11 Best Flea Markets in Illinois

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Flea markets are a great way to find unique treasures and save money while shopping.

Illinois is home to many unique flea markets.

Whether you are a tourist or local, be sure to check out these top twelve flea markets!

From antiques and vintage finds to handmade crafts and delicious food, you’re sure to find something special at these markets.

So get ready to explore and shop till you drop!

The 11 Best Flea Markets in Illinois

Fox Valley Flea Market 

1500 East New York Street, Aurora, IL 60505 and 840 N State St. Elgin IL 60123

Hours: Aurora: Fridays: 12 PM to 8 PM, Saturdays: 8 AM to 8 PM, Sundays: 8 AM to 6 PM. Elgin: Fridays: 11 AM to 7 PM, Saturdays: 9 AM to 7 PM, Sundays: 9 AM to 6 PM.

Free admission and parking.

The Fox Valley flea market has only been open a few years and has been very popular.

It has been so successful that they opened a second location.

You will enjoy browsing through the many stalls.

The friendly vendors sell everything from cell phones and Avon to botanical products and furniture.

There is even a dollar store, computers, toys, and home decor.

Kane County Flea Market

525 S Randall Rd, St. Charles, IL 60174

Open Saturday from 12 AM till 5 PM and Sunday from 7 AM till 4 PM.

This indoor/outdoor flea market is a secret source for the film industry to find props for sets.

In business for more than 40 years, the quality of the antiques in this market is incredibly high.

You will discover genuinely unusual collectibles.

I have heard a rumor that the best goods come out early Sunday morning.

So if you want to find the rarest items, show up early.

Wolff’s Flea Market 

6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018, United States

Open Sunday 6 AM till 11 AM.

Close to Chicago, this flea market is a favorite with locals and is very busy.

They have over 700 vendors, so put on your walking shoes, and you will find everything you need here.

You can do your grocery shopping, buy electronics and go hunting for unique antiques in the same huge flea market.

I love this place because they often host estate sales.

You never know what treasures you might find.

There are unusual and odd things here and the usual necessities at genuinely affordable prices.

Scout Flea Market

539 Bedford Rd, Morris, IL 60450

Open 9 AM till 2 PM – Check dates. 

Set in the Kendall County fairgrounds parking lot, this is a fun and eventful day out for the whole family.

They have swings and activities for the children and bargains for the adults.

For example, it screens 80’s films all day and there is a festive atmosphere you won’t be able to resist. 

The dates vary every year, so check their website for hours and dates. 

You can find cheap clothing, antiques, memorabilia, and many food stalls. 

Swap-O-Rama Flea Markets

4100 South Ashland Avenue Chicago, IL 60609

Swap-O-Rama first opened its doors in 1969.

It has hours that vary with the seasons, so check online to see if they are open.

This flea market is so popular that you have to arrive early to beat the crowds.

I love coming here just to watch all the unusual shoppers because it is so busy.

There are over 500 vendors! 

Swap-O-Rama is known locally for its fresh farm produce, vintage and upcycled jewelry, and many gardening supplies for hobbyists.

The food trucks and stalls are so tasty and tempting that you could come for the food alone. 

Grayslake Antique Flea Market

1060 E Peterson Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030.

Open Wed. from 9 AM till 4 PM.

You will find this internationally known antique market set in an indoor exposition hall.

It is a huge flea market and has new vendors every month.

The Grayslake flea market is well known for its designer vintage clothing and collectors’ textiles.

Of course, you will find all the usual antiques like comics, toys, tools, glassware, and home decor.

You can find shabby chic at fair prices and expensive top-quality antiques.

If you come early, you will see serious antique hunters from all over the world. 

New Maxwell Street Market

 800 S Desplaines St, Chicago, IL 60607

Open Sundays, April thru early December, from 9 AM till 3 PM.

I have been going to this flea market since the 80s, but it has a history going back over one hundred years.

There are over a mile of vendors and street food, and the atmosphere is a truly Chicago experience.

Live music, theatre, and dance are going on all around you as you shop.

Often called the midwestern Ellis Island, this is a festive multicultural event.

The Mexican food here is the best I have had outside of Mexico.

You can find cheap used items and everything else under the sun.

You can buy just about anything at this eclectic and joyful market

Vintage Garage Chicago Flea Market

1800 Maple Ave., 5th Floor, Evanston, IL 60201.

Open the 3rd Sunday of every month.

It is a tightly curated market.

This means they only allow vintage goods. 

You will not be disappointed if you are looking for retro clothes or authentic antiques.

It is called Vintage Garage Chicago, but it is located in a city just north of Chicago called Evanston. 

They have fun with themes at this market and even have BBQs in the summer months.

You do not have to shift through garbage to find your treasures, but it can be trendy and pricey.

Montana Charlie’s

255 S. Joliet Road Bolingbrook, IL 60440

Open every Sunday from  8 AM till 3 PM, June to October.

This flea market destination is a food lovers’ paradise.

World food stalls will compete with hearty BBQ and pizza vendors for your attention.

You can buy spices and staples for the kitchen at incredible prices. 

I love coming here for bargains as well as the farm-fresh produce.

It is a family-friendly atmosphere with pony rides for the kids and collectible toys.

Montana Charlies is perfect for gardeners and has beautiful plants for sale and a wide range of garden furniture. 

Historic Route 66 Flea Market

3121 and 3123 W. Chain of Rocks Road, Granite City, Il.62040

Open Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 AM till 4 PM.

Named after the legendary American Highway, this newcomer is huge and popular.

They are community-minded, have free booths for needy sellers, and raise money every week for charities.

You can find deals from the many local vendors on electrical items, collectibles, and antiques.

I come here for the traditional style dinner and to buy from the wholesale stores.

It is a new building and is well organized and clean. 

Haunted Halloween All Night Flea Market

This is my favorite flea market ever.

It stays open all night but only comes once a year for Halloween.

This spooky flea market is a truly unusual and fun experience for the whole family.

The vendors all dress up, and there are special horror and Halloween-related goods.

You can find all the usual flea market goodies, such as antiques and bargains.

This is a huge Halloween party with live music and pumpkin carving contests.

There is even a beer garden along with the many food stalls.

The 11 Best Flea Markets in Illinois – Summary Table

Illinois Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Illinois Safety Review

Safety Index:

77

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
• MUGGING RISK: HIGH
• TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
• SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW