I Write About Flea Markets and Vintage for a Living, But This One in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Is One of My Favorites

From the moment I stepped onto the fairgrounds, I was hooked. I grew up in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, and I started going to their well-known local flea market when I was in middle school. I clearly remember my very first Elkhorn Antique Flea Market purchase—a choker necklace from the 1970s featuring multihued glass beads. And the rest is history.

What Makes the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market So Special

Featuring over 500 dealers from all over the Midwest—many haul their wares for hours from Chicago or Iowa—the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market held at the Walworth County Fairgrounds is one of the largest in the state (and the best-curated, in my opinion). It’s been going strong since 1982 and is held four times a year on Sundays, from May through September. It opens at 7 a.m., and you can expect a long line of intrepid vintage hunters, chomping at the bit to be among the first at the market. Admission is $5 per person (small children are admitted for free).

I live about an hour and a half away in Madison, but I still make it to almost every flea market. And ever since that first market I attended when I was 13, I’ve had a deep love for all things vintage. I’ve visited flea markets all over the country, I write about vintage decor, and I’ve even penned a cover story for Domino magazine on the 50 best antiques markets in every state. But there will always be a special place in my heart for the Elkhorn Flea Market.

What To Expect When You Visit

With hundreds of dealers to choose from, it should come as no surprise that basically every decor style you can imagine is represented at the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market. It was there for me during my farmhouse phase, and now provides a bevy of treasures for my midcentury-meets-1970s style. Here, you’ll discover chippy, well-loved furniture, plaid stadium blankets, iconic Wisconsin beer signs, 1960s glassware in every shade of the rainbow, Pyrex everything, architectural salvage, and a whole lot more.

Best Finds You Might Discover

There’s never been a flea market that didn’t cease to amaze me. I stand agape at many a booth, astounded by the finds packed onto the tables. I’m a frequent Etsy and eBay shopper, and thrifting is a thrill, but seeing all that vintage goodness with my own eyes really can’t be beat. Some of my favorite pieces I’ve picked up from the flea market include handmade ceramics to add to my large vintage collection, a grouping of wooden tabletop mushrooms, and oil paintings for my dining room gallery wall. And it’s not just limited to decor. If you’re die-hard for vintage clothing, coins, or rare midcentury items, you’re in luck here, too.

Tips for Shopping the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market

Most of the flea market booths are outdoors, while some are in buildings—that’s why, when I attended last time, I was thankful for my extra-large umbrella that shielded me from an unexpected deluge. So, prep for some time outdoors (break out the SPF and comfy shoes) that also wraps in what will likely be a long walk back to your car—thousands attend, and for good reason.

You might even consider bringing a collapsible wagon, especially if you're in the market for some heavier items. And while some vendors may take cards, it's always a good idea to have some cash handy. You might also want to have a tape measure on hand so you can decide whether certain items will fit in your space.

The Elkhorn Antique Flea Market equals summer to me, so I’m always sad when fall arrives and the flea markets come to an end. But you better believe that come May, I’ll be there with bells on, rain or shine. Looking for more great finds? Take a look at this list of some of the very best flea markets in Wisconsin. And for another fun thrifting adventure, take a look at this flea market that has its own food trucks.