On my travels through Wisconsin, I have discovered the sparkliest of local gems: little independent booksellers. These holdouts from Amazon’s market monopoly, all within a two-hour drive of Milwaukee, are wonderful places to spend an afternoon browsing books and soaking up the local color. Here are five of my favorites:
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1. Reads by the River
102 E. MAIN ST., WATERFORD | 262-720-READ
Kelly and Steve Klein opened this bookstore on the Fox River in 2021 and host author readings, partnering with local restaurants, distilleries and breweries. While the Kids’ Cottage is a dedicated, enclosed space for children’s books, every genre is represented here, including a shelf devoted to Taylor Swift titles, board books for little ones and buzzy genres like romantasy.
Also check out Noble Brothers Waterford Creamery, which carries its own line of aged cheddar cheeses and serves turtle sundaes in its on-site ice cream parlor!
2. InkLink Books
2890 MAIN ST., EAST TROY | 262-642-9607
Tucked along the town square, this 8-year-old shop flaunts a moody European vibe with dark painted shelves, high ceilings, a Scandinavian-style suspended fireplace and a narrow layout. The building dates to 1862, and most visitors, says owner Kayleen Rohrer, comment on that aesthetic right away. “This is what a bookshop should be: it’s beautiful, inviting and charmingly old-fashioned,” says Rohrer, who takes pride in the highly curated, mostly literary stock.
Also check out Sauced, a local pizza joint serving wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pies.
3. Arcadia Books
102 E. JEFFERSON ST., SPRING GREEN | 608-588-7638
Grab a seat in the cafe and linger over lattes, sandwiches, cookies, scones or soup. There’s a children’s section in back and cookbooks are up front, with a strong focus on regional authors. Owner James Bohnen curates the poetry section. As a nod to the American Players Theatre in town, there’s a Shakespeare section and a large drama section, too. Fans of Frank Lloyd Wright will want to check out the collection of books about the late architect and his projects, including nearby Taliesin.
Also check out Nina’s Department & Variety Store, a 109-year-old repository of housewares, knitting supplies, puzzles and more.
4. Blue House Books
5915 SIXTH AVE., KENOSHA | 262-612-5525
A variety of genres are represented – cookbooks, thrillers, biographies and everything in between. Upcoming meet-and-greet author events include thriller writer Scott Turow on Feb. 21 and, on March 24, Wisconsin mystery writer Hannah Morrissey’s release party for her latest book in the Black Harbor series. About 10% of the store’s books are used.
Also check out the life-size replicas of T-Rex, Gallimimus and more at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum.
5. Daydream Believer Books & Gifts
130 E. LAKE ST., LAKE MILLS | 920-648-5100
From blockbuster bestsellers to picture books for kiddos, this cozy bookstore offers something for everyone – and comfy lounge chairs and a leather sofa, too. The adjacent cafe offers sunny spots to enjoy a coffee and a pastry (crafted in a Watertown bakery).
Also check out the vases and functional tableware at nearby Ephraim Pottery.
