The Ultimate Treasure Hunt: Back-to-Back 100 Mile Garage Sales Along the Great River Road and Highway 10
For bargain hunters, antique lovers, and road trip enthusiasts, springtime in the Upper Midwest offers an unparalleled opportunity: two massive 100 Mile Garage Sales spanning consecutive weekends. These events transform Wisconsin and Minnesota into a haven for thrifters, collectors, and adventurers eager to uncover hidden treasures while exploring the scenic beauty of the region, especially in Pepin County.
The first of these epic sales takes place along Highway 10, spanning 100 miles of small towns and countryside. The following weekend, the excitement continues along the Great River Road, a route that meanders alongside the Mississippi River, connecting communities across both states. With two weekends of back-to-back sales, visitors have double the opportunity to score unique finds and experience the hospitality of Wisconsin and Minnesota’s charming towns.
Photo Credit: Tom Fisk
Each sale offers its own distinctive appeal. The Highway 10 event kicks off the treasure-hunting season, drawing shoppers to rural communities, farms, and roadside stalls filled with antiques, collectibles, and secondhand goods. The relaxed, small-town atmosphere makes for an intimate and leisurely shopping experience. From vintage furniture to handcrafted items, Highway 10’s garage sale circuit is the perfect prelude to the excitement of the following weekend.
The Great River Road 100 Mile Garage Sale, which follows, is equally thrilling but adds the element of breathtaking river views and historic river towns. Stretching from Hastings, Minnesota, to Prescott, Wisconsin, and covering both sides of the Mississippi, this event transforms the region into a bustling marketplace. With sales lining Highway 61 and Highway 35, visitors can explore endless roadside stands, community-wide rummage sales, and unique pop-up vendors—all while taking in stunning river landscapes.
Photo Credit: Visit Pepin County – Stockholm, WI
What sets these garage sales apart is the journey itself. Between stops, visitors can enjoy picturesque drives through rolling countryside, charming downtowns, and scenic riverbanks. Pepin County, in particular, serves as an ideal hub for travelers looking to take in both sales. Whether stopping for a meal at a local café, resting in a cozy bed-and-breakfast, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the region, these weekends offer more than just shopping—they provide an entire travel experience.
Photo Credit: Visit Pepin County – Durand, WI
Pepin County invites visitors to transform their shopping expedition into a complete travel experience. The area’s local restaurants, comfortable accommodations, and stunning Mississippi River views provide perfect interludes between sale visits. The events’ impressive scope—featuring a 200-mile stretch across two states—often necessitates multiple days to fully appreciate, making them an ideal opportunity for an extended stay in our welcoming communities.
For those interested in participating as sellers, visibility can be enhanced by sharing sale details and photographs on the event’s social media platforms and garagesalefinder.com. All visitors are welcome to experience this unique dual-state event that showcases the best of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway while offering unparalleled opportunities for seeking out their next favorite bargain find, discovering unique river communities, and making lasting memories.
For those serious about maximizing their finds, planning is key. Many participants map out their must-visit towns in advance, while still leaving room for the spontaneity that makes these events so special. Sellers can increase their visibility by promoting their sales on social media platforms and garagesalefinder.com, ensuring a steady stream of eager buyers.
Whether you’re a dedicated thrifter, a collector on the hunt for rare antiques, or simply someone looking to enjoy a weekend road trip with family and friends, these back-to-back 100 Mile Garage Sales are the perfect way to welcome spring. Mark your calendar, plan your route, and get ready for an unforgettable two-weekend adventure filled with bargains, discoveries, and the charm of the Upper Midwest’s most beloved communities.