- Attraction: Wild Rumpus Books for Young Readers
- Location: 2720 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
- Industry: Bookstore
- Website: https://wildrumpusbooks.com/
When bookworms step through the tiny purple door designed just for children at Wild Rumpus Books, they enter a literary wonderland where imagination truly runs wild.
This extraordinary children’s bookstore has been enchanting Minneapolis families since 1992, transforming the simple act of book browsing into an unforgettable adventure filled with live animals roaming freely among towering bookshelves.
Located in the charming Linden Hills neighborhood, Wild Rumpus stands as one of the most unique independent bookstores in America.
The store gained national recognition in 2017 when it became the first children’s specialty bookstore ever named Publishers Weekly Bookstore of the Year.
What sets this literary haven apart isn’t just its incredible selection of children’s and young adult books—it’s the menagerie of furry, feathered, and scaled residents who call the store home alongside thousands of carefully curated titles.
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Keep Exploring →Literary Adventures & Animal Encounters
The Purple Door Experience: Your magical journey begins before you even step inside. The front entrance features a child-sized purple door nestled within the regular door frame, complete with its own tiny doorknob.
This whimsical touch immediately signals that you’re entering a place where childhood wonder takes priority, and adults are welcome to rediscover their inner child.
Roaming Animal Friends: You’ll encounter Manx cats strolling casually between the aisles, completely at ease with their role as unofficial store greeters. These tailless felines have made the bookstore their domain, often found napping on sunny shelves or supervising young readers.
The current residents also include chinchillas with impossibly soft fur that you can gently pet, colorful birds whose calls create a natural soundtrack, and even a crested gecko named “Stinky Cheese Man” who watches over his corner domain with curious eyes.
The Book Collection: The store houses an impressive array of literature spanning from board books for toddlers to compelling young adult novels. You’ll discover books in multiple languages including Spanish, French, and Indigenous languages, reflecting the store’s commitment to diverse voices.
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Discover MoreThe organization feels intuitive—truck books are grouped with car books, scary stories hide in a special cottage area, and picture books flow naturally into chapter books as you move deeper into the store.
Interactive Design Elements: Inspired by “The Salamander Room” by Anne Mazer, the store’s interior gradually transitions from indoor to outdoor atmosphere as you explore.
A canoe suspended from the ceiling seems to pierce through an artificial sky painted on the white ceiling, creating the illusion that nature is reclaiming the space. This thoughtful design makes browsing feel like an adventure through different story worlds.
Programs & Community Events
Tail Time Story Hour: Every Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:00 AM, the store hosts its beloved weekly storytime featuring songs, stories, and dancing.
While designed for toddlers and preschoolers, the inclusive atmosphere welcomes children of all ages. You’ll want to arrive early since the cozy space fills up quickly with eager families.
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Keep Exploring →Author Events & Book Clubs: Wild Rumpus regularly hosts visiting authors, both local and international, often on Saturday afternoons.
The store operates multiple book clubs including the Wild Things Book Club (ages 6-9), Purple Door Book Club (ages 8-12), and Young Adult Book Club (ages 13-17), fostering a genuine community of young readers.
Special Experiences: Throughout the year, the store offers unique programs like trolley ride storytimes in partnership with the nearby Como-Harriet Streetcar Line. These special events sell out incredibly fast, so subscribing to their newsletter gives you the best chance to snag tickets.
Atmosphere & Character
Century-Old Charm: The bookstore occupies a building dating back to the early 1900s, lending an authentic historic character to your visit.
The century-old structure provides the perfect foundation for the store’s transformation into a literary wonderland, with original architectural details complementing the creative animal habitats and reading nooks.
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Discover MoreSensory Experience: You’ll notice the gentle sounds of bird calls mixing with the soft rustle of pages turning and occasional contented purrs from the resident cats.
The atmosphere feels alive yet peaceful, creating an environment where both children and adults can lose themselves in stories while surrounded by living creatures that seem to have stepped out of the pages themselves.
Creative Organization: The store’s layout encourages exploration and discovery. Books are organized in ways that make sense to young minds, and hidden reading spots throughout the store invite you to settle in with a new find.
The horror and scary book section gets its own special cottage area, turning even spooky stories into a delightful adventure.
Other Considerations
Pricing & Value: The bookstore offers reasonable independent bookstore pricing that reflects the quality of their curated selection and unique experience. You’re not just purchasing books—you’re supporting expert booksellers who can recommend the perfect title for any young reader.
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Keep Exploring →The store offers a 20% discount if you bring in their reusable canvas tote bag, making future visits even more affordable.
Parking Realities: Street parking can be challenging, especially during peak weekend hours and winter months. You may need to park several blocks away and walk, but the stroll through the picturesque Linden Hills neighborhood adds to the adventure.
Consider making your visit part of a larger exploration of the area, which features nearby attractions like Lake Harriet and charming local shops.
Perfect for All Ages: While designed primarily for children, the store welcomes visitors of all ages. Adults often find themselves just as enchanted by the animals and atmosphere as the kids.
The space encourages multigenerational bonding over books, making it an ideal destination for grandparents, parents, and children to share special moments.
Neighborhood Experience: Located in the beloved Linden Hills district, Wild Rumpus sits within walking distance of other family-friendly spots including Great Harvest Bread, Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream, and Lake Harriet.
The Como-Harriet Streetcar Line operates seasonally just a 10-minute walk away, creating opportunities for extended family adventures.
Wild Rumpus Books for Young Readers
📍 2720 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
