Antiquing in picturesque Princeton, Wisconsin, proves once again that big things come in small packages.
By Wayne Jordan
Nestled in the rolling hills of Green County, Wisconsin, lies the charming town of Princeton, a cultural heritage gem of only about 1,200 people worth exploring. You can easily spend a day — or three — browsing its historic downtown, popping into delightful mom-and-pop shops stocked with intriguing items, and enjoying small-town hospitality. Less than two hours from Milwaukee and 90 minutes from Madison, Princeton is one of the top shopping destinations in the state, boasting eclectic boutiques, antique stores, Amish shops and the largest outdoor flea market in Central Wisconsin.
Make a Weekend of It
With so many antique stores to explore, you’ll want to spend at least a full day antiquing in Princeton. Consider booking a room at a charming historic inn like the Gray Gables B&B or the Parlor Hotel on West Water Street. Doing so will allow you to start early, take breaks when needed and not feel rushed.
Once you’ve settled into your cozy accommodations, it’s time to embark on your Princeton antiquing adventure. Start your exploration by strolling along West Water Street, where about half of Princeton’s antique shops are conveniently located. These historic buildings instantly put you in an “antique shopping” mood.
Antique Archaeology
The thrill of the hunt drives antique enthusiasts. Even though the antique shops in Princeton are thoughtfully curated, antique shoppers never know what rare finds might be tucked away on a shelf. Be prepared to dig, sort through boxes, and uncover hidden gems. Once you spot something that catches your eye, speak with the proprietor to learn the item’s provenance and points of connoisseurship. You’ll find that Princeton antique dealers are well-informed and thrive on sharing their knowledge and stories. Of course, be ready to haggle; most shop owners are open to negotiating to make a sale.
When you need a break from hunting and gathering, grab lunch at the popular Buckhorn Bar & Grill.
Popular Antique Shops
As you stroll down Water Street, you’ll find antique shops filled with enticing antiques & collectibles. Check out the Princeton Garage at 441 West Water St. for furniture, primitives, collectibles, and glassware. Just steps away at 432 W. Water, Candi’s Corner displays a carefully curated mix of new and eclectic vintage finds. If home décor is your passion, don’t miss Dover Street Collected Home at 524 West Water St., a diverse vintage home decor shop.
A five-minute drive from West Water Street will get you to the MnM Antique Mall at 501A South Fulton St. You can rummage through 4,000 square feet of primitives, collectibles, toys (especially farm toys), glassware, shabby chic, and US coins and currency. Two blocks away at 328 South Fulton St., you’ll discover Woolbright’s River City Antique Mall, where you’ll find outstanding collections of gas & oil collectibles, plus hunting & fishing, advertising, stoneware, coin-operated, clocks, and jewelry items.
There are many more antique and vintage shops in downtown Princeton. The antique community is active, so new shopping opportunities occur regularly.
Princeton’s Flea Market
Every Saturday from April through October, the Flea Market sets up at Princeton’s City Park, just a short walk from downtown. The market is the largest outdoor flea market in Central Wisconsin and draws vendors and buyers from a multi-state area. The diverse mix of vendors — room for 180 booths — makes this venue genuinely spectacular. Traditional flea market booths, antique dealers, local craftspeople, and homemade food items coexist. You’ll find antiques, collectibles, vintage items, crafts, and assorted memorabilia. New vendors enter the mix every week, so many residents attend weekly to browse for unseen treasures and pick up fresh produce or baked goods.
The flea market is very casual, so come early and take your time browsing the variety of wares. Shoppers are urged to arrive by 6 a.m. The market is open until 4 p.m., but vendors begin packing up around one or two in the afternoon as the crowd thins out.
Admission and parking are free, and plenty of tasty food options are available. Local service clubs and organizations sell snacks, sandwiches, and beverages from the food stand at the park’s center.
Historic Homes and Walking Tours
To glimpse Princeton’s history, take a walking tour of the historic downtown and residential areas. You can do this as you move from shop to shop because many of the sites are in the downtown area. The tour’s nearly fifty sites are marked with historic plaques mounted on buildings or free-standing pedestals. The self-guided walking tour brochure provides details of the most significant properties. Access is available through your smartphone at www.princetonhistorictour.com. Included are Victorian homes, commercial blocks, and churches built in popular styles of the era, like Queen Anne and Italianate.
The Princeton Historical Society Folklore Museum, 630 West Water St., is a testament to the power of communities to shape history. They operate two museums — The Folklore Museum and the Stone House Museum — open to the public on Saturdays from April through October. Access is available by appointment for those visiting at other times of the year. Their carefully curated displays, interactive exhibits, and educational programs connect visitors to Princeton’s past. The information gleaned there enhances a visitor’s appreciation for the sights and culture of Princeton. Visiting the Museums will enrich your entire stay, so make it one of your first day stops.
A Memorable Experience
So, there you have it: a perfect weekend antiquing adventure in picturesque Princeton. You’ve explored hidden gems in the shops and at the flea market, visited historic sites, dined at friendly restaurants, and gained a glimpse into the cultural heritage of this charming small town. Memories of meandering Princeton’s quaint tree-lined streets will stay with you well after leaving the town behind. You’re sure to return home feeling enriched and inspired. Add antiquing in Princeton, Wisconsin, to your bucket list. The journey into its historic heart is one you won’t soon forget.
For more information on Princeton, the Princeton Chamber of Commerce website, email info@princetonwi.com, or call 920.295.3877.
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