Thanks to its numerous flea markets, antique shops, and vintage bazaars, the Midwest could be considered the epicenter of thrifting. Illinois is one of the best destinations for flea market fans in the Heartland. From the industrial and urban spaces of Chicago to the rolling green hills of St. Charles, the state offers premier thrifting opportunities.
The best part about visiting these shops and events is the diversity of the markets. Whether you want high-end, chic hotel furnishings or mid-century chic, this curated list of must-visit places will help you plan the perfect itinerary. Each market named as one of the best in Illinois has been carefully selected based on its merchandise, number of vendors, and unique offerings. You won’t find any swap meets or places with garage sale leftovers and counterfeit items here.
Most of the stores and shows here are 70% or more authentic vintage or antique collectibles. Several of the selections have been recognized by leading publications, including Jetsetter, Romantic Times, and Time Out Chicago. Feel confident that you’re visiting the best that the state has to offer!
I-80 Flea Market – Tinley Park, Illinois
The I-80 Flea Market is an outdoor market located just south of I-80 in Tinley Park, Illinois. Open rain or shine every Sunday from April to November, the market offers free parking and admission for $2.00. For over 30 years, vintage lovers and antique enthusiasts have flocked to the I-80, one of the best flea markets in Illinois.
Merchandise includes antiques, primitives, housewares, glassware, pottery, memorabilia, and collectibles. The market also features an indoor kitchen where you can grab a tasty snack or drink. Doors open at 7; get there early for the best deals.
Where: 19100 Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477
When: Monthly: April to November | Sunday: 7:00 am– 1:00 pm — check the website for exact dates
Web: https://www.i80fleamarket.com
Scout Flea Market – Morris, Illinois
The owners of True North Antique Market in Morris, Illinois, founded the Scout Flea Market to give shoppers the opportunity to find more than just merchandise in their sprawling shop. The market is held in the shop’s parking lot rain or shine from April through October. This juried show draws a crowd, with attendees lining up long before the gate opens.
Admission is free, and once you’ve browsed to your heart’s content through the vintage items, antiques, and salvage, you can head into True North. True North is a quirky antique and vintage shop where shopping is an adventure. It has more than 70 vendors, an indoor swing, a big screen showing ’80s movies, and much more. It’s like visiting two flea markets in one! Named a Reader Favorite by Flea Market Style Magazine, True North’s Scout Flea Market attracts great Midwest dealers and is often held near other county events, giving attendees plenty to do in Morris. Antiquers, vintage fans, and retro lovers can scout out great finds. Next door, Dave’s Dawgs is the perfect spot to grab a hot dog, ice cream, and other treats.
Where: 10826 IL-71, Yorkville, IL 60560
When: Monthly: Spring to Fall | Saturday: 9:00 am– 2:00 pm — check website for exact dates
Web: https://www.scoutfleamarket.blogspot.com
Wolff’s Flea Market Rosemont – Rosemont, Illinois
Owned and operated by the Wolff brothers, Wolff’s Flea Market is one of the best flea markets in Illinois outside of Chicago. Established in 1991, the outdoor flea market has grown to offer more than 700 vendors at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.
Wolff’s merchants sell glassware, retro toys, sports collectibles, antiques, furniture, American vinyl, and other vintage items. The organizers are vigilant about counterfeit items. On-site food trucks offering snacks and beverages make for an enjoyable day of browsing and shopping. Admission is just $2, or $4 for early bird admission.
Where: 6920 N. Mannheim, Rosemont, IL 60018
When: Monthly | Sunday: 6:00 am – 3:00 pm – check website for 2019 schedule
Web: http://www.wolffs.com
Read more: Full review of Wolff’s Flea Market Rosemont on fleamapket
3 French Hens French Country Market – Morris, Illinois
Thanks to the 3 French Hens French Country Market, Morris, Illinois, feels like Paris on certain days of the year. Held on weekends from May through October in a beautiful park along the I&M Canal, the market features more than 100 vendors selling antiques, artisan pieces, fresh flowers, and baked goods. In November, a Holiday Market is held with great gift options and vintage pieces.
