & accessories.”

“Unpretentious store stocking guitars and amps, plus a huge selection of pedals.”

“Branch of a chain selling guitars and other instruments, amps, and music equipment.”

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

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

“Materials and supplies for knitting, crocheting, weaving, and needlepoint, plus classes and events.”

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

“Chain music shop offering guitars, amplifiers, keyboards, and other instruments, plus rentals.”

“Chain of music stores buying, selling & trading instruments, sound equipment & accessories.”

“Retailer at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes selling games, toys, puzzles, and kites, including collectible card games.”

“Well-stocked shop selling a variety of clays, glazes and tools for ceramic artists.”

“Long-running store offering instruments, repairs, lessons, rentals, and kids' music classes.”

“Family-owned store for stringed instruments and other equipment, plus lessons.”

“Store selling a wide variety of fabrics & notions in spacious, unassuming surroundings.”