Minnesota Record Store Guide: Rochester, Southeastern Minnesota, and nearby
April 16, 2026
The Minnesota Music Guide features content that illuminates key regions in greater Minnesota. This edition is a Record Store Guide focusing on Rochester and the nearby region.
Dotted amid southeastern Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic outposts, rolling hills, liberal-arts colleges, and cornfields are several record stores cultivating scenes for music fans of all ages. These are true gems for curious travelers and adventurous residents in search of local flavor.
From the vibrantly queer Verbena Vinyl to the utilitarian warehouse vibes of Rochester Records, these stores share some commonalities that any fan can appreciate. They are absolutely full of music. Whether organized by artist, genre, price, or pure chaos, these shelves remind us that the world has more to offer than any streaming algorithm.
Put simply, record stores are fun. They remind us of our youth or make us wish we’d been there when something was made. They sell funky vintage items and clothes that have seen some miles. There is something uniquely democratic about sifting through piles of albums. The classic rock dads perfecting their vinyl collections are right next to the alt-punk high school students discovering cassette tapes and CD players. Community seems to arise naturally in these spaces, many of which have taken to hosting listening parties, metal shows and craft nights.
In small towns, cool things can be scarce, and you probably know the person working there. The local kids often grow up and move to bigger cities, but some stay, or come home to build new things. There is something especially scrappy and invigorating about creative spaces in smaller communities. They unite demographics in uncommon ways. The Sam Goodys may have closed, but record shops seem to be picking up steam.
Record Store Day 2026: 14 vinyl exclusives to look for- Treedome
- Rochester Records
- Vyntage Vinyl
- Tune Town
- Aesthetic Religion Records and Text
- Verbena Vinyl
- Rodeo Records
- Bad Axe Music
Treedome
In the middle of downtown Rochester’s last remaining historic block sits Treedome. The shop stocks new and used vinyl, thrifted clothing, vintage memorabilia, racks of shiny CDs, and several shelves of tapes that are secured to the wall during in-store concerts so they don’t go flying. Rochester residents might remember the space as Big Brads, the former home to many a game of beer pong or darts. The old bar still runs half the length of the room, providing ample counter space for sorting through record collections and laying out merch.
After running a similar creative space in Winona since 2016, Nate Nelson and his wife, and Rochester native, Maggie Panetta opened Treedome’s current location in 2021. The block is home to many of Rochester’s scrappiest local businesses, and arts-minded visitors should be sure to stop at Diatom Books, Art Heads Emporium, Threshold Arts, and Cafe Steam. You’re as likely to meet one of Rochester’s 100,000 monthly visitors as a local college student from the Rochester branch of the U of M, and rest assured there are plenty of doctors and nurses around should you need one.
The dark space is offset by Panetta’s signature pops of color, including abstract murals and the couple's extensive collection of music posters, many of which are for sale. Guests with fond memories of the ’90s will feel at home in a space curated by 30-year-olds. Teenagers shop side-by-side with baby boomers, and more than a few leave with a new T-shirt or vintage jacket.
Ask an employee what they’re listening to, and you’re almost certain to discover a new favorite artist. Check the chalkboard for upcoming shows and bring earplugs. The all-ages crowds lean punky, and the music is loud.
The shop has gained a following for its punk and metal shows, filling a unique need in a town with few DIY concert venues where moshing is acceptable. Newbies can be assured that the crowds are respectful, and the team strives for a safe, inclusive vibe. Hop right next door to Kathy’s, a true dive bar experience, or imbibe something a bit fancier over at Thai Pop or Bitter & Pour, both of which are just steps down the block. In summer, Nelson and Panetta can often be found at a booth at Thursdays Downtown, a popular weekly event featuring live music, local vendors, and excellent people-watching.
Treedome carries something for everyone but prides itself on an extensive collection of jazz and funk. There are local music selections highlighted at the front of the store, and Nelson has a near-encyclopedic knowledge of music and film. In 2023, the couple opened Pop’s Art Theatre, which shows a blend of new, independent, foreign and vintage films.
Address: 309 Broadway Ave. S, Rochester
Hours: Tues-Sun, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. with special extended hours on show nights; closed Monday
Website: treedomemn.com
Facebook: Treedome
Instagram: @treedomemn
Rochester Records
Nestled in a squat strip mall on South Broadway is Rochester Records. The spacious store is well-organized, with sections neatly labeled and plenty of gear for sale as well. Look for lots of classic rock, an extensive jazz selection, and rare items behind glass. A few vintage items dot the shop, so it’s possible to grab a lava lamp or two to vibe up a listening space. While in the neighborhood, stop at Thirsty Belgian, known for tasty eats and an outstanding imported beer selection.
