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Great Lakes Loop

Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, and across the border to Toronto. Six lakeshore record scenes in one trip.

Route: Milwaukee → Chicago → Detroit → Cleveland → Buffalo → Toronto · 20 record stores across 6 stops

Open this road trip in the app

Stop by stop

Stop 1: Milwaukee East Side & Beyond

Milwaukee, WI

  • Lilliput Records

    East Side · Rock, Indie/Rock, General · $$

    Longtime Milwaukee shop (formerly The Exclusive Company) with a strong new-and-used mix.

    Tip: Budget bins under $3 are on the floor beneath the main shelves — worth kneeling for.

    1669 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA

    Hours
    Monday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Tuesday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Wednesday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Thursday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Friday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Saturday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Sunday11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 414-271-8590

  • Irving Place Records

    East Side · Rock, General · $$

    Friendly East Side shop (formerly Bullseye Records) with a well-rounded selection across genres.

    Tip: Grab a coffee next door at Comet Cafe before or after your visit.

    1627 E Irving Pl, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA

    Hours
    Monday10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Tuesday10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Wednesday10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Thursday10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Friday10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Saturday10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Sunday10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 414-223-3177

  • Volta Records

    Greenfield · Rock, Metal, General · $$

    Suburban Greenfield shop with a surprisingly deep selection and a loyalty rewards program.

    Tip: They ship fast if you can't find something local — regulars vouch for their online orders.

    5026 S 74th St, Greenfield, WI 53220, USA

    Hours
    Monday11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Tuesday11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Wednesday10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Thursday10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Friday10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Saturday10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Sunday11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 414-281-6644

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Stop 2: Chicago Lincoln Square to the Loop

Chicago, IL

  • Laurie's Planet of Sound

    Lincoln Square · Rock, Punk/Indie, Soundtracks · $$

    Lincoln Square shop where collectors hunt rarities and unofficial releases, with a whole wall of VHS tapes, pins, and shirts.

    Tip: Smaller shop, tighter inventory than the big Wicker Park stores — go for rarities and leave time for the VHS wall and pin bins.

    4639 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA

    Hours
    Monday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Tuesday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Wednesday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Thursday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Friday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Saturday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Sunday11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 773-271-3569

  • Shuga Records

    Wicker Park · Rock, Soul/Funk, Hip-Hop · $$

    Wide selection across genres plus a notable signed-vinyl wall.

    Tip: Bag check at the door — plan for it, and there's no public restroom.

    1272 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA

    Hours
    Monday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Tuesday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Wednesday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Thursday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Friday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Saturday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Sunday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 773-278-4085

  • Dusty Groove

    Ukrainian Village · Soul/Funk, Jazz · $$$

    Rare-groove specialists with encyclopedic soul and jazz knowledge.

    Tip: Their want-list knowledge is legendary — ask staff about pressing variations.

    1120 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA

    Hours
    Monday9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Tuesday9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Wednesday9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Thursday9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Friday9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Saturday9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Sunday9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 773-342-5800

  • Reckless Records

    The Loop · Indie/Rock, Electronic/Techno, Hip-Hop · $$

    Chicago institution for trade-ins with a tight, well-organized selection.

    Tip: They buy and trade on the spot — bring records you're ready to part with.

    33 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA

    Hours
    Monday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Tuesday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Wednesday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Thursday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Friday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Saturday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Sunday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 312-795-0878

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Stop 3: Detroit to Downriver

Detroit, MI

  • Found Sound

    Ferndale · Rock, General · $$

    Ferndale shop with an enormous selection across vinyl, tapes, CDs, and even 8-tracks.

    Tip: Check out the take-a-mixtape, leave-a-mixtape swap box near the counter.

    234 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220, USA

    Hours
    Monday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Tuesday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Wednesday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Thursday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Friday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Saturday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Sunday12:00 - 5:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 248-565-8775

  • Third Man Records

    Midtown · Rock, General · $$

    Jack White's Detroit flagship — part record shop, part working pressing plant, part venue.

    Tip: Book a pressing plant tour well ahead — they sell out fast.

    441 W Canfield St, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

    Hours
    Monday11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Tuesday11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Wednesday11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Thursday11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Friday11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Saturday11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Sunday11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 313-209-5205

  • Peoples Records

    Eastern Market · Soul/Funk, Hip-Hop, Electronic/Techno · $

    Deep Motown, soul, funk, and house selection with an unmatched 45s collection at reasonable prices.

    Tip: Set aside real time for the 45s bins — regulars report full days spent digging.

    1464 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207, USA

    Hours
    Monday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Tuesday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Wednesday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Thursday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Friday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Saturday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Sunday11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 313-831-0864

  • Hello Records

    Lincoln Park · Soul/Funk, Hip-Hop, Rock · $

    Long-running Detroit-area shop for new and used vinyl, CDs, and cassettes — a go-to spot for local DJ legends.

    Tip: Closed Monday and Tuesday. Check the CD and cassette bins for finds at $5 or less.

