- Attraction: Treasures Under Sugar Loaf
- Location: 1023 Sugar Loaf Rd, Winona, MN 55987
- Industry: Antique Store
- Website: https://treasuresundersugarloaf.com/
What started as Peter Bub’s Brewery in 1862 has transformed into one of Minnesota’s most captivating antique destinations.
Treasures Under Sugar Loaf occupies the historic former Sugar Loaf Brewery building, which includes storage caves dug into the bluff and dates from 1872 when the original building was destroyed by fire and a replacement built.
This isn’t your typical antique store experience—you’re literally shopping inside a piece of brewing history that once produced beer until 1969, complete with mysterious cave tunnels that extend 130 feet into Sugar Loaf bluff.
The three-story building houses over 60 knowledgeable antiques and collectibles dealers, creating a treasure-hunting paradise where new items arrive daily. You’ll find yourself wandering through the same spaces where brewers once stored their beer in cool limestone caves, now filled with everything from ancient artifacts to handcrafted local art.
Treasure Hunting Through Three Historic Floors
Vintage Jewelry Collection: You’ll discover an impressive range including vintage, retro, and new pieces featuring necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and brooches, with everything from colorful costume jewelry to high-quality gold and sterling silver pieces adorned with precious gems like amethyst, diamonds, sapphires, and unique materials like moldavite and fossils.
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Keep Exploring →Depression Glass & Glassware: The store features fantastic treasures for everyone, including depression glass, making it a paradise for collectors seeking that perfect piece to complete their collection. You’ll find stunning vintage glassware that catches the light beautifully throughout the store’s many rooms.
Ancient Artifacts & Collectibles: Fascinating finds include fossils such as ammonite, trilobite, orthoceras, and knightia, Native American artifacts including arrowheads, drill points, and trade beads, plus meteorites, moldavite, tektites, and even Roman Empire coins. These pieces add an educational element to your browsing experience.
Furniture & Home Decor: The furniture selection ranges from large ornate pieces like front foyer hall trees and breakfronts to various sized wood or chrome kitchen and dining room tables with chairs, plus dressers, bookshelves, wood cabinets, curios, and unique accent pieces for every room.
Regional Treasures: Regional treasures abound, such as Red Wing crocks and art pottery, J.R. Watkins and Hot Fish Shop advertising, and talented local artisan creations. These items connect you directly to Minnesota and Winona’s rich heritage.
Unique Collections: You’ll also discover vintage vinyl records covering many eras from big band to early rock, working French princess phones from the 1970s, diecast cars and toys, and even antique car parts including gear shift knobs, hood ornaments, and license plates.
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Discover MoreHistoric Atmosphere & Brewery Charm
Historic Building Character: The building itself tells an incredible story. The caves extend 130 feet into the hillside and remain cool year-round, and the floors are all slanted so that spillage from any exploding beer bottles or upset barrels would run downhill. You’re shopping in authentic brewing history with rough-hewn limestone walls carved in the 1860s.
Three-Floor Layout: Visitors often describe the store as having three expansive floors to explore, with many noting that each floor seemed as long as a football field. The sheer size means you could easily spend hours discovering new treasures around every corner.
Well-Organized Displays: The store’s well-organized and clean presentation allows customers to browse comfortably, making it easy to lose track of time while discovering hidden gems. Unlike some chaotic antique shops, everything here has its place while maintaining that treasure-hunt excitement.
Mysterious Elements: The property still holds mysteries, including ventilation shafts that open somewhere on the bluff above, and cave areas that showcase the building’s fascinating brewing past.
Practical Considerations & Visitor Tips
Reasonable Pricing: The competitive pricing enhances the appeal, as many items are deemed reasonably priced compared to similar shops. You’ll find treasures across all price ranges, making it accessible whether you’re looking for a small souvenir or a major antique investment.
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Keep Exploring →Time Commitment: Multiple visitors note arriving one hour before closing and needing more time, describing the place as huge with three floors packed full of items. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to properly explore all three floors without feeling rushed.
Family-Friendly Shopping: The store accommodates visitors of all ages, with one parent noting how a vendor helped their son find an affordable antique coin, creating an exciting collecting moment. Kids and adults alike find something fascinating here.
Comfortable Exploration: With three expansive floors to explore, shoppers are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and allocate ample time to fully appreciate the extensive selection. The building can get a bit warm during busy periods, so dress accordingly.
Vendor Relationships: The store maintains a “Looking For” list where dealers actively search for specific items customers want, and when they arrive in the store, customers are notified. This personal touch shows the commitment to customer satisfaction.
Treasures Under Sugar Loaf
📍 1023 Sugar Loaf Rd, Winona, MN 55987
