The Blessed Fig Tree opened in downtown Antigo in May 2023, in the former Buckalows Eatery at 800 Fifth Avenue. It carries about 4,000 books, mostly new with some used: history, philosophy, fantasy, Wisconsin and outdoors titles, and a manga section the shop counts among the best in northern Wisconsin.
The owner runs the shop and is usually downstairs during business hours. Ask for a recommendation, grab an unusual snack, or pick out something to read.
Bookstore hours
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10 AM to 6 PM
Wednesday
10 AM to 6 PM
Thursday
10 AM to 6 PM
Friday
10 AM to 8 PM
Saturday
10 AM to 8 PM
Sunday
10 AM to 6 PM
Central time. Holiday hours may vary.
800 5th Ave, downtown Antigo.
4.9★★★★★69 Google reviews
Reviews from people who have visited the shop.Quoted from Google
“The best bookstore ever. Super friendly with a huge selection of books in every topic. Perfect place to gift shop.”
Caitlyn B. · Google review
“My family and I stopped in today, and I’m convinced the owner is at least part fae. We parted with our money way too easily and enthusiastically for this place to be anything other than magical. What an absolute gem of a shop.”
Sharon F. · Google review
“Friendly staff. Large variety of new and used books as well as many book related things. So much to see.”
Heather S. · Google review
“Wonderful selection and the owner is so sweet”
Christin W. · Google review
“Fun shop to explore! Loved the atmosphere the most.”
Windy-Marie K. · Google review
“Manga lovers will love this store!”
Melissa E. · Google review
“What a fun place and the owner is super nice.”
Momma J · Google review
“Great bookstore! Something for everyone!”
Matt R. · Google review
“Great place with varied selection of books, treats, gifts, statues, etc.”
A. W. · Google review
More reviews
“Very good store with a broad selection. And if they didn’t have it, they knew where to find it. The staff are also very knowledgeable on a broad array of topics and give great book recommendations.”
Mason W. · Google review
“You can tell he has so much pride in his incredible store. He has a lot of great merchandise and some of the coolest products.”
Sabrina D. · Google review
“This place has a magical vibe that is rare and beautiful. I went 3 times in my one week vacation to the area.”
Brian O. · Google review
“Great independent book store! A good selection for only a fraction of the cost that you would pay at a Barnes and Noble. Knowledgeable and friendly staff!”
Kayla M. · Google review
“This place is absolutely amazing! Such a beautiful little store with so much creativity and love put into it! Definitely worth checking out.”
Andrew L. · Google review
“Popped in today for the first time, such a great addition to our downtown! Bright smiles, helpful staff & AMAZING selection of a wide variety of books, local artist work & a welcoming environment!”
Ellen D. · Google review
“Wow. Went to the store for the first time yesterday. Owner is very nice and knowledgeable. There is a huge selection to choose from. I also found some unique treasures as well. I cannot wait to stop in again.”
Bonnie S. · Google review
“I stopped in on a whim and absolutely loved my experience here. The owner is friendly and helpful, and they have a good variety of books. I loved their section of books relating to tabletop RPGs.”
Zachary W. · Google review
“We love this place! Adorable book shop (don’t miss the secret reading nook - pure magic)”
Eleanor P. · Google review
Inside the shop
Der Kinderwald
The Child’s Forest is the secret reading nook tucked inside the shop: a woodland hideaway with a little wooden door, built for kids and for anyone young at heart. Bring a book from the shelves and settle in.
Der Kinderwald, the kids’ reading nook.
On the shelves
What you will find inside
About 4,000 personally selected books, mostly new with some used mixed in, instead of millions of algorithm-sorted listings. Walk in looking for one thing and leave with something you did not expect.
MangaA long wall of it, the section the shop is best known for, with collectible figures along the top shelves.
FantasyTwo full bookcases of fantasy, with wizard-themed gifts and a few dragons keeping watch.
History and philosophyNonfiction for long Northwoods winters, from the past to the big questions.
Wisconsin and the outdoorsBooks about the state, the Northwoods and getting outside in them.
Tabletop gamesA shelf of books for tabletop roleplaying games, for players and the people who run them.
Snacks, art and giftsImported chips, candy and drinks, work by local artists, and figures and statues worth a second look.
Stay upstairs
Sleep above the shelves
We rent furnished apartments with full kitchens in the same building, so you can spend a weekend, a work trip or a month above the shop. Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM.
Langlade County calls itself the County of Trails, and Antigo is an Ice Age Trail Community. You can spend a day on foot without moving the car.
DowntownBoutiques, cafés, antiques and locally owned restaurants, including the Dixie Lunch, open for over 75 years. Yesterday's Sign Park tells the story of the main street through signs from past eras.
The public libraryDirectly across the street from the shop.
Springbrook TrailA 2.26-mile loop of asphalt, boardwalk and wood-chip path along Antigo Lake and Spring Brook, with an 18-hole disc golf course. Free, pet friendly and maintained year-round.
Ice Age TrailMore than 50 miles of the national scenic trail run through Langlade County.
Historical museumThe Langlade County Historical Society Museum, 404 Superior St, in the 1905 Carnegie library building. Free admission; call 715-627-4464 for current hours.
Lakes and streamsThe county counts 766 lakes and 391 miles of trout streams, plus groomed cross-country ski trails in winter.
Email:owner@theblessedfigtree.com · Phone or text:715-628-0468
Follow along:News and events are posted on Facebook and TikTok.
Parking:Parking in front of the building is limited to 2 hours. For longer visits, use the Guest Parking lot across the street.
Park in the Guest Parking lot (red P). Follow the red route up the Clermont St sidewalk and across 5th Ave to the pin. The shop is right there. The curb in front of the store is the 2-hour parking.The overnight lot across the street, with the vintage signs at its edge.
