A shop that sells hiking boots, quilting fabric, camping gear, and freshly ground coffee all under one roof? That combination alone made me stop scrolling.
Then I learned it carries a name many folks assumed had faded away decades ago.
This Minnesota store is part classic five-and-dime, part wilderness outfitter, and part coffee counter. Whole beans get bagged right there in the store.
A full craft corner sits in the back, ready for quilters who wander in looking for socks.
I love how one stop can cover a forgotten toothbrush, a cozy sweatshirt, and a toy to keep kids happy on the drive home. I can’t think of many places that pull off that range with this much charm.
So how does an old-fashioned variety store keep thriving way up north? The answer is worth the drive.
A Classic Five-and-Dime Name Still Glowing on the North Shore
Plenty of shoppers assume Ben Franklin stores vanished long ago. Joynes Ben Franklin in Grand Marais happily proves otherwise, right on the North Shore of Lake Superior.
The shop is classified as a department store, yet that label barely covers it. Think of it as a variety store with an outdoorsy streak and a serious coffee habit.
Shelves hold clothing, footwear, sundries, kitchen items, toys, crafts, and camping supplies. Souvenirs with the Grand Marais name share space with practical everyday goods.
That mix matters in a small Minnesota harbor town. Travelers can grab something forgotten at home, while locals can handle errands without a long drive.
The store also carries a strong sense of nostalgia. Many people remember Ben Franklin shops from childhood, when the five-and-dime was the heart of a downtown.
Here, that feeling still fits naturally. Nothing about it feels like a museum piece, though.
Instead, it works as a living, busy business that keeps an old idea useful. For Minnesotans who love proof that small towns can outshine big-city chains, this is a satisfying place to start exploring.
Memories That Span Generations of Up-North Trips
Ask around about Ben Franklin stores and you’ll often hear the word childhood. That connection gives this Grand Marais shop a special pull.
Some families have made it a regular stop on trips up the shore toward Grand Portage. Kids who once visited on camp journeys now dream of bringing their own children back.
The owners clearly treasure those stories. They’ve encouraged returning families to stop in and start a new tradition together.
Ownership has changed over the years, so the store blends history with fresh energy. The current owners are known for being friendly, genuine, and personally involved.
That personal touch shows in small ways. Owners respond warmly to customers and stay connected through social media and a newsletter.
The old-fashioned feel isn’t just about decor or a famous name. It comes from the idea that a store can be a community anchor, not just a place to spend money.
Minnesota has always valued that kind of loyalty. Joynes Ben Franklin keeps the tradition going while making sure the next generation has its own memories to collect.
The Coffee Counter That Ships Its Fans Beans All Year
Fresh coffee aroma in a variety store? Yes, and it’s one of the biggest surprises inside.
Joynes Ben Franklin is home to Boundary Waters Coffee, sold from a counter full of beans. Staff bag whole bean coffee right in the store, and it can be ground to your liking.
The flavor selection is large, which makes choosing half the fun. A free coffee sample has been offered at times, so ask before you decide.
The coffee’s reach goes far beyond Cook County. Fans who visited years ago still order online, and some have stuck with it for more than five years.
Orders typically ship out every weekday. Newsletter subscribers can usually snag a free shipping promo code once a year, often around the holiday season.
That’s a smart move for anyone hooked after one cup. The North Shore stays with you, and now your morning mug can too.
For a store built on old-school variety, the coffee adds a modern, giftable twist. A bag makes a handy souvenir that actually gets used.
Gear Up Here Before Heading Into Canoe Country
Grand Marais sits close to some of Minnesota’s wildest country. Fittingly, a good portion of the store leans into canoe, camping, and outdoor supplies.
Shoppers have described it as part Ben Franklin, part wilderness supply store. That’s a pretty accurate snapshot.
Camping gear shares the floor with outdoor clothing and shoes. Boots come up often, which makes sense in a place with rugged trails and long winters.
Teva sandals are among the brands the store has carried. The selection gives warm-weather paddlers and hikers an easy option close to the lake.
Forgot something before a trip? Small essentials can make or break a weekend outdoors, and this shop covers a lot of them.
Prices on many items are considered fair, though some gear naturally costs more. That range lets you choose between a quick fix and a longer-lasting upgrade.
Having this kind of selection in a small harbor town is a real advantage. You don’t need a metro superstore when Joynes Ben Franklin has already thought ahead for North Shore adventures.
Sweatshirts, Socks, and Clothes for Every Kind of North Shore Weather
Lake Superior weather can flip fast. Luckily, both cold-weather and warm-weather clothes fill the racks here.
Grand Marais sweatshirts and t-shirts are a big draw. They’re praised for good quality, and some have been called a great deal.
Of course, wearing the shirt means telling friends exactly where you got it. That’s free advertising the store has fairly earned.
Winter clothing helps when a chilly breeze rolls off the big lake. Socks, hats, and footwear round out the options for travelers who packed too lightly.
