Antiquing Along the Old Sauk Trail: A Vintage Road Trip from New Buffalo to Ann Arbor

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Looking for a one-of-a-kind road trip filled with character, charm, and curated vintage finds? Take a scenic drive along the Old Sauk Trail, one of the Midwest’s most historic routes, and uncover antique shops, hidden gems, and small-town stories as you travel from New Buffalo to Ann Arbor. While the full trail stretches from Chicago to Detroit, this Southwest Michigan segment packs a ton of nostalgia, making it the perfect weekend getaway for collectors, decorators, and history lovers.

What is the Old Sauk Trail?

The Old Sauk Trail (now largely designated as U.S. Route 12) was once a Native American trade route that evolved into a major path for early settlers and travelers. Today, it offers more than just historical significance — it’s a thriving corridor of roadside Americana, vintage shops, antique malls, and small-town charm. If you’re dreaming about antiquing along the Old Sauk Trail, you’ll find no shortage of opportunities.

Each August, the US-12 Heritage Trail Garage Sale — known as Michigan’s Longest Garage Sale — stretches the entire route from New Buffalo to Detroit, offering a treasure trove of quirky finds, rare collectibles, and unbeatable deals. But don’t worry — vintage treasures can be found year-round.

Start Your Trip in New Buffalo

Begin your antiquing adventure in New Buffalo, a charming beach town at the gateway of Michigan’s Harbor Country. Known for its mix of boutiques, nature, and culinary delights, it’s the perfect launch point for your journey along the Old Sauk Trail. A hub for lake lovers and weekenders from Chicago, New Buffalo offers laid-back vibes and modern cottage style.

Stay at Copper Top Ridge, a modern vacation rental tucked just off US-12. With luxury amenities, curated décor, and easy access to downtown and the beach, it’s an ideal base for your antique adventure.

Nearby vintage and antique stops:

• Sojourn – Curated home goods with a vintage-modern flair
• Trés Bien Antiques (Three Oaks) – This quaint town boasts one of the area’s most beloved antique shops. The building itself, a historic general store, is packed with mid-century treasures, farmhouse pieces, and industrial accents.
• Harbor Country Antique Mall – Located right in New Buffalo, this vendor collective offers a rotating mix of furniture, decor, and collectibles.

Antiquing in Niles

As you head inland, Niles is a must-stop. Nestled along the St. Joseph River, this city dates back to the late 1600s and was once a key French fur trading outpost. With its rich colonial past and revitalized downtown, Niles blends history with discovery. This town is a hidden gem for those antiquing along the Old Sauk Trail.

Where to shop:

• Four Flags Antique Mall – With over 80 vendors, this massive antique center spans eras and styles.
• Antique Allure – A cozy storefront filled with vintage kitchenware, retro signage, and affordable surprises (Facebook)

Don’t miss the nearby Fort St. Joseph archaeological site, which showcases Niles’s place in early Midwest history.

Buchanan to Edwardsburg

Buchanan is a picturesque town with historic mills and a growing arts scene. Once a stop for grain shipping via rail, today it’s a quiet village brimming with small-town appeal.

• Redbud Antique Mall – Featuring multiple dealers, it has an eclectic mix of furniture, glassware, and ephemera.

Drive east and consider a detour through Edwardsburg, a rural village dotted with barns and seasonal farm stands. Keep your eyes peeled for barn sales and pop-up vintage vendors, especially in summer and early fall.

Allen and Coldwater: The Antique Capital of Michigan

As you move farther east, the landscape shifts to open farmland and historic barns. Stop in Allen, officially nicknamed the Antique Capital of Michigan. This small town is a central highlight of anyone antiquing along the Old Sauk Trail.

Highlights include:

• Allen Antique Barn – Two floors of dealer booths featuring everything from primitives to Victorian décor.
• Hog Creek Antique Mall – Just outside town, this spot offers salvaged finds, signage, and rustic wares.
• Capital Antiques – Specializes in Americana, toys, and early 20th-century pieces (Facebook)

Nearby, Coldwater offers classic downtown charm and a few smaller antique shops perfect for quieter browsing.

Historic Saline

Just before you reach Ann Arbor, you’ll come to Saline, a walkable town known for its strong German heritage and beautiful historic homes. Its Main Street is filled with family-owned shops, cafés, and one-of-a-kind stores.

Explore:

• Downtown Saline – You’ll find antique jewelry, handmade goods, and unexpected collectibles (Instagram)
• Bennie’s Bread – Refuel with a pastry or sandwich at this beloved local bakery.

Final Destination: Ann Arbor

Wrap up your journey in Ann Arbor, a university town steeped in culture, literature, and art. With historic neighborhoods, Victorian architecture, and an active maker community, it’s a great place to end (or begin) your vintage hunt.

Top antique stops:

• Treasure Mart – A multi-level resale haven that locals adore.
• Found Gallery – Artful home goods and reimagined vintage items.
• Ann Arbor Antiques Market – Seasonal market with dealers from across the region (no website; search Ann Arbor Antiques Market)

Packing Tips for Antiquing Adventures

Maximize your haul and comfort with these road trip essentials:

• Folding travel cart with wheels – For markets and multi-vendor shops
• Measuring tape + notebook – Take down dimensions for furniture
• Protective bubble wrap sheets – Keep your glassware and vintage finds safe
• Car trunk organizer – Separate fragile and bulky items while you travel

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Make Copper Top Ridge Your Home Base

If you’re starting or ending your antiquing trip in New Buffalo, Copper Top Ridge offers everything you need to unwind:

• Spacious kitchen for cooking with local finds
• Plush robes and cozy fireplace for relaxing after a long day
• A private patio and hot tub to toast your best vintage score

Want to extend your stay or make it a multi-day loop? Check our Add-Ons page for e-bike rentals and other extras to round out your trip.

Plan Your Trip Around the US-12 Garage Sale

Each August, the US-12 Heritage Trail Garage Sale stretches from New Buffalo to Detroit. With hundreds of garage, barn, and roadside sales set up along the highway, it’s a picker’s paradise and a can’t-miss experience for serious antiquers. If you’re serious about antiquing along the Old Sauk Trail, this is the time to go.

Bonus Stops & Photo Ops

• Three Oaks Train Depot – Historic charm with modern appeal
• Warren Dunes State Park – Stretch your legs on the sand dunes
• Historic downtowns in Saline and Jonesville – Perfect for vintage snapshots

From Timeless Roads to Timeless Finds

Antiquing along the Old Sauk Trail is more than a shopping trip — it’s a journey through history, culture, and creativity. Whether you’re hunting for rare treasures or soaking in the roadside scenery, this stretch from New Buffalo to Ann Arbor (and beyond) offers the perfect blend of past and present.