The Corn State offers a surprising range and number of quality shops, so here are our picks for the best record stores in Iowa.
You know what’s fun to do? Road trip. But we’re not talking about driving cross country on the mind-numbing interstate. We’re talking about cruising on two lane highways, making stops in little towns that time forgot, checking out attractions such as the “World’s Largest Popcorn Ball” or Albert the Bull, the world’s largest bull statue. (Is that a competitive market?)
Anyway, the great state of Iowa – the heart of the Midwest – is the quintessential state for doing such activities. Given its 99 counties and gridlike setup, you can cruise around the state any which way and end up wherever you’re trying to go. It doesn’t matter if you make a wrong turn, because you can just make the opposite turn another half mile down. You’ll get there. We promise.
Oh, and let the record state that anyone who tells you Iowa is flat and boring couldn’t be more wrong – the rolling hills of the state are gorgeous, especially during golden hour. Prepare to make frequent stops in the name of photographs.
But why are we talking about this? Because that’s what we had in mind when writing this guide to the best record stores in Iowa (outside of Des Moines). By the way – if you’re looking for the best record stores in Des Moines, we made that list, too.
Believe it or not, there are quite a few record stores spread across Iowa, from the northwest corner of Sioux City to the southeast corner of Fort Madison. Each town has its own little personality, and if you do venture to one of these shops, we recommend adding in some local flavor. In addition to a local record store, each one of these towns probably has a restaurant that will serve you the best pork tenderloin you’ve ever had in your life.
So go on and seek adventure, fellow vinyl enthusiasts! Here’s your guide to the best record stores in Iowa.
Record Collector – (Iowa City, IA)
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Iowa
Record Collector might be the hippest record store in Iowa. They’ve been flooding the streets with vinyl for years, as every University of Iowa student could tell you, no matter when they attended.
The shop offers an excellent and extensive selection of new and used vinyl – on top of CDs, cassettes, and other fun trinkets. The staff is always down to talk music and give strong opinions on the latest indie rock band catching some buzz. Or, they’ll give you a history lesson on the importance of Pavement (but only if you ask).
What’s more is that a trip to Record Collector is simply a great excuse to get over to Iowa City for the day, a lowkey gem of a town in the Corn State. Enjoy breakfast at the Hamburg Inn, shop for some vinyl at Record Collector, and finish the day with a beer and a cheeseburger slider at George’s. My friends, it doesn’t get any better than that.
Getting There
116 S Linn St
Iowa City, IA 52240
Analog Vault – (Cedar Rapids, IA)
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Iowa
Analog Vault in Cedar Rapids a relatively new player in the vinyl scene, but it quickly established itself as a go-to spot for music lovers in Iowa. Nestled in the revitalized New Bohemia district in downtown Cedar Rapids, it carries a wide range of new and used vinyl records.
The space invites browsing and discovery – whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newbie. Then, if all your vinyl digging worked up an appetite, head down the street to Tornado’s and have one of the best burgers you’ll ever have in your life.
Getting There
215 11th Ave SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Weird Harold’s Records – (Burlington, IA)
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Iowa
This is the type of shop that’s worth the road trip. Weird Harold’s Records in Burlington has been in business for over 40 years, and it houses more than 60,000 new and used vinyl records in its two-story retail space.
You might call it a mecca for vinyl lovers, with a wide selection and variety that reflects the store’s deep music roots. Plus, what a great name, right? We’re all freaks and weirdos. Why don’t you go ahead and see what Harold is all about?
Getting There
411 Jefferson St #5319
Burlington, IA 52601
Ragged Records – (Davenport, IA)
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in the Iowa
Ragged Records is not just a staple of the Quad Cities, but of the midwest at large. Now with two locations (the original in Davenport and the second in Rock Island), the shop is well-regarded for its extensive selection of used records.
Here, you’ll find an atmosphere that’s warm and welcoming with walls lined with over 30,000 records spanning rock, blues, soul, jazz, hip-hop, metal, electronic, punk, and more.
It’s a true haven for music lovers, with a cool, laid back ambiance that invites customers to linger, browse, and take their time discovering a new favorite album. Plus, on July 4, they sponsor a sick annual concert with one of the breweries in town. Midwest music loving culture at its finest – a must stop.
Getting There
311 East 2nd Street
Davenport, IA 52801
311 1/2 21st Street
Rock Island, IL 61201
Moondog Music – (Dubuque, IA)
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Iowa
Moondog Music – no, not that Moondog (but we think he’d like the vibe) – is a record store in Dubuque known for an impressive collection of vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and other used items.
Walking into the shop will take you back, as this record store has the atmosphere of a classic music shop. The friendly staff is committed to providing a quality selection for those who look for it, and have created an inviting environment.
On name alone, these guys could be one of the best record stores in Iowa – but you pair that with the quality selection and service, and, buddy, it’s hard to get better than this. Plus, with a giant Stealie in the window, these guys are clear with what they’re about. We agree.
Getting There
806 Wacker Dr Suite 120
Dubuque, IA 52002
Pool 19 Plants & Records – (Fort Madison, IA)
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Iowa
Pool 19 Plants & Records in Fort Madison, Iowa is a small, cozy shop that offers a diverse selection of both new and used vinyl across various genres.
From budget-friendly $2 bins to serious collector pressings, they offer a spread of rock, pop, soul, funk, indie, jazz, hip-hop, and everything else. You can even find 78s here. But what’s really special is that this is a record store inside of a plant store.
Located between two late 19th century buildings and right next to the Mississippi, it’s quite the picturesque experience. Take a road trip over to Lee County and experience some true Iowa beauty – and cop some new vinyl!