    4165 Fort St, Lincoln Park, MI 48146, USA

    Hours
    MondayClosed
    TuesdayClosed
    Wednesday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Thursday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Friday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Saturday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Sunday12:00 - 5:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 313-300-5654

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Stop 4: Cleveland: Lakewood to Tremont

Cleveland, OH

  • My Mind's Eye Records

    Lakewood · Punk/Indie, Metal · $$

    Small shop packed with punk and hardcore titles, run by an owner full of concert stories.

    Tip: Ask the owner about local shows — he's been to more than most and loves to talk about it.

    16010 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA

    Hours
    Monday1:00 - 9:00 PM
    Tuesday1:00 - 9:00 PM
    Wednesday1:00 - 9:00 PM
    Thursday1:00 - 9:00 PM
    Friday1:00 - 9:00 PM
    Saturday1:00 - 9:00 PM
    Sunday1:00 - 7:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 216-521-6660

  • Mistake by the Lake Records

    Detroit Shoreway · Punk/Indie, Jazz · $$

    Go-to for hard-to-find noise, experimental tapes, and old jazz, with regular in-store shows.

    Tip: Call ahead to confirm hours and stock — a few reviewers report inconsistent open times.

    6502 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102, USA

    Hours
    MondayClosed
    Tuesday12:00 - 6:00 PM
    Wednesday12:00 - 6:00 PM
    Thursday12:00 - 6:00 PM
    Friday12:00 - 6:00 PM
    Saturday12:00 - 6:00 PM
    Sunday12:00 - 6:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 440-317-0317

  • Late Nite Records

    Tremont · Rock, General · $$

    Evening-hours shop where the owner will teach you about 45s while you dig.

    Tip: Open until midnight most nights — a good late-evening stop after dinner.

    2602 Walton Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA

    Hours
    Monday5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
    Tuesday5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
    Wednesday5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
    Thursday5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
    Friday5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
    Saturday11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
    Sunday11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
    See it in the app Map +1 440-915-1411

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Stop 5: Buffalo Dig

Buffalo, NY

  • Black Dots

    West Side · Rock, Punk/Indie, General · $$

    Record shop and bar combo that also hosts small local shows.

    Tip: Check their calendar for intimate in-store concerts.

    368 Grant St, Buffalo, NY 14213, USA

    Hours
    Monday12:00 - 6:00 PM
    Tuesday12:00 - 6:00 PM
    Wednesday12:00 - 7:00 PM
    Thursday12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
    Friday12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
    Saturday12:00 - 8:00 PM
    Sunday12:00 - 5:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 716-725-0010

  • Revolver Records Inc

    Elmwood Village · Rock, General · $$

    Elmwood Village shop with retro toys and vintage ephemera alongside a deep vinyl selection across two floors.

    Tip: Staff know the local scene well — ask for other Buffalo shop recommendations too.

    810 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222, USA

    Hours
    Monday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Tuesday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Wednesday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Thursday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Friday11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    Saturday11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    Sunday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 716-213-7604

  • Hi-Fi Hits Records

    Williamsville · Rock, General · $$

    Williamsville shop with a small in-store bar and fair, well-run Record Store Day raffles.

    Tip: Ask about their raffle system for rare RSD releases — it's designed to keep things fair.

    5221 Main St Ste 3, Williamsville, NY 14221, USA

    Hours
    Monday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Tuesday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Wednesday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Thursday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Friday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Saturday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Sunday11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 716-466-2300

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Stop 6: Toronto: Kensington to Queen West

Toronto, Canada

  • Sonic Boom

    Kensington Market · Rock, Hip-Hop, World · $$

    Massive multi-level shop — vinyl, CDs, merch, and more.

    Tip: The open floor plan makes long digging sessions comfortable, not cramped.

    215 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2C7, Canada

    Hours
    Monday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Tuesday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Wednesday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Thursday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Friday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Saturday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Sunday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 416-532-0334

  • Kops Records

    Queen West · Rock · $$

    Widely cited as Toronto's best for used records and fair pricing.

    Tip: Order online and pick up in-store to skip shipping.

    395 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A5, Canada

    Hours
    Monday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Tuesday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Wednesday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Thursday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Friday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Saturday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Sunday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 416-593-8523

  • Cosmos Records

    Queen West · Jazz, Soul/Funk, Disco · $$$

    Time-capsule shop for vintage jazz, soul, funk, and disco first pressings.

    Tip: Prices run higher, but these are genuine collector pieces — ask to hear samples first.

    607a Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B7, Canada

    Hours
    Monday12:00 - 7:00 PM
    Tuesday12:00 - 7:00 PM
    Wednesday12:00 - 7:00 PM
    Thursday12:00 - 7:00 PM
    Friday12:00 - 7:00 PM
    Saturday12:00 - 7:00 PM
    Sunday12:00 - 6:00 PM
    See it in the app Map +1 416-603-0254

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Hours and details come from public listings and may have changed. Small shops often keep short or irregular hours, so check or call before a long trip. See something wrong? Use Still open? in the app and we will look into it.

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