Turtle Town Books & Gifts - Nisswa, MN

Turtle Town Books & Gifts, Nisswa, MN

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I always hope on my bookstore visits that I’m able to meet the owner but know that isn’t always possible.  Turtle Town owner Doug Miller passed away in March of 2003 so I’m a few months too late to meet him.  But I know his presence and footprint is felt throughout the store, with the staff, and with wife Mary.  His gift to us all will continue to be a charming independent bookstore in a quaint Main St. in downtown Nisswa.  I know he was more than this from his memorial scrapbook in the bookstore.  Check it out for a life well-lived.  To Doug.

Turtle Town has been around for over 10 years and it is one of the MANY businesses located on Main St., or as I call it, a “shopper’s paradise.”  The bookstore caters to a large influx of tourists year-round but especially during the summers.  Even though Nisswa has a population of less than 2000, they have a strong core of regulars as well as many from the surrounding communities.  These customers enter a neat, one-level space with all new books and a plethora of sidelines.  As with many indies,, the greeting cards and puzzles sell extremely well.  Bookseller Lisa told me that customers often say that Turtle Town has the best assortment of greeting cards in the region.  The store has not resumed any kind of a regular events schedule since the pandemic but one of my favorite authors who lives in Minnesota, William Kent Krueger, has been here many times.  

In general, the front half of the store is books and the back half is children’s items.  Kids are going to love this place.  In addition to the children’s books, there are numerous sidelines including a line of Melissa and Doug items, games, novelties, stuffed animals, and much more.  If you vacation to this area with your family, this store is a must-see.  

Doug’s passing has left a void in this store for wife Mary and the staff.  Lisa even told me that annual tourist regulars would ask, where’s the tall guy.  Take a moment and pause when you visit Turtle Town.  He’s here and maybe will even inspire you to the perfect books or gift.  Make sure to visit this indie on your next visit to northwestern Minnesota.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING:  The Stranger Beside Me, Ann Rule. 

Doug and wife Mary were the founders of this great bookstore.  Relatives, friends, and customers remember him fondly and miss him terribly.  I never met Doug but I know enough that his was a life well-lived. 

Beautiful storefront on the busiest street in Nisswa. 

The triplets of display windows. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Looking to the left from the front entrance. 

Front of the store along the right wall.  You'll find a variety of sidelines before you get to the books. 

This is looking behind the front display windows.  This picture doesn't capture the beautiful sparkle of all the little lights. 

An overview looking further into the store on the left. 

Books for anxious children at the start of school. 

Take a nice long browse along the left wall of the store. 

Some classic games available. 

Display of paperback bestsellers and staff picks. 

More games!

An overview of the front half of the store looking toward the entrance. 

A Pretend-To-Spend wallet with pretend to spend money.  Yes please. 

Turtle Town has some of the best greeting cards in the area. 

Overview of the back half of the store.  Children will love this area. 

Attractive display of coffee table books (I didn't see Kramer's book here). 

Just a few of the puzzles offered. 

Looking into a portion of the children's section. 

There's my chair. 

If you have a child ready to tackle Harry Potter, here you go. 

Hey parents, mind the kids!

I really liked this bench and took the picture because to me, it seemed to resonate with this region of northern Minnesota. 

This is a small, private, hideaway room for kids. 

View of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance. 

Good grief, I think this was a classic when I was a kid.  Anyone else?   Published in 1947.  Good gawd, it was old by the time I got to it. 

With Lisa displaying a recommended book for kids.  One of the fine booksellers you'll meet at Turtle Town Books & Gifts.  Thanks for a great visit.