This small Iowa town has just 785 residents, but it brings in more than 80,000 tourists each year and is responsible for adding more than $9 million to the local economy annually.

Walnut is located 1 mile south of Interstate 80, at Exit 46. It's 85 miles from Des Moines and less than an hour east of Omaha, Nebraska.
WalnutIowa.org
WalnutIowa.org
Walnut was established in 1871. Its original brick streets are lined with historic buildings that are now antique and specialty shops. In 1985, Governor Terry Branstad gave this beautiful Iowa town the name, "Iowa's Antique City."
Walnut celebrates several times each year with various events that showcase what they do best.
WalnutIowa.org
The Antique Fall Festival is one of Walnut's newest annual events. The 2017 Fall Festival is scheduled for September 16th and 17th.
Dealers from far and wide will be set up in the American Legion Hall and in the Amvet building and several outside dealers will be on Highland Street and Antique City Drive.
WalnutIowa.org
This year's specialty is Red Wing pottery including stoneware, dinnerware, and art pottery. The 2017 show will open at 8:00 a.m. both Saturday, September 16th and Sunday, September 17th. It closes at 5:00 p.m. Saturday and at 3:00 p.m. Sunday. The show will happen no matter the weather, and admission is free.
The town thrives as Iowa's own Antique City largely due to the efforts of the Walnut Merchants Association.
WalnutIowa.org
This organization of the local merchants advertise "Iowa's Antique City" to promote growth and development of the city. Here are just a few of the Walnut merchants you'll want to visit:
B Restored, 216 Antique City Dr., Walnut
B Restored/Facebook
B Restored is family-operated shop, and with three generations passionate about antiques they have an eye for the truly unique and sought-after pieces. They find and restore amazing furniture and accessories.

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Roberts' Bakery Treats and Treasures, 230 Antique City Dr., Walnut
WalnutIowa.org
This true old fashioned bakery welcomes you to Walnut with their decadent baked goods. You'll find everything from bread to pastries. Stop in for lunch or for a sweet treat. They have ice cream, pie, and all sorts of tempting desserts.
The Barn Mall, 615 Highland St., Walnut
WalnutIowa.org
Plan to spend some time, here. There are 34 vendor booths crammed with amazing finds. This three-story antique mall has one floor full of chairs, and a "rough room" in back full of treasures.
The Bear Trap Mall, 608 Highland St., Walnut
WalnutIowa.org
The Bear Trap Mall offers two huge floors of antiques and collectibles of all kinds. This place is not to be missed.
Corn Country Antiques, 212 Antique City Dr., Walnut
WalnutIowa.org
More amazing treasures await at this quaint Walnut shop.
The Village Blacksmith Antique Shop, 610 Pearl St., Walnut
WalnutIowa.org
You'll find a wide range of antiques including glassware, collectibles, furniture, and primitives.
Vintage Bulldog, 203 Antique City Dr., Located inside the Opera House
WalnutIowa.org
This is DIY heaven. The owners of this shop offer everything you need to make your own vintage restored creations.

Have you been lucky enough to spend the day in Iowa’s own antique city? Tell us about it in the comments.

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