These Old General Stores In The U.S. Are A Nostalgic Trip Back In Time

Randsburg General Store was built a year after gold was discovered in the 1890s, and it's an authentic glimpse into the heyday of the California Gold Rush. Located just off Highway 395 in Kern County, Randsburg offers a living snapshot of what a real California mining town once looked like. Visiting the quiet community today, you'd never guess it was once a bustling town of 3,000 miners and their families. These days, Randsburg is a historic town that invites visitors to come and see what life was like in the Old West. Its main street is filled with old structures and historic sites, including the longstanding Randsburg General Store, a community cornerstone since 1896. Known for its long, old-fashioned counter, antique backbars, and active malt machines, this old store is a blast from the past, delightful day trip, and a real-life history lesson, all rolled into one nostalgic package.

About an hour east of Eugene, McKenzie Bridge is a small mountain town of about 13,000 that's a true Oregon treasure. Located within striking distance of the McKenzie River and Willamette National Forest, it's the perfect base camp for adventure seekers that's less crowded than popular towns such as Mt. Hood and Bend. The town is reminiscent of a European alpine village, especially in the middle of winter. And this is due, in no small part, to the beguiling little general store at its center. Since 1932, McKenzie General Store has been serving the good people of Central Oregon, providing a place for sustenance (the burgers? Insanely delicious.), supplies, and fellowship. As a state with ties to Wild West and Gold Rush, Oregon certainly has its share of old-time general stores. But McKenzie General Store is so much more than a mere store; it's an experience -- and one that continues outside its four walls.

With an extensive mining history and Route 66 running straight through the state, Arizona is home to numerous old-fashioned general stores. From the iconic Hackberry General Store in Seligman to the Cameron Trading Post just outside the Grand Canyon, nostalgia abounds in these longstanding destinations. Another winsome old favorite is Oatman General Store, tucked away in a dusty old ghost town most people have forgotten about. It’s over a century old, and the type of place where, from inside its dusty windows, you might see tumbleweeds drifting down Main Street (which, if you ask us, only adds to its authenticity). Although ownership of the store has changed hands many times over the years, current owners John and Bonnie Nowak have breathed new life into Oatman General Store by stocking the shelves with a small inventory of hot sauces and other groceries that have turned this old-timer store into a cult favorite. Today, the selection has grown so much, you could easily spend hours perusing the old wood shelves, which, to us, sounds like a marvelous adventure.

In a state that often equates "bigger" with "better," Jefferson General Store is proof positive that the simplest, humblest places are often the best. This charming East Texas general store is housed in a circa-1860 building that was originally a hardware store and today is filled with all sorts of trinkets from the past. You’ll see an old-time candy counter, antiques, a working jukebox (bring a nickel), and even a soda fountain where you can enjoy a root beer float or ice cream sundae. Indulge your sweet tooth *and* nostalgic side at this East Texas treasure.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Nelson's Old Riverton Store is a delightful destination for the young and old, made famous on the silver screen for its appearance in the credits and bonus footage of Disney's "Cars" movie. The store has been around since 1925 and is the oldest of its kind in the state that’s still in existence. Due to its convenient location on Route 66, it's a great destination for travelers in need of a rest stop. Although the gas pumps out front are long gone, the rest of the store looks much as it did decades ago, and still sells groceries, deli items, fresh flowers, and all sorts of snacks and knick knacks.

While South Dakota is best known for its natural features (and its manmade monolith), the Wall Drug Store is pretty much an unofficial landmark. This drug store, which started off as a place to get free ice water in 1931, is now a popular roadside shopping destination. Here, you can grab a bite to eat and a cup of coffee for just five cents. You can also shop for the kitschiest souvenirs, such as jackalope statues, bumper stickers, shot glasses, and cowboy boots.

