Top Spots to go Antiquing Along Route 66 and the Great River Road

Antique enthusiasts will want to stop frequently while traveling along Route 66 and the Great River Road for the bounty of local shops, markets and malls from Virden to Edwardsville in the Great Rivers & Routes region.

If you’re the type of person for which “antique” is a verb, try antiquing along Route 66 and the Great River Road for these 13 famed and quirky shops, markets and malls throughout southwest Illinois.

Silvernick's New & Used

Virden, IL

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something…silver? Silvernick’s, located in Virden, has been a trademark antique shop for 12 years and offers a variety of furniture pieces, home décor, unique gifts, collectables and handcrafted items. Whether you’re looking for the perfect present or wanting to revamp your home, Silvernick’s is sure to have something for you.

Mother Road Antique Mall

Carlinville, IL

Owner Virginia Brown opened up Mother Road Antique Mall on beautiful Carlinville Historic Square over 50 years ago, and she's still featuring antiques of all shapes, sizes and prices. From knickknacks to full furniture sets, you never know what you'll find inside.

It Is What It Is Antiques Resale

Carlinville, IL

What you see is what you get at It Is What It Is Resale in Carlinville. With over 5,000 square feet of antiques from over 60 vendors, you will always walk out satisfied and with a one-of-a-kind piece.

Pink Elephant Antique Mall

Livingston, IL

In true Route 66 style, you cannot miss the Pink Elephant Antique Mall with its large bubble gum pink pachyderm outside, an original 1960s Futuro House and an ice cream shop shaped like a cone. Inside a converted gym, you'll find a large indoor flea market filled with trinkets and everything vintage. There's even a newly added diner to add to the retro feel.

The Chirping Frog Antique Mall

Worden, IL

Since 2016, The Chirping Frog Antique Mall has been bringing a wide array of collectibles to Worden. From home décor and housewares from over 80 vendors to outdoor markets full of the greatest additions to your collections, The Chirping Frog has something for all tastes.

Sweet Ashley's Cottage

Bethalto, IL

This quaint stop is all about taking old furniture and vintage finds and creating something new. Sweet Ashley's Cottage owners Kelli and Jim Brown are constantly scouring auctions, flea markets and estate sales to find treasures for their customers. Whether you want the piece as is or custom painted for you, you're sure to find something sweet when you pop into this carefully curated Bethalto store.

Alton Exchange Mall

Alton, IL

If you want another large-scale shopping outing while in Alton, head to the Alton Exchange Mall with over 16,000 square feet of antiques and vintage. And if real fixer-uppers aren't your style, you can check out their selection of repurposed and upcycled items along with new candles, soaps and florals.

George Street Antique Mall

Alton, IL

Located in Alton but certainly worth the drive, 15,000-square-foot George Street Antique Mall is housed in a former warehouse, now filled with furniture and collectibles. And for those visiting Alton for its reputation as one of the most haunted towns in America, this is a must visit for a glimpse into the town's past.

Country Meadows Antiques

Wood River, IL

For more than 30 years, Country Meadows Antiques has over 5,000 square feet of antiques, collectibles and jewelry for every style from early country to modern. If you love antique quilts or vintage linens, this is your place to stop. Just come early — they close by 4:30 p.m. every day.

Red Barn Antiques

Edwardsville, IL

Feel right at home at Red Barn Antiques, an antique shop and estate sale spot located in an longstanding barn in Edwardsville. Revamp your home décor with bedroom furniture, couches, windows and much more.

Vintage 71

Edwardsville, IL

Set In the heart of downtown Edwardsville, Vintage 71 offers an assortment of chic finds, rejuvenated home décor and rustic designs. Get your hands on your favorite item quick, as their inventory is constantly changing.

The Doll Corner

Edwardsville, IL

The Doll Corner carries the largest inventory of collector dolls and accessories in the area. It also features a second floor full of antique goods along with toys, furniture and pottery.