Over 10 years ago, the Hens, Traci Tessone and Monica Spence-Vogel, started the market to draw attention to the beautiful downtown area of Morris. Each vendor is carefully selected, and at least 50% of the merchandise must be vintage or handmade. The air is filled with the scents of pastries, kettle corn, candies, and more, so come hungry.
Where: 123 W Illinois Ave, Morris, IL 60450
When: Monthly | Saturday: 8:00 am– 2:00 pm — check website for exact dates
Web: https://www.3frenchhensmarket.blogspot.com/
Kane County Flea Market – St. Charles, Illinois
Up to 30,000 people attend the Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles, a picturesque town located on the banks of the Fox River. The market dates back to 1967, when resident Helen Robinson had the idea for it. She saw her vision grow into one of the best flea markets in the Midwest. Today, Helen’s son and his family carry on the tradition, with the market boasting more than 500 dealers each month.
The market is the perfect day trip from Chicago, offering a scenic drive of less than an hour from the city. Head to the Kane County Fairgrounds to browse up to 1,000 booths. You’ll soon see why it’s considered one of the best flea markets in the world by Jetsetter. Vendors offer high-end antiques, vintage collectibles, vinyl records, clothing, jewelry, postcards, sports memorabilia, books, and artwork.
Where: 525 Randall Rd, St. Charles, IL 60174
When: Monthly | Saturday: 12:00 am – 5:00 pm | Sunday: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Web: https://www.kanecountyfleamarket.com/
Read more: Full review of Kane County Flea Market on fleamapket
Vintage Garage Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
Vintage Garage Chicago is a monthly bazaar and a popular destination for vintage lovers in Chicago. Held in a garage, Vintage Garage is a show that takes place once a month. During the show, 75 to 100 vendors set up shop across three levels of the garage. The market is currently on hiatus for 2019.
Merchants offer strictly vintage and vintage-inspired items, many of which correspond to the selected theme. You’ll find items ranging from the 1940s to the 1980s, including clothing, mid-century furniture, art, jewelry, glassware, paper collectibles, and more.
Where: 5649 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660
When: Monthly | Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm – on hiatus for 2019
Web: https://www.vintagegaragechicago.com
Read more: Full review of Vintage Garage Chicago on fleamapket
Randolph Street Market – Chicago, Illinois
The Randolph Street Market is home to the renowned eight-acre Chicago Antique Market, which has received acclaim from celebrity designers like Nate Berkus. Nicknamed the “Barney’s of Vintage,” this European-style flea market features both indoor and outdoor vendors from May through September. From October through April, the market is indoors only. The event is held several times a month and has long been considered the best flea market in Illinois.
Each session features more than 100 sellers of vintage, antique, and retro items, including comics, vintage clothing, sterling silver, home décor, glassware, vinyl, and collectibles. The Chicago Antique Market has a vibrant and fun atmosphere with a different theme each show. In addition to the antique market, you’ll also find a funky indie designer market, live music, and multiple food vendors. There is a small admission fee of $12 at the gate, but the market has offered Groupon deals on admission in the past. A season pass is also available.
Where: 1341 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
When: Monthly | Saturday, and Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm – check website for exact dates
Web: https://www.randolphstreetmarket.com
Read more: Full review of Randolph Street Market on fleamapket
Grayslake North Chicago, Illinois Antique Flea Market – Grayslake, Illinois
The Grayslake North Chicago Illinois Antique Flea Market is located in its namesake city at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Hosted by Zurko Promotions, an antique and vintage promoter since 1969, the monthly event is held at the fairgrounds. While the show is offered year-round, it nearly doubles in size during the summer.
Spend the day browsing some of the best collectibles, antiques, and vintage items, including movie memorabilia, furniture, lighting, jewelry, décor, and coins. The market has long been recognized as one of the best flea markets in Illinois and is a great weekend destination, with admission costing just $7. Parking is free, and admission is valid for both days, so feel free to go back and discover something new. Early buyers can enter an hour before the show opens to the public for $25.