Getting There
616 7th St
Fort Madison, IA 52627
Vintage Vinyl – (Ames, IA)
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Iowa
Vintage Vinyl in Ames, located in the North Grand Mall, is a nostalgia trip. First things first, this shop is inside of a mall. When’s the last time you made your way through one of those? Let alone to a music store! At this store, you’ll find a wide selection of records in addition to memorabilia, collectibles, CDs, and HiFi equipment.
Vintage Vinyl has a reputation for great selection of tunes, making it a great spot to check out if you’re a casual browser or a more serious collector. Then, while in Ames, head over to Hickory Park and enjoy some real Iowa barbecue.
Getting There
2801 Grand Ave st 1025
Ames, IA 50010
Dewolf’s – (Sioux City, IA)
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Iowa
OK, if you’re looking for a real freakshow of a record store, Dewolf’s in Sioux City is the move. The shop is much more than a record store – a quirky haven for all things retro and nostalgic.
Alongside a solid collection of rock-focused vinyl records, Dewolf’s offers a variety of comics, CDs, old video games, consoles, and a range of other trinkets and memorabilia. But don’t think that this is a big pile of crap you have to dig through.
It’s a neat, well-organized store where the care for the customer is evident. Its reputation as one of the most interesting record stores in Iowa is well-earned.
Getting There
1420 Villa Ave
Sioux City, IA 51103
Kanesville Kollectibles – (Council Bluffs, IA)
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Iowa
Over in Council Bluffs, just before entering Nebraska (sorry if you’re going there…), you can find Kanesville Kollectibles, a record and hobby shop that’s been locally owned since 1978.
Here, there’s a massive collection of vinyl records featuring one million – yes, million – rare and out-of-print recordings, including LPs, 45s, 78s, 8-tracks, CDs, cassettes, DVDs, and VHS. The extension collection is something to be seen in person, making it a must visit for both casuals and seasoned vinyl vets.
There’s also a wide selection of books, comics, used stereo equipment, and more. Honestly? It’s hard to describe. It’s just something you gotta see in person.
Getting There
530 S 4th St
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Vinyl Cafe – (Ames, IA)
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Iowa
Ames Vinyl Grind is a standout spot combining a love for vinyl records with a passion for great coffee. And as superfans of both of those things, we here at VinylMapper approve of the business model.
The shop opened up in 2010, looking to serve fair trade coffee and pastries to the community – along with some good tunes. Over the last decade and change, it’s built a reputation for being a cozy spot during cold Iowa winters and a great hang in the summer heat.
It’s become a cultural spot in Ames where you can relax, enjoy good music, and maybe find a piece of vinyl to take home. Oh, and the staff at Vinyl Cafe might be the friendliest people in a state full of the friendliest people.
Getting There
303 Kellogg Ave
Ames, IA 50010
Red Truck Records – (Arnolds Park, IA)
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Iowa
Now this is a gem of a record store. Located in Arnolds Park – a tiny amusement park next to Lake Okoboji, which is kind of the “Las Vegas of Iowa” – the shop carries a wide range of genres. It’s not necessarily a place where you’ll find a holy grail, but the whole experience is worth checking out.
Kitschy Americana at its finest, frankly. Plus, there’s some real music history in the area, too. Remember the day the music died? Well, the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper happened right down the road near Clear Lake.
There’s a little museum highlighting the story, as well. (Also, fun fact: Did you know that Waylon Jennings was originally supposed to be on the plane that crashed?)
Getting There
10 Broadway St
Arnolds Park, IA 51331
CD’s 4 Change – (Dubuque, IA)
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Iowa
With its charming environment and its great use of the number “4” in the name, this awesome record store in Dubuque feels like it fell out of the 90s. And that’s probably because it did. Born in 1998, CD’s 4 Change carries an eclectic mix of music, specializing in CDs, records, and DVDs.
There’s also a wide range of used vinyl records in premium shape. You can easily spend a couple hours just digging and digging. We recommend it.
Getting There
3305 Asbury Rd # 2
Dubuque, IA 52002
Sweet Livin’ Antiques, Arts, & Records – (Iowa City, IA)
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Iowa City
Sweet Livin’ Antiques, Arts, & Records in Iowa City is a unique store in that they offer a massive selection of vinyl – but it’s only one part of the business. Located in a charming red brick building, entering it feels more like a museum than a typical antique shop.
They claim to have the largest collection of vinyl in Iowa City – and we don’t doubt it! In addition, they sell an array of antiques, furniture, and other artifacts, making it a wonderful destination for those who enjoy treasure hunting.
The vibrant and eclectic space represents the diverse and interesting culture that is Iowa City, one of the best small towns in America. (Seriously!)
Getting There
1565 S Gilbert St B
Iowa City, IA 52240
Co-Op Records of Moline (Moline, IL)
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in the Quad Cities
OK, so this isn’t in Iowa, but it’s in the Quad Cities, so we’re including it. Established in 1972, Co-Op Records of Moline is one of the more unique record stores you’ll come across – especially in the midwest.
First, walking in feels like you’re walking into the 70s, a vibe that’s always appreciated. It’s charming, warm, and welcoming. There’s a reason it’s been at the heart and soul of the Illinois side of the Quad Cities’ music scene since it opened. In terms of selection, you can find pretty much any type of music within its thousands of vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and cassettes.
But the co-op nature of the business is where it really stands out. These folks love music. Maybe that’s cliche to say, but it doesn’t make it any less true. Plus, with the Co-Op Records School of Music, the store goes beyond providing things to buy and offers lessons that inspire and cultivate the community music scene.
Getting There
3727 Avenue of the Cities
Moline, IL 61265
