The Largest Used Book Warehouse In Wisconsin Has More Than A Half Million Books

In the little town of Viroqua, Wisconsin (population 4,300), there’s something very big that’s just waiting to be discovered. Driftless Books and Music is a gargantuan used bookseller that’s located in an unexpected place - a historic book warehouse. It’s the perfect reason to visit this beautiful corner of Wisconsin, Here’s why you should pick up your next batch of WI books from Driftless.

Note: Driftless Books and Music closes on a seasonal basis. Make sure to check the website first before visiting.

Driftless Books & Music began back in 2004 when the business purchased a warehouse owned by Connecticut book dealer Robert Shui. That first warehouse contained 100,000 books.

Even bigger things were ahead. In the years that followed, the business purchased seven more used bookstores in five states.

In 2009, the business moved into a warehouse of a different sort - the old Viroqua Tobacco Warehouse.

This stately brick building was the perfect location for a giant collection of books. The 1906 post-Victorian structure was once one of the state’s largest tobacco warehouses.

The building is adorned with tobacco leaf medallion decorations and it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The building holds an enormous and ever-changing collection of new, used, rare, and antiquarian books. If you’re looking for something very specific, there’s a good chance you'll find It here.

The owners have dubbed the building "The Forgotten Works Warehouse" and the "Driftless Center for Slow Media."

There’s much more to the business than books. It also has records and tapes, sheet music and maps, a beer can museum, a music venue, and an art gallery. In short, it’s very worthy of a road trip.

Learn more about Wisconsin’s unique book warehouse, Driftless Books & Music. The store hours vary by season – during winter the store is only open by appointment. If you love exploring interesting bookstores, there are many unique Wisconsin book sellers. Here’s a browse-worthy bookstore in Madison that also serves cocktails.