There’s a dressing room for trying things on, too. Staff have been known to help shoppers find the right shirt and hat combination.
The appeal is part practical, part sentimental. A cozy hoodie with the town name becomes both a layer and a keepsake.
In summer, a fresh tee celebrates an up-north weekend. When snow arrives, a warm sweatshirt feels like the right reward for making the drive.
Either way, the clothing section shows how Joynes Ben Franklin serves locals and visitors with equal care.
A Craft Corner Waiting for Quilters in the Back
Plenty of shoppers never expect it. Tucked toward the back corner is a full-on craft area with supplies for crafters and quilters.
That surprise is a classic five-and-dime move. Old Ben Franklin stores were famous for crafts, and this one keeps the tradition alive.
A sewing section adds even more for people who like making things by hand. It’s handy for anyone fixing a seam or starting a winter project.
Minnesota has a deep love for quilting and handwork. Long northern evenings practically invite a new project, and supplies close by make that easier.
The craft area is one of the most talked-about parts of the store. Its presence turns a quick stop into a slower browse.
Bring a list if you have one. Otherwise, wander and see what sparks an idea.
Many variety stores have trimmed their craft aisles over time. Keeping one strong shows Joynes Ben Franklin understands what made these shops beloved in the first place.
For creative visitors, the back corner may become the main reason to return.
Toys, Candy, and Small Treasures That Keep Kids Busy
Kids tend to spot the toy section first. Here, it’s packed with games, fun toys, and plenty of reasons to linger.
The kids section is known for being cute and well stocked. Candy also makes an appearance, which can be a lifesaver on a long ride home.
Trendy finds show up, too. The store has carried NeeDoh squishy toys, which can be tricky to track down.
Pretty glitter globes have caught attention as well. They make sweet little souvenirs for children or collectors.
There’s even a pet section, so the four-legged travel buddy doesn’t get left out. That’s a thoughtful touch for families on the road.
Families on a budget will appreciate this mix. Small treats and toys let kids choose a keepsake without stretching vacation spending.
Parents may also remember browsing similar aisles decades ago. Sharing that experience with their own kids gives the visit extra meaning.
Simple joys still win in Minnesota. A rainy afternoon on the North Shore suddenly looks a lot brighter after a stop in these aisles.
Friendly Staff Who Go the Extra Aisle
Good service can turn a quick errand into a lasting impression. At Joynes Ben Franklin, staff earn steady praise for being friendly and helpful.
Employees have been known to drop what they’re doing to help find a specific item. Some will walk shoppers from department to department until the search succeeds.
Fragile souvenirs get real attention as well. A glass bottle of maple syrup, for example, may be carefully wrapped and taped for travel.
That patience stands out when the store gets busy. The goal seems simple: treat a one-time visitor like a longtime neighbor.
The owners follow the same approach online. They often thank customers personally and share helpful tips, like where a missing item sits on the shelf.
The store is also described as well organized and clean. That makes browsing the huge inventory much less overwhelming.
Big-box chains rarely deliver this kind of attention. Small-town Minnesota hospitality might be the store’s best product, even if you can’t bag it like coffee.
It’s the reason many people make it a must-stop every visit.
Hours, Location, and Tips for Planning Your Stop
Timing is easy to plan here. Joynes Ben Franklin typically opens Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Sundays are usually closed, so save weekend shopping for Saturday. Hours can shift, so a quick check before driving up is smart.
You’ll find the store at 105 Wisconsin St, Grand Marais, MN 55604. It sits in the walkable downtown, close to other local shops.
Grand Marais is about two hours north of Duluth along scenic Highway 61. The drive hugs Lake Superior and makes the trip part of the fun.
From the Twin Cities, it’s a classic up-north road trip. Many travelers pair the store with a day exploring the harbor and nearby trails.
Budget for both bargains and a few splurges. Many prices are reasonable, while specialty gear can run higher.
Can’t visit in person? The coffee can be ordered online and shipped.
Still, wandering the aisles in person is the best way to feel the old-fashioned charm this Minnesota town keeps alive.
Why This Old-School Shop Deserves a Spot on Your Road Trip List
Some stores sell things. Joynes Ben Franklin sells a feeling, and Minnesota is lucky to still have it.
Few shops manage to be a coffee counter, outfitter, craft store, toy shop, and souvenir stand at once. This one pulls it off with warmth and humor.
The store even brightens downtown during the holidays. Local helpers have been hired to hang holiday lights, giving winter visitors a cheerful glow.
That seasonal sparkle pairs nicely with a warm sweatshirt and a fresh bag of beans. Summer brings its own charm, with paddlers and road-trippers stocking up.
The real win, though, is the tradition. A name many thought had disappeared still thrives in a small harbor town.
Big cities have their department stores and flashy chains. Grand Marais has something more personal, and honestly, more fun to explore.
So tag the friend who always forgets their toothbrush on trips. Then plan a North Shore drive with an aisle-browsing break built right in.
Minnesota wins again, one five-and-dime at a time.
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