Address: 2130 S Broadway, Rochester
Hours: 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday
Website: rochesterrecordsmn.com
Facebook: Rochester Records
Vyntage Vinyl
Red Wing’s Vyntage Vinyl is one of southeastern Minnesota’s most established and largest record stores, with more than 10 years serving up hard-to-find, high-quality vinyl. The shop is known for a great selection of new and used jazz, punk, and metal, but carries all genres. Savvy customers know that the shop makes a point of not selling its rarest items online. Audiophiles from the Twin Cities and beyond visit regularly to check out the inventory. Owner Kelly Bystrom often purchases entire collections, the largest being a 40,000-piece haul consisting mostly of jazz. (Five years after the sale, the staff members still have thousands more to go through, clean, and price.) Shoppers can also expect to find plenty of gifts, T-shirts, incense, record supplies, posters, vintage music stickers, Lava lamps, 45s, concert DVDs, and music-related Funko Pops on the shelves.
Address: 1902 Old West Main St, Red Wing
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Monday
Website: vyntagevinyl.com
Facebook: Vyntage Vinyl
Instagram: @vyntagevinyl
Tune Town
Be prepared to spend some time exploring this 10,000 square-foot record store in Mankato, which has been in business since 1993. Owner Carl Nordmeir has gradually expanded into the multi-store building where the shop currently resides, and each room (and floor) holds thousands of treasures worth exploring. Tune Town carries new releases and treasured vintage vinyl, in addition to a huge selection of CDs, DVDs, and cassette tapes. Even non-music lovers will find plenty to browse in the racks of pop-culture-themed T-shirts, toys, and tchotchkes. Visitors should check out downtown Mankato. Coffee Hag and Nolabelle are top notch, and there are plenty of cute shops to browse. Keep an eye out for some incredible murals while cruising around town.
Address: 630 N Riverfront Drive, Mankato
Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 a.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Website: tunetownmusic.com
Facebook: Tune Town
Instagram: @tunetowncds
Aesthetic Religion Records and Text
There’s more than good music at this small, perfectly curated record store in downtown St. Peter. Owner Jon Ivan Gill is a professor of philosophy at Gustavus Adolphus College and an outstanding conversationalist. In addition to teaching and running the store, Gill is also a hip-hop artist (Gilead7) and author of numerous books, journal articles and book chapters. His work examines hip-hop philosophy, philosophy of race, poststructuralism, and existentialism.
In terms of records, Aesthetic Religion has a bit of everything, but focuses on offering niche labels, international genres, and a large collection of jazz and hip-hop albums. His goal is to fill a niche not covered by other area record stores, offering something unique to the community. Gill and his brother are currently working on adding a bookstore to the space and hosting more live music events. Downtown St Peter has a number of delightful thrift stores, restaurants, and an outstanding coffee shop in River Rock Coffee & Tea. An Aesthetic Religion visit leaves visitors with new knowledge about battle rap, stacks of new and used records, hand-printed T-shirts, and a yearning to go back to college.
Address: 123 S Minnesota Ave., St. Peter
Hours: They vary. Check the shop’s Instagram.
Website: aestheticreligion.com
Instagram: @aestheticreligionrtc
Verbena Vinyl
Opened in 2024, Verena Vinyl in Northfield has quickly become a community hub, nestled in the charming downtown of this two-college small town. Regular listening parties attract fans of every genre, and owner Vicki Scott loves to chat with visitors about all things music. Patrons can even get a haircut during your visit at Queenies, a gender-inclusive salon inside of the record store. Nearby businesses include numerous coffee shops (including Little Joy, the one with the now-viral raspberry Danish latte), the tiny but bustling Sketchy Artist, the yarn store of your dreams, and Content Bookstore, to name just a few. In warm weather it’s lovely walk along the Cannon River, which runs right through town.
Address: 419 Division St., Northfield
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Website: verbenavinyl.com
Facebook: Verbena Vinyl
Instagram: @verbenavinyl
TikTok: @verbenavinyl
Rodeo Records
The same store that stocks forgotten toys from childhood has a sizable vinyl selection. This warehouse-housed shop in Albert Lea, just a few miles west of Austin, specializes in vintage clothing, still-in-box toys and random memorabilia. Shoppers can also find plenty of used video games, CDs and cassette tapes to scratch that vintage itch. Shop owner Andrew Sorenson packs up and heads to trade shows on a local basis, so make sure to double-check hours before planning a visit.
Address: 1729 W Main St., Albert Lea, Minnesota
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sunday
Instagram: @rodeorecordsmn
Facebook: Rodeo Records
Bad Axe Music
Fans of the Driftless Area already know that Viroqua, Wisconsin, is one of the area’s most charming small towns. Hippies young and old will appreciate the crunchy vibes and outstanding local produce, coffee and beer. Bad Axe Music is a relatively new record shop, just across from the award-winning Driftless Cafe. Make sure to explore the maze-like used bookstore right off from the main room -- find the nook hosting a small comic book store. Warm weather visitors should also make sure to stop by Driftless Books and Music, which is housed in an old tobacco warehouse. Guaranteed to get you thinking about starting an organic farming commune in the gentle rolling hills surrounding the town.
Address: 119 W. Court St., Viroqua, Wisconsin
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sunday
Facebook: Bad Axe Music
Instagram: @badaxemusic
More Minnesota Record Store Guides
- Minnesota Record Store Guide: Fargo-Moorhead, Northwestern Minnesota, and nearby
- Minnesota Record Store Guide: Duluth, Northern Minnesota, and nearby
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