25 Best Michigan Record Stores

When it comes to Michigan record stores, I know what I’m talking about. 

As a vinyl junkie myself, I want to give some background on what truly inspired me to create a list of the 15 best record shops in Michigan. 

In high school, I created a sort of shrine for my turntable. I painted my closet walls turquoise, orange, and to top it off I painted the ceiling yellow. I hung up my tie-dye “Make Love, Not War” banner, put my acoustic guitar in the corner, adjusted my speakers on the opposite side, and I was ready to go. I sat on my floor and listened to my favorite vinyl, ABBA’s Arrival album. 

That was one of my favorite moments, and so is every moment I’ve spent listening to vinyl after that. There is just something indescribable about the emotions one feels listening to vinyl, something that feels stronger than music from a CD or through Airpods. 

If you agree to any extent and you’re a Michigander or traveling in Michigan, you need to add these 25, or some array, record shops on your to-do list. You won’t be disappointed! 

Southeast Michigan Record Stores

Checker Records 
28 S Howell St, Hillsdale, MI 49242

I often dream about spending a calm morning sipping coffee and perusing through old vinyl albums. If you’re like me, you will want to experience Checker Records in Hillsdale, Michigan.

With a full espresso bar and the sweet taste of baked goods at your fingertips, this place will truly draw you in from the outside. After you choose your sweet breakfast or brunch delight, take a peek at their vinyl, CD, and music DVD selection. The cherry on top is that anything you can’t find in the store, such as guitar strings or hair dye, they will order for you online! 

Dearborn Music 
22501 Michigan Ave, Newman St, Dearborn, MI 48124

50,000 different record/CD titles are almost unimaginable, but not at Dearborn Music! And that is just what they keep in stock. Oh no, what you want is out of stock? Special orders may be available. Or, check out their location in Farmington, Michigan. 

Something for every generation of music lovers, or the old souls, is available here. Whether you want to add to your collection, dip your toes in the vinyl world, or get a gift that never stops giving, you will not regret going to Dearborn Music.  

ALSO NEARBY: Hello Records, on Fort Street in Lincoln Park, has a great classic rock collection of vinyl, cds, dvds…this music store is a must if you’re in the area.   

Melodies & Memories 
23013 Gratiot Ave, Eastpointe, MI 48021

Since 1988, Melodies and Memories has offered East Michigan a local one-stop record shop. Once you walk in, it will be hours until you walk out. With around 150,000 records to dig through, it is almost a guarantee that you will take a vinyl home. From their large assortment of records to the unique memorabilia on the walls, there is no chance you will be bored here! 

With reasonable prices, there is no need to feel guilty if you find a handful that you can’t live without. To top it off, Melodies and Memories sells vintage shirts, CDs, and cassettes. Truly a store that has it all, from its product to its aesthetic, this record shop will give you an experience that you will want to share with your friends. 

ALSO NEARBY: Ripe Records in Grosse Pointe is a favorite local record shop that also sells audio equipment. 

Found Sound Records
234 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220

This independent record store is “Keepin’ the Dream Alive,” and they do a good job of it. You’ll find a huge collection of vinyl here, as well as a alot of interesting music memorabilia.

UHF Records 
512 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067

If you’re reading this article, then you will love UHF Records. Not only do they have a great new/old vinyl selection but they also have an abundance of miscellaneous, but relevant, items. From iron-on patches, enamel/music pins, t-shirts, and baseball caps, you won’t just leave with a new vinyl record. Make sure to check out their store on one of this year’s Record Store Days, June 18th, for new drops!

ALSO NEARBY: Detroit Record Club, which specializes in expertly curated, hand-cleaned, well-loved vinyl, LPs, and records. Solo Records, lauded as one of the best in metro Detroit by Metro Times newspaper, also has huge collection of vinyl, and 8-tracks, too. UHF Music is also within walking distance. Flipside Records, in nearby Berkeley, sells vinyl, cds, dvds and more.  You’ll also want to check out Street Corner Music in Oak Park. 

Underground Sounds 
120 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Right off of the University of Michigan’s campus, Underground Sounds is waiting to scratch your itch for a new, or new to you, vinyl record. Stocking nearly 10,000 records and CDs, there is no short supply of options to browse through. You will surely find something you do not have at home, something you knew you wanted, and something you like for someone else. 

If you fall in love with this store and its crates of albums nestled downtown Ann Arbor, don’t be afraid to take a look at their merchandise. Take home a t-shirt for easy wear, a tote for books, or a vinyl case to keep your favorite records safe. 

