Posted in Iowa
August 06, 2017
You Could Easily Spend All Weekend At This Enormous Iowa Flea Market
Find some of the best antiques, collectibles, and fun junk Iowa has to offer. It’s all right here.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The market is actually a craft show, antique market, and farmers market all rolled into one amazing event. There's an inside area, outside area, and a shelter house where vendors set up. The post and beam constructed building that houses the flea market is a former canning factory. It was most recently the Wapello Sale Barn.
It's just a 30-minute drive south from Muscatine, a 30-minute drive north from Burlington, an hour south east of Iowa City, or an hour south west of the Quad Cities.
The Hotel Wapello is located at 227 North Main Street, just a block from the Iowa River. Flea market vendors can get a discount at this hotel. The Roy El Motel is at 405 Highway 61 S, and it caters to outdoor enthusiasts and hunters.
The Wapello Fairgrounds is just two blocks from the market. It has open and enclosed picnic shelters, a playground, grills, picnic tables, restrooms, ball fields, sand volleyball courts, electricity, and water. There's a dump station here, as well. The ten sites go for $10 per night each.
What started off as a simple and small flea market now has over 75 regular vendors.
Try the Wapello Dairy Bar for a wonderful dessert, the local favorite Arandas 3 Mexican Restaurant, or the popular Johnnie B's.
The market is held rain or shine, so dress for the ever-changing Iowa weather!
There's also a Vendor Consignment Auction Saturday evening of the market weekends (except October) at 5pm. It's held on the northwest side of building, weather permitting. This consignment is with vendors only, but the public is welcome. It's a cash-only sale. Bring chairs!
Hours are noon to 4pm on Friday, 8am until 4pm on Saturday, and 8am until 2pm on Sunday.
The dates are August 18-20, September 15-17, and October 20-22.
Tell us all about your favorite epic Iowa flea market. Where do you find the best junk?
