Why Allen, Michigan is the Perfect Destination for Antique Lovers

At first, Allen may seem like one of those towns you pass through that if you blink you may miss it. You may not think of it as a "destination" but for those of us in Michigan who love hunting down some antique treasures, it is the place to be!

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Discovering Allen, Michigan

Growing up in Jerome, my family and I would find ourselves in the Coldwater, Hillsdale and Jonesville areas. All of which are quaint towns with their own personalities. Also on "historic" US-12, just east of Coldwater, lies Allen, also known as "the Antique Capital of Michigan."

As of 2019, the population of Allen was around 290 people but that by no means there is a shortage of history, people and things to see!

One day when I was younger, we had the day off school and my dad also happened to have the day off work. We all were getting a little stir-crazy just chilling at home so we hopped in the car and drove about 25 minutes to Allen.

There we only visited a few of the antique shops that line the main drag and it took us almost all day! That day is one, though, that I really feel like cemented my love for all things vintage and inspired my hobby of antiquing.

"The Antique Capital of Michigan"

What better place to discover that love than a place known as the capital of it!?

Between locations like the 25,000 square-foot Allen Antique Mall, and the 23,000 square-foot Hog Creek Antiques sits multiple other antique stores full of treasures just waiting to be given new life.

According to US 12 Heritage Trail, "It is estimated that if you stopped at each of the booths in every antique mall for just one minute it would take you 2 1/2 days to see them all."

CLICK HERE for more on Allen's history from our resident historian, John Robinson.

A Perfect Day Trip

So as the summer winds down and we trade our beach and lake days for other "Pure Michigan" adventures, maybe add heading out to Allen to your fall bucket list!

Not only can you spend the entire day looking through endless antiques but you can stop off for a bite to eat right next to the Allen Antique Mall at the Outpost Grille.

Happy hunting, friends!