Posted in Oregon Attractions March 22, 2021 by

The Oldest Bookstore In Oregon, A Visit To Klindt’s Is A Delightful Experience For Book Lovers

There is simply nothing better than browsing a bookstore. More than merely a place to purchase printed publications; a brick-and-mortar bookstore is a total sensory experience. The colorful shelves, feel of the pages, hum of whispered conversations, and, oh—that fresh book smell (just ask any bibliophile: books have a smell, and it’s divine). Visiting a bookstore is one of life’s greatest simple pleasures . . . and visiting a historic bookstore? That’s positively perfect. And Oregon has a bookstore dating all the way back to 1870. The oldest bookstore in Oregon, Klindt’s is a delightful experience for book lovers.

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Klindt's Booksellers harkens back to a different time—it's a nostalgic place that celebrates printed, physical texts.
Klindt's Booksellers and Stationers/Facebook
In here, the written word is celebrated and revered.
This unassuming little bookstore carries an array of new and out-of-print titles, as well as cards, toys, crafts, stationery, and gifts.
Wendell Harness/Google Local
Located in Oregon's historic Dalles district, Klindt's has been a fixture here since 1870.
drdroad/TripAdvisor
Entering Klindt’s Booksellers is like taking a step back in time.
Klindt's Booksellers and Stationers/Facebook
With its original, charmingly creaky hardwood floors and smooth, time-worn bookshelves, there's a lot of history in this place.
In fact, the bookstore really hasn't changed too much in the last 150 years.
Klindt's Booksellers
A fire in 1893 resulted in a move to its currently location at 315 E. 2nd Street.
The bookstore's story is fascinating. Klindt's first opened in 1870, down the street from its current location, with Ingwert C. Nickelsen as the store's original owner.
Klindt's Booksellers and Stationers/Facebook
It was the very first bookstore in The Dalles.
In 1928, Nickelsen sold the bookstore to the Weigelt family.
Robert W/TripAdvisor
The Weigelt brothers, Gus and Paul, along with their sister Edna, would go on to operate the shop, now called Weigelt’s Bookstore & Stationers, for the next five decades.
In 1981, the bookstore was sold to Philip and Linda Klindt, who renamed the store—and kept Edna Weigelt on to help with the transition.
Klindt's Booksellers
A passionate bibliophile, Edna worked at the bookstore until she was 91.
But even after her passing in 2003, it seems Edna never truly left the bookstore.
Klindt's Booksellers and Stationers/Facebook
Reports of ghostly happenings and Edna's presence have been swirling ever since.
Jasper, Klindt's shop kitty, might know a thing or two about Edna—though he'd never say.
Klindt's Booksellers and Stationers/Facebook
But Edna is a benevolent, book-loving spirit, simply adding to the charm of this historic place.
Dale Steinke/Google Local
Klindt's is a cornerstone of the town; a place for community and connection.
Julie Sanders/Google Local
Klindt's Booksellers regularly hosts author visits and literary events.
Klindt's Booksellers and Stationers/Facebook
On Halloween, they've even been known to hand out free books -- which is basically every bibliophile's dream Trick-or-Treat scenario.
Klindt's Booksellers and Stationers/Facebook
When you visit, you may run into Blue, who keeps cozy in his bed behind the counter.
Klindt's Booksellers and Stationers/Facebook
As the world moves forward, Oregon's oldest bookstore continues to play an integral role in The Dalles community.
Klindt's Booksellers and Stationers/Facebook
Some things never change, because they are perfect just the way they are. Klindt's is one of those perfect little gems, and a visit here truly is a delightful experience.

Klindt’s truly is one of our state’s greatest hidden treasures. Bookmark this article and plan a visit to oldest bookstore in Oregon. For more information on this historic bookstore, be sure to visit Klindt’s website or Facebook page.

And while you’re in The Dalles, definitely plan to take this historic mural walking tour, where you’ll learn even more about this area’s rich history!

Address: 315 E 2nd St, The Dalles, OR 97058, USA