Is there anything better than spending a chilly fall afternoon in a bookshop? Maybe sipping on some coffee, but with nothing else too important on your to-do list? There are so many great bookstores, but these nine are the best bookstores in Michigan.
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Literati Bookstore – Ann Arbor
(This is my all-time favorite bookstore!)
History: Opened in 2013 by Hilary and Mike Gustafson, Literati has quickly become a beloved spot in Ann Arbor.
Unique Features: Beyond its curated selection of books, Literati is famous for its public typewriter where patrons have typed thousands of anonymous notes, thoughts, and poems.
John K. King Used & Rare Books – Detroit
History: Established in 1965, this bookstore is Michigan’s largest and houses an estimated 1 million books.
Unique Features: Housed in an old glove factory, it has four floors of books and a separate rare book room that requires an appointment.
Horizon Books – Traverse City
History: Founded in 1961, Horizon Books has been a Traverse City mainstay for decades.
Unique Features: Open for extended hours, this store provides comfy chairs and a café, offering a cozy atmosphere overlooking Front Street and the Boardman River.
Schuler Books – Grand Rapids & Lansing & Ann Arbor
History: Opened in 1982 by Bill and Cecile Fehsenfeld, Schuler Books has expanded to multiple locations
Unique Features: Known for its Chapbook Café and large magazine selection, it also hosts numerous author events and workshops.
McLean and Eakin Booksellers – Petoskey
History: An independent store serving Petoskey since 1992.
Unique Features: This bookstore has a strong community focus, hosting regular author events and offering a “book of the month” subscription service.
Island Bookstore – Mackinac Island
History: Operating for over 40 years, it’s a staple for locals and tourists alike.
Unique Features: Considering its location on Mackinac Island, it’s accessible by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage, making it a unique experience. They have a carefully curated collection relevant to Michigan and island life.
Pages Bookshop – Detroit
History: Opened in 2015 by Susan Murphy, it quickly became an integral part of the Grandmont Rosedale community.
Unique Features: This store is committed to diverse authors and topics, often hosting thought-provoking events and discussions.
Snowbound Books – Marquette
History: Located in the heart of Marquette since 1984.
Unique Features: With its welcoming environment, Snowbound has an old-world charm and offers an extensive collection of regional titles reflecting the Upper Peninsula.
Brilliant Books – Traverse City
History: Dubbed the “long-distance local bookstore,” Brilliant Books offers a tailored book subscription service.
Unique Features: Their “Year of Books” service, where personalized selections are sent to subscribers monthly, stands out in the industry.
Whether you live in here or only get to us once in a while, make sure to take some time to check out one of the best bookstores in Michigan. Each shop carries a piece of our state’s literary soul.
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