After stopping here, walk around campus or around downtown and enjoy an afternoon in the beautiful Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

ALSO NEARBY: Be sure and check out Encore Records (not far from the famous Ann Arbor Guitar Store on Liberty St), which sells records, cds and dvds and even sheet music. 

Record Stores in Detroit

Third Man Records – 441 W Canfield St, Detroit, MI 48201

Do not miss this cool spot in Detroit’s Cass Corridor. Opened by Michigan native Jack White (of the White Stripes, etc), you’ll find a mix of music, apparel, gifts and even live shows!

Peoples Records – 1464 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207

People’s is a must-visit for any record-buyer or vinyl collector: they have everything. Bring your camera, you’ll want to snap some shots of the cool psychadelic decor.

Detroit Threads- 10238 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212

You’ll find a huge collection of vinyl, as well as a clothes and memorabilia at this hip spot. If you’re a music fan, put this at the top of your list.

Record Stores in West Michigan

The Corner Record Shop 
3562 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, MI 49418

Is your turntable due for repair? Check out The Corner Record Shop in Grandville to get your equipment fixed and some new, or new to you, vinyl! They specialize in turntables as old as the 1960s or as new as today. 

With three separate rooms dedicated to vinyl, you will easily spend hours sifting through every genre you could imagine. From Patsy Cline and Van Halen to Harry Styles and Nicki Minaj, you will leave with something you knew you needed, and something you didn’t. 

In one of the back rooms awaits a stage, occasionally occupied by a band. Whether or not live music fills your ears, it sets the tone for a perfect vinyl shopping experience. 

PRO TIP: Check out their $1 record section! 

Green Light Music and Video 
4717 W Kl Ave B, Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Looking for a record shop that makes you feel at home? Green Light Music and Video’s employees will make sure you feel welcomed! Available for all of your vinyl, CD, cassette, and DVD needs! Not only that, but they also carry used stereo equipment and accessories. 

Looking for a place that offers more? At Green Light, books, t-shirts, posters, and more are at your fingertips! Proud supporters of local music, you may be lucky enough to take something new and unique home. 

Satellite Records 
808 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Kalamazoo, Michigan is full of charm, including one of its quaint record shops, Satellite Records. Their goal is to have something for every music taste at an affordable price. With records becoming more popular, who doesn’t love a good deal! 

Inside you will find an array of vinyl, from new to old, with a large selection of Classical, Soul, Rock & Pop, Jazz, and Folk records. However, you will also find CDs, cassettes, turntables, official Record Store Day items, funko pops, and more! 

Check out their website for upcoming events, updated store hours, Record Store Day dates, and more. Don’t miss out on live music opportunities, exclusive record sales, early-bird specials, or any of the fun that Satellite Record offers! 

Vertigo Music 
129 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Has your passion for vinyl records taken you over to West Michigan? If so, Vertigo Music has West Michigan’s most expansive collection of new, or new to you, vinyl. Have a few records but no turntable? This one-stop shop has it all! Take home a new vinyl along with a turntable and you’ll be able to start listening that same day! 

In addition, if you have an older vehicle like me, you’ll want to check out their broad selection of cassettes. Whether it’s to make sure you are stocked up for your next road trip or a fun birthday gift for your friend with an old car, you will be sure to find something to roll your windows down and sing to. 

Grand Rapids is also known as “Beer City,” thanks to the many great craft breweries in the area. Be sure to allow some time to check out these fun spots that are scattered throughout the city.

Southwest Michigan Record Stores

Phoenix Records and Boutique
330 Kalamazoo St, South Haven, MI 49090

You’ll find new and used vinyl, as well as an amazing collection of 45’s at this fun shop in downtown South Haven. You’ll also find a nice mix of Fair Trade apparel, natural soaps and lotions, T shirts and incense.

3 Pillars Music
198 Water St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Located near Saint Joseph, this Benton Harbor music store features new and used instruments, musical accessories, vinyl records, record players, stereo equipment, and much more.

Mid Michigan Record Stores

Flat, Black and Circular 
541 E Grand River Ave #204, East Lansing, MI 48823

Confused how you missed this record shop along Grand River Ave? Me too! But I promise it is worth the trip back. Head upstairs to dig through the crates, talk to experienced and knowledgeable staff, and leave thinking about the next time you’ll be able to come back! 

Open for business since 1977, this shop has a lot of history and you can feel its positive energy coming off of the walls. A friendly, welcoming feel awaits you at their doorstep, and you’ll feel great about supporting a business, and staff, that truly cares about keeping vinyl, and music, alive. 

