- Attraction: Red Balloon Bookshop
- Location: 891 Grand Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105
- Industry: Bookstore
- Website: https://redballoonbookshop.com/
Picture this: a charming gray house tucked along historic Grand Avenue that transforms into pure literary magic the moment you step inside.
Red Balloon Bookshop has been the Twin Cities’ beloved children’s book haven since 1984, creating countless reading memories across multiple generations of families.
This woman-owned independent bookstore recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, proving that in our digital age, there’s still nothing quite like the joy of discovering your next favorite book in person.
What started as a dream between founding partners Carol Erdahl and Michele Cromer-Poire has evolved into a community cornerstone under current owner Holly Weinkauf, who took over in 2011.
The shop spans 2,300 square feet across two floors of a converted house, creating an atmosphere that feels more like visiting a book-loving friend’s home than a traditional retail space.
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Keep Exploring →Literary Treasures & Reading Adventures
Age-Organized Paradise: You’ll find books thoughtfully arranged by age groups, making it incredibly easy to navigate whether you’re shopping for a curious toddler or a sophisticated teen.
The layout feels intuitive and welcoming, allowing you to browse comfortably while keeping an eye on little ones exploring nearby sections.
The Famous Bargain Basement: Head downstairs to discover one of Red Balloon’s most popular features – a treasure trove of discounted books spanning educational titles, classic favorites, and even adult selections.
Families regularly uncover amazing finds here, with quality books at prices that make building a home library genuinely affordable.
Author Events & Book Signings: This isn’t just a place to buy books – it’s where literary magic happens. Red Balloon regularly hosts both local and nationally renowned authors and illustrators, offering intimate opportunities to meet creators, learn about their craft, and get books personally signed.
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Discover MoreThese events range from picture book storytimes for the youngest readers to compelling YA author talks for teens.
Weekly Storytimes: Every Wednesday and Thursday at 10:30am, the shop comes alive with storytellers leading interactive sessions filled with stories, rhymes, and fun activities. These free events welcome infants and toddlers especially, though children of all ages enjoy the engaging atmosphere.
Diverse Book Clubs: Red Balloon offers reading groups for virtually every age and interest, from middle-grade book clubs for 4th-8th graders to adult book clubs focusing on YA literature and even a banned books discussion group. These communities help readers connect over shared literary passions.
Toys & Gifts Beyond Books: You’ll discover carefully curated toys, puzzles, games, and gifts that complement the literary theme. Think book-related puppets, educational games, and unique items that make perfect presents for any book-loving child or adult.
Atmosphere & Décor
Converted House Charm: The bookshop occupies a beautiful historic house that immediately sets it apart from typical retail spaces. Walking through feels like entering a literary wonderland, with the cozy residential layout creating intimate nooks perfect for browsing and discovery.
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Keep Exploring →Open & Family-Friendly Layout: The spacious, well-lit design allows parents to maintain sight lines throughout most of the store while children explore independently. The open floor plan creates a welcoming environment where families can spread out and take their time discovering new titles.
Beauty and the Beast Vibes: Visitors often compare the experience to the magical library scene from Disney’s classic, with books creating towering displays that inspire that same sense of wonder and possibility. The colorful, whimsical displays throughout the space make browsing feel like an adventure rather than a chore.
Outdoor Options: During pleasant weather, storytimes sometimes move to the shop’s charming patio, adding an extra dimension to the reading experience and taking advantage of Minnesota’s beautiful seasons.
Other Considerations
Reasonable Pricing & Value: Red Balloon offers books across various price ranges, ensuring options for different budgets. The bargain basement provides exceptional value, while the main floor selection represents fair pricing for new releases and popular titles.
Given the personalized service and community atmosphere, most families find the pricing quite reasonable for an independent bookstore.
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Discover MoreGrand Avenue Location: You’re perfectly positioned in the heart of St. Paul’s premier shopping and dining district. After browsing books, families can easily walk to nearby restaurants like Cafe Latte or grab ice cream at Grand Ole Creamery.
The neighborhood’s walkable nature makes it ideal for a full afternoon of family activities.
Convenient Parking: While Grand Avenue can get busy, Red Balloon maintains its own small parking lot behind the store, which proves invaluable during peak times. Additional parking options include street parking and a public lot nearby.
Educational Discounts: Schools, educators, and librarians receive 20% discounts on most purchases, making it an excellent resource for building classroom libraries. The shop also offers birthday club benefits and special programs for educators.
Year-Round Events: Beyond regular storytimes and book clubs, Red Balloon hosts seasonal celebrations, holiday visits from Santa, and special literary events throughout the year. Their monthly newsletter keeps families informed about upcoming opportunities.
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Keep Exploring →Best Visiting Times: Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends, offering a more relaxed browsing experience.
However, weekends bring more energy and often coincide with special events. If you’re planning to attend a storytime or author event, arriving early ensures the best spots in this popular but intimate space.
Red Balloon Bookshop
📍 891 Grand Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105
