Specialties
At Curious Belongings, we turn second hand shopping into an upscale experience. In addition to our one-of-kind antiques, we also provide a wide array of new goods for all your home design, personal curating and entertainment needs. Since 1951, we’ve served as the premier Antique Store in the Brainerd Lakes Area. We’re committed to providing unique, high-quality merchandise, backed by over 125 years of combined knowledge and experience in Crosslake, Minnesota.
Summer (June-Aug) hours are as listed. Fall, Winter and Spring business hours vary, please call.
History
Established in 1951.
At Curious Belongings, we are a proud fourth-generation business rooted in Crosslake, Minnesota, in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area. Our story began in 1945, when Ted and Betty Ball opened the Birch Hill Inn resort and restaurant. In 1951, Betty expanded into antiques with The Tulip Antique Shop. In 1989, their daughter Teddie Nelson purchased The People’s Store and relocated it to our current location. The next generations soon followed—Victoria Rangel joined in 1997, and grandson Austin Nelson began learning the trade in 2003, later managing the store. In 2014, the business was renamed Curious Belongings to reflect its growing, curated offerings. In 2025, Teddie passed the torch to Austin and his husband, Collin. As we enter our 75th year, we proudly continue a family legacy built on generations of expertise and one of Minnesota’s largest single-family-owned antique inventories.
Meet the Business Owner: Austin N.
Austin Nelson is the fourth-generation owner of Curious Belongings and proudly carries forward his family’s tradition of curated excellence. He began learning the antique trade in 2003 at the age of ten, guided by his grandmother, Teddie Nelson (Owner Emerita), and his aunt, Victoria Rangel. By 2007, Austin was managing the store, and in 2025 he became its official owner. With a deep passion for history, craftsmanship, and beauty—and an equal love for people—Austin brings both knowledge and warmth