Where: 1060 E Peterson Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030
When: Monthly | Saturday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Sunday: 9:00 – 3:00 pm – check website for exact dates
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrayslakeAntiqueMarket/
Read more: Full review of Grayslake North Chicago Illinois Antique Flea Market on fleamapket
Broadway Antique Market Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
Recognized by Time Out Chicago readers as the best antique store in Chicago, Broadway Antique Market is one of the best antique destinations in the Midwest. This Edgewater gem spans 20,000 square feet of pure retro and antique goodness. It’s sure to please even the pickiest vintage enthusiast.
The enchantment of this large antique store begins the moment you approach it. From the outside, Broadway Antique Market looks like a throwback department store, complete with large, regularly changed window displays. Once inside, you’ll find mid-century furniture, glassware, lighting, vintage wall clocks, and various pieces of ephemera. You can easily decorate your entire house with the treasures you find here, and you never know what will catch your eye. Plan to spend a few hours. After you’re done shopping, stop by our other pick in the Edgewater area.
Where: 6130 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
When: Daily | Monday to Saturday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm | Sunday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Web: https//www.bammarket.com
Read more: Full review of Broadway Antique Market Chicago on fleamapket
Edgewater Antique Mall – Chicago, Illinois
For over 14 years, Edgewater Antique Mall has been one of the best flea markets in Illinois. Located in the lakefront Edgewater area, which is well known for its antique shops, the shop is one of the standouts. Edgewater is one of the standouts. With an inventory that is regularly updated with merchandise ranging from antiques to mid-century modern classics, Edgewater is a must-visit for any Illinois visitor looking for a treasure.
The antique mall brings together more than 50 vendors, making it easy to find anything from hip vintage clothing to jewelry to industrial pieces. Every item for sale has been carefully selected, so you won’t find any knock-off merchandise here.
Where: 6314 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
When: Daily | Monday to Sunday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Web: http://edgewaterantiquemall.com
Read more: Full review of Edgewater Antique Mall on fleamapket
Salvage One – Chicago, Illinois
Salvage One, located in Chicago, is a 60,000-square-foot warehouse filled with antique and vintage treasures and architectural salvage. From old theater seats to banisters from historic buildings, this exceptional curated store has an amazing assortment of goods to browse. You can expect to find vintage hotel signs, antique rolling chests, lighting, retro chairs, antique furnishings, clocks, glassware, and more. If you’re looking for something cool and chic, you’ll find it here in this luxurious, high-end shop.
Salvage One is well known in the film and television industry. The store furnishes sets with stylish retro and vintage pieces. The elegant architecture makes the space an ideal venue for a shabby-chic wedding or retro-inspired birthday party, and it is a beloved wedding and event venue. Salvage One is easily one of the best flea markets in Illinois, so be prepared to fall in love with their goods. Fortunately, Chicagoland delivery and global shipping are available if you find something you can’t resist. You can also shop online at their website. Salvage One also has an on-site custom design workshop to help you create the piece of your dreams.
Where: 1840 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60622
When: Weekends | Friday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm | Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Sunday: 12:00 am – 5:00 pm
Web: https://www.salvageone.com
Read more: Full review of Salvage One on fleamapket
P.O.S.H. Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
P.O.S.H. Chicago is located in the historic Tree Studios building in downtown Chicago. This landmark was commissioned in 1894 by Judge Lambert Tree and his daughter, Anna Field Tree. The building served as an artists’ residence and has welcomed over 500 artists. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Entrenched in history, the building is home to an eclectic collection of vintage hotel and estate silver, dinnerware, restaurant china, and unique pieces sourced from European auction houses, all of which are available at P.O.S.H. Each piece has a story to tell, which you can discover at one of Illinois’s best flea markets.
Where: 613 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
When: Daily | Monday to Sunday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Web: https:/www.poshchicago.com
Read more: Full review of P.O.S.H. on fleamapket
✈️ Plan Your Visit: Lodging for Illinois’ Top 12 Flea Markets
View the best US Flea Markets on a map
You can now discover the best flea markets and antique fairs in the US, on a map! Not only have we included some of the best flea markets in Illinois featured in this list, but we’ve added the country’s most acclaimed antique fairs to the mix.
