5 Old-Timey General Stores In The Great Lakes

The Great Lakes region has lots to offer both its residents and visitors, boasting some of the biggest cities in both Canada and the United States, and of course, tons of gorgeous natural scenery. But given how long many of the communities on its shores have been around, there also are tons of old-timey businesses here that continue to function to this day, many of which have served locals and tourists for well over a hundred years. Today, we will cover some of these classic general stores and reveal their storied pasts.

Lehman’s - Kidron, Ohio

Founded in 1955, Lehman’s was originally built to serve the Amish community with non-electric tools and household goods. Over time, it evolved into a nationally beloved destination for those seeking traditional, off-grid living solutions and unique home wares. This store spans multiple buildings connected by wooden walkways and features everything from hand-cranked washing machines and oil lamps to wood stoves and heirloom seeds. Overall, its inventory remains focused on high-quality items rarely found in modern retailers.

Adding to the experience, the interior is part museum, showcasing antique appliances and historic farm tools, with detailed displays explaining their use. The store also hosts educational events and workshops throughout the year, reinforcing its role as a resource for self-sufficient living.

Though it has grown significantly, Lehman’s maintains its old-fashioned focus, catering to homesteaders, hobbyists, and history buffs alike in northern Ohio.

Lake General Store - Lake, Michigan

Founded in 1904 during the height of the logging era around the Great Lakes, the Lake General Store began as a much-needed supply stop for timber workers and train crews near Crooked Lake. Ownership has passed through several families, with the Guzowski family maintaining it since the early 1980s.

The building has retained much of its early structure, with a period-appropriate façade refitted in 2009 to better reflect its original appearance. Inside, the store blends traditional grocery offerings with old-school features like a butcher counter serving fresh cuts and homemade sausages. Shelves are stocked with vintage-style candies, hand-rolled cigars, and even some regional wines, alongside other practical goods for daily use. It also serves as a convenient point for visitors using nearby trails and lakes.

The store operates daily and continues to act as a central fixture in the small but cozy community of Lake.

Marine General Store - Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota

Established in 1870 on the southeast corner of Judd and Maple Streets, this is Minnesota’s oldest continuously operating general store and one of the longest-standing in the entire United States.

Originally built by the Walker, Judd & Veazie lumber company, it served loggers and local residents for decades. As other corner stores closed, Marine General endured under independent ownership since 1895, with current proprietors tracing back through eight successive owners.

The building is charming in an old-timey way, with exposed pine beams, wooden floors, antique counters, and vintage display cases. But besides its picturesque exterior and interior, it still runs as a full-service grocery and deli, selling fresh meats, bakery goods, fruits and vegetables, and grab‑and‑go sandwiches. Furthermore, a gift section offers river‑themed merchandise to canoeists and tourists.

Open daily, it remains a community cornerstone and historic waypoint in the National Register-listed Marine on St. Croix Historic District.

Good Hart General Store - Good Hart, Michigan

Built in 1934 by Cliff Powers, Good Hart General Store began as a general grocery, butcher shop, and gas station along the scenic M‑119 route, the famed “Tunnel of Trees.” Powers added a U.S. Post Office inside by 1945, and in 1971, Carolyn (Woods) Sutherland took over, playing a vital role in maintaining its authentic charm ever since. Today, it is still open year-round as a full-service general store, bakery, deli, gift shop, real estate office, and post office.

The restored red-and-white building still has its original tinted windows, glass-front counter bins, a carved oak “cooling case” from pre-electric days, and a National Cash Register dating back to 1901!

Inside, you can pick up world-famous chicken and beef pot pies, homemade fruit pies, fresh breads, jams, deli sandwiches, regional wines and beers, plus branded apparel and gifts. It is also renowned for hosting community events like summer market days and an annual picnic, making it a true community hub for both locals and visitors in the area.

Trousdale’s General Store - Sydenham, Ontario

This is, in fact, Canada’s oldest continuously operated general store, founded in 1836 by the Trousdale family. Also notably, Trousdale’s General Store still runs under family ownership five generations later. It originated as a small barter-based bakery and supply stop, evolving into a full-scale general store as the village grew around mica mining and dairy production.

The current concrete building dates to 1929, replacing the original wooden structure. Within, several 19th-century features remain, however, namely a long polished counter, a tin ceiling, a brass-crank cash register, and vintage store tins and yardsticks.

This spot offers old-fashioned candies, toys, Kawartha Dairy ice cream, local crafts, clothing, and household goods, all set amongst authentic antiques. A small soda-fountain-style café in the back adds to the old-school vibes as well, serving up both hot and cold drinks for thirsty shoppers.

Shop in These Historic Locales Today

These old-time general stores in the Great Lakes region serve as living links to the past, preserving community traditions and historic architecture in a highly functional way. Whether looking for anything from furniture, candy, lunch, or just some gas on a road trip, they provide a window into regional history and daily life over the centuries while you shop around. Family-run or maintained by longtime owners, each destination mentioned above also simply adds charm to the already cozy/picturesque towns they sit in.