So, what are you waiting for? Check out their new and used vinyl, along with their CD, DVD, music magazine, and cassette collections. That nasty thing called maintenance? Don’t fret, they have record cleaning supplies! 

PRO TIP: Occasionally they have used turntables and audio gear!

The Record Lounge
Inside Reo Town Marketplace, 1027 S Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48910 

Want to support one of Michigan’s only female-owned record stores? Want to go home with a new vinyl? Want to do both at the same time? Well at The Record Lounge in Lansing, Michigan, you can! 

If you’re not a fan of vinyl records, but know someone that is, this is the perfect place to find their holiday/birthday gift! Whether you handpick the vinyl or get them a gift card, this thoughtful gift will be something different from last year. 

The vinyl records at The Record Lounge span a multitude of genres from the last 150 years. With friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff, you don’t have to struggle to find what you want, just ask! 

While they have a great selection, they are currently expanding as well! Make sure to follow their Instagram (@recordlounge) or like them on Facebook to see when their equipment and merchandise will be launched. 

‘Round Midnight 
822 W Main St, Owosso, MI 48867

A small-town feel in the heart of a small Michigan city, ‘Round Midnight is a blast from the past. A smaller store with a big personality, you will not be disappointed to see what awaits inside. Tie-dye t-shirts, peace sign flags, vinyl albums, and an overall old-school feel will bring back memories or make you feel like you have traveled back in time. 

This store does not have a website, but it does have a hilarious Facebook page. With this limited information, it makes the experience of “Round Midnight even better. However, don’t forget to check out their Facebook page after you visit for a good laugh, you will regret it if you don’t. 

Electric Kitsch
2106 Kosciuszko Ave, Bay City, MI 48708

There is so much here, so be prepared. You’ll find both new and used records, clothing and electronic equipment at this hip vintage resale shop. Downtown Bay City is home to a huge collection of resale shops, but you’ll want to hit this one first.

Radio Wasteland
716 George St, Midland, MI 48640

This family owned and operated indie record store in Mid Michigan has long been a destination for vinyl lovers, and with good reason. You’ll find a mix of new and used records here, including the lastest releases.

Record Stores in Northern Michigan

RPM Records 
1015 Hannah Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686

Searching for an up north gem? Look no further than RPM Records! Here you’ll find rare records, collectors edition releases, classic and new vinyl albums. In addition to their record selection, record cleaning supplies/equipment, along with new/used turntables and accessories are available for purchase.

And don’t forget that if you can’t find it, they can order it for you! A Traverse City trip would not be complete without this record shop. 

Record Stores in Upper Peninsula

Yooptone Music 
1015 North 3rd Street, Village Shopping Center, Marquette, MI 49855

Yooptone Music offers the largest collection of new and used vinyl records in the Upper Peninsula, so what else do you need to know? Head on over! Or more likely, head on up! 

While you’re checking out their record collection, don’t forget about their selection of instruments, electronics, and related accessories. This includes guitars, keyboards, amps, and folk instruments, just to name a few. But more importantly for vinyl purposes, they sell vintage, used, and new stereo gear! 

Want to learn a few tips and tricks about an instrument while you’re there? Check out their one-on-one music lessons from experienced instructors. Accidentally break a key during your lesson? No worries, they do in-house repairs. 

Even if Yooptone Music didn’t have one of the coolest record shop names I’ve heard, they would still be a must-see on my list!

PRO-TIP: Bustling Marquette, MI is one of the top travel destinations in Michigan. It’s a vibrant, hip city with a fun downtown area. Be sure and spend some time exploring this cool spot, and head over to Marquette’s Black Rocks, in Presque Isle Park, too, for some amazing scenery.

Vinyl Truth 
515 Shelden Ave, Houghton, MI 49931

If you thought 50,000 vinyl records was a lot, Vinyl Truth has around 250,000 (70,000 organized) records! Right downtown Houghton, near the river, hides this gem of a record shop for all vinyl lovers.

With a selection that large, you are sure to find something to take home with you. In addition to the new vinyl, or few, you’ll be taking home, you will want to check out their handmade/handprinted stickers, CDs, and stereo equipment. You will not leave empty-handed, that’s for sure! 

Houghton is located at the base of the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula. Be suere to spend some time exploring this historic city, home to Michigan Tech University.

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About the Author-

Allie Horning is a current undergraduate Senior studying Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science at Michigan State University. She has had a passion for writing since elementary school and hopes to continue writing throughout her life, whether it be for fun or for work. Or, if the two overlap that would be even better! Currently she is figuring out her post-graduation plans and enjoying her last true summer.