You won't find friendlier folks than the ones behind the counter at Marine General Store, a longstanding institution in Marine on Saint Croix, Minnesota. A must-visit for anyone who enjoys Minnesota history, the store was opened in 1870, making it the oldest continually operating general store in the state. Visiting is like stepping back in time, in all the best ways. Inside, you'll find plenty of evidence of the store's age; the main area has wooden walls lined with old memorabilia, antique tools, and more. Pony up to the deli counter for a fresh-made sandwich or cookie, and be sure to visit for the July 4th fireworks. The store sits at the heart of the community's annual celebration; the owner even hands out glow sticks and folks can relax on the porch, just like they did in the good, old days.

It's impossible not to feel delighted when visiting Elsah General Store, a blissfully simple store well-stocked with wall-to-wall shelves of old-school goodies and nostalgic candies. You’ll want to spend hours in this hidden gem, reminiscing about simpler times of going to the store for some penny candy or a wooden game. Don’t pass up a trip to this little store that’s filled to the brim with old-fashioned items that will have you embracing an innocent, simpler time, Moon Pie in hand.

Lake Michigan is a bucket-list adventure in and of itself, and when you visit the town of Good Hart, Michigan, you can experience an extra-special dose of history. In operation since the 1930s, Good Hart General Store is a delightful throwback that's wholly embraced by the town, also serving as the local post office. In addition to picking up groceries, baked goods, and souvenirs, you can -- and should -- buy some of the Good Hart General Store‘s world-famous pot pies. These savory, meat-filled pies have been a staple since 1986, and are, in our opinion, worth the trip alone.

Tucked away in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country awaits a fascinating historic landmark. End Of The Commons General Store is the oldest of its kind in the Buckeye State, and is a true step back in time. Since 1840, this business has served both residents and visitors alike by selling provisions, local goods, gifts, sweets, and more. In addition to its old-school delights, End of the Commons General Store is rumored to sell the best fry pies in the state -- and possibly, the world.

Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, is a tiny little town with a very, very proud history and identity. A community cornerstone since 1831, Rabbit Hash General Store is a perfect slice of Americana where house wares and antiques, artwork and one-of-a-kind items fill worn wood tables and solid oak shelves. This Kentucky general store is one of the oldest in the state, and a place Rabbit Hash residents hold near and dear to their hearts. Over the years, the store has faced numerous challenges and hurdles, including several floods that threatened the store's very foundation. The beloved general store also suffered from a devastating fire in 2016; an event that could have signaled the end of this historic place. But through all of these challenges, the community rallied behind its beloved cornerstone, helping the store emerge stronger and better than ever. This is the heart and soul of America at its finest, and why Rabbit Hash General Store truly belongs on your bucket list.

With its cheerful red door and green-and-white striped awning, Floyd Country Store is the Platonic ideal of general stores. A gem of a destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Floyd's Country Store has existed for over a century. In 1910, a business by the name of Farmer’s Supply opened its doors, and the building has been serving residents and visitors alike ever since. A delightful time warp, inside the shop, barrels of old-fashioned candy will take you back to simpler days, while the bakery counter will tempt your taste buds. If you have a bit more time, be sure to settle in for a made-to-order sandwich, which will surely hit the spot. And while the Floyd's is famous for its charm and history, it's the Friday Night Jamboree that really puts this place on the map. The Jamboree is a musical tradition that has stood the test of time. Local and regional musicians perform on the store's historic stage from 6:30 until 10 p.m., and all are invited to dance and sing along, partaking in a delightful piece of Virginia history.

The Vermont Country Store might be the most iconic old-fashioned general store in the U.S., its delightful red building a fixture in the idyllic New England town of Weston since 1946. Today, the store is owned by Lyman Orton and sons Cabot, Gardner, and Eliot, 7th & 8th generation Vermonters, and 4th & 5th generation storekeepers. Classic toys, Vermont-proud goods (including the state's legendary maple syrup), beautiful decor and novelty items, quality wares, and made-in-America supplies -- you'll find it all here. While our lives seem to be run by technology these days, it’s nice to know that there are a few places where things are still pure, simple, and wholesome. The Vermont Country Store is one of those places where you can take a step back in time and wander around a space that is filled with good, old-fashioned fun.