Old-Fashioned Finds in Madison

A centuries-old river town, Madison, Indiana, has a plethora of antique, collectible and vintage stores that are as much a draw for tourists as its historic attractions. From spacious antique malls to small vintage boutiques, you’re likely to find whatever it is you’re looking for – and more.

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Lumber Mill Antique Mall

Housed in a three-story former flour mill dating back to 1854, Madison’s largest antique mall has “everything from early antiques to collectibles,” says owner Dean Miller.

Among the treasures at Lumber Mill, which is part of the Indiana Antique Trail, are dolls, tools, early farm equipment, pottery, pictures, paintings, china, glassware, antique toys and furniture. There’s even a resident ghost, according to the book Ghosts of Madison, Indiana, and a tired shoppers lounge for those who need a quick break before continuing their hunt.

Shoppers are frequently heard marveling over the wide selection from Lumber Mill’s approximately 85 retailers. As Miller puts it, at Lumber Mill, “We sell memories.”

Riverwest Antique Mall

An old hardware store and building supply, the Riverwest Antique Mall is sectioned off into booths measuring 100 square feet, where each of the 60-plus vendors display their wares.

“Each booth has its own thing: Some are more primitive- and antiques-oriented, and some are more yard sale items,” says owner Rick Grote. He estimates that the total inventory changes about every nine to 12 months.

Digging around, you’re likely to find pottery, crocks, carnival glass, china, license plates, coins, hardware and pictures. Two out-of-town shoppers once found a dollar bill signed by their grandfather, a former president of a Madison bank.

Main Street Antique Mall and Collectibles

The aptly named antique and collectibles outlet is located along historic downtown Madison’s Main Street and stretches back about half a block. Booths are arranged in a horseshoe around the store, with vendors on either side of the aisle.

New items are brought in daily, with Hot Wheels, books, glassware, crocks, furniture, costume jewelry, antique lamps, Barbies, Precious Moments figurines and Longaberger (owner Lisa Lumpford is also a consultant) numbering among the fabulous finds.

Lumpford says her most memorable sale was a large metal sign depicting a battleship to two men who had served on it. “I have repeat customers come in daily and tell me how much they love the store and how they’ve enjoyed shopping here,” she says.

Attic to Basement

Former stay-at-home mom Mitzi Dempler fulfilled a lifelong dream when she opened Attic to Basement two years ago. She doesn’t use vendors, preferring to “go out picking for stuff on different trips, fill up and bring it back to sell,” she says.

The store carries an array of antiques, collectibles and vintage pieces. “Everything you can find from your attic to your basement,” is Dempler’s goal.

In addition to repurposed furniture, Pyrex dishes, gas and oil items such as lamps, Dempler features an artist of the month, offering local craftspeople a prominent place to showcase their handmade goods.

Each summer, Attic to Basement hosts a series of Pickers Weekends, where vendors rent space on the block and in the parking lot outside the shop. Last year, the event drew crowds in the thousands.

Along with these local shops, Madison features many more antique stores to dig your way through, brimming with buried treasure. Find a full listing at visitmadison.org/do/antiques.