8 Old-Timey General Stores In Illinois

First came the tinkers, the traveling salesmen, and the carnival barkers. Then came the trading posts, general stores, and mercantiles—historically, the heartbeat of communities. These businesses were the area's communication hub. Many hosted the town's only telephone and served as places where people could receive news before it was published in the newspaper, if the town had one. You never know what you might find at these old-timey general stores in Illinois.

Alton - 1904 General Store

Inspired by the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, this general store in Alton is situated in the same Bavarian wooden building that was part of the fair. The building was relocated to Alton, Illinois, and turned into a photography studio, eventually becoming the 1904 General Store. This old-time store not only sells fudge, chocolates, and candy, but it also has an events space available for booking. You can check out the medieval-looking architecture of the building during your next visit to Alton.

One candy bar is never enough. This tasty store has candy by the pound. If you're in the mood for a little pre-holiday shopping, this store takes it to the next level. The first thing that hits you when you enter this quaint little store is the aroma, is it candy, candles, ice cream, or just happiness? There are treats and decorations for all seasons and every taste bud. Magnets, hanging decorations, lights, gnomes for every season, and personalized gifts, and that's only on the 1st floor.

Once you've finished exploring all the fun décor, it's time to treat yourself and enjoy it on their outdoor patio. Then you can go back in, shop some more, and grab some treats to go! This is a huge must if you're in the area and fancy an old-fashioned sweet treat!

Country House of Long Grove

Inside the Country House of Long Grove, you'll find an array of merchandise around you that you never knew you needed. Whether you're in the mood for vintage items or exotic soaps, the Country House is an emporium of many different styles. Find kitchen gadgets from mini-sized to full-sized, Chicago sports items, seasonal holiday decorations, puzzles, hats, weathervanes, decorative metal signs, and more.

The Country House of Long Grove fills you with the feel of an old country store. This business is not a typical general store, as it does not offer grocery items; instead, it features a selection of home accessories, vintage collectibles, and locally sourced goods. Located in the heart of Long Grove, this country store offers items from local artisans, along with a selection of miscellaneous collectibles. A great time to visit is during the town's Vintage Days held in August. Come for the trinkets and stay for the live music.

Monticello - Monticello Mercantile

Monticello Mercantile was established in 2016 and has continued to grow since then. It offers an abundant range of products, including home décor, women's and infant gifts and clothing, bath and body items, jewelry, and more. The Mercantile is proud to be a venue for local makers to sell their products. They sponsor many pop-up events such as The Market on Main and Oktoberfest, and even welcome artists to set up shop on the store's front porch for an afternoon, so you're sure to find something new with every visit.

To get you in the holiday spirit, swing by downtown Monticello for their annual Holiday Open House, and get some early Christmas shopping in at the Mercantile. It's sure to get your fa-la-la-la-la on. They'll have plenty of treats, drinks, giveaways, and shopping to go around!

Nauvoo - Zion's Mercantile

Step inside Zions Mercantile, and you'll come upon local goods, handcrafted items, and gifts inspired by Nauvoo's place in the unique history of the migration of the members of The Church of Latter-Day Saints.

The Mercantile building was rebuilt in 2006 and has become a mainstay of Nauvoo's business district, offering art, historic artifacts, kitchen items, and jewelry that evoke the history, pioneer era, and spirituality of the community's founding.

Conveniently connected to a hotel and restaurant, a visit to Zion's offers a full weekend experience. In the courtyard between the Mercantile and Fireside BBQ, a new outdoor stage brings live music to the heart of downtown Nauvoo.

Grafton - Box Mercantile

Box Mercantile, found in a former bank on Main Street, is a delightful gift shop just waiting for you to discover. Its intriguing storefront beckons you into the cozy interior.

Once you step inside Box Mercantile, let your senses be delighted by the array of scents, sights, and sounds that fill the air. You'll find a wide variety of Gratfon-centered gifts and souvenirs, as well as food goods, including teas and coffees, jams, spreads, sauces, cookbooks, and Life is Good products. They carry seasonal items, home décor, and jewelry. If your dog plays poker, they even have dog-safe beer and cigars.

Treat yourself to a whimsical Grafton afternoon in this delightful shop. You may discover a recipe or two and the necessary ingredients. Life is good at Box Mercantile.

Woodstock - The Greenwood General Store

Located in Woodstock and resembling the general store from Mayberry, this establishment is considered a community landmark, housed in a historic building built in 1894. Committed to exceptional service and a fun, relaxing atmosphere, this general store offers a diverse range of options, including coffee, deli sandwiches, ice cream, soda fountain classics, and a selection of groceries, as well as beer and wine.

As the only retail establishment in this small town, they embody the spirit of the old trading post and community hub.

Recently renovated and reopened, owner Emily Truscott treasures the building and its essential place in the community, preserving and celebrating its history, and has created a spot that everyone will want to visit.

Frankfort - The Family Hearth and General Store

The past meets the present at The Family Hearth and General Store in historic downtown Frankfort. This authentic 1870s-style general store, located on the main street of town, features original wide-plank pine flooring and is filled with vintage wares and unusual gifts dedicated to faith and family.

Like any traditional general store, they sell old-fashioned candy, ice cream, and soda in glass bottles. In the spirit of the old-timey general stores, you can hang out and enjoy their reading room and play a game of checkers, drink fresh tea or coffee, or relax and enjoy the comfort and heat provided by the fireplace.

The Family Hearth General Store is a vintage, inspirational, antique, and needlework shop with a vast collection of treasures, reproductions, inspirational gifts, vintage décor, stitching supplies for needlework, and more.

Lena - Lena Mercantile Company

Located in the heart of Lena in 1895 as a general store, the Lena Mercantile Company is an energetic marketplace featuring over 40 vendors, each bringing their unique flair, and offering a variety of items, from antiques and collectibles to handmade crafts and gourmet treats.

At Lena Mercantile, they believe that shopping should be a fun journey, so they've created a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere dedicated to showcasing a collection of unique and one-of-a-kind items.

'The Eatery', located in the building, is where you'll find lunch or a sweet treat. They serve a varied lunch menu from Monday through Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Indulge in their hearty soups, fresh salads, and gourmet sandwiches. Do you need to satisfy your sweet tooth? No worries, as their desserts have received accolades for their decadence.

"If we don't have it, you don't need it" was the motto of storekeepers across the nation. Their treasures range from the unexpected oddities to items you now know you cannot live without. So, make your next stop at one that has something to make it stand out a bit more from the others. Enjoy the narrative and history of the general store with a visit that will give you that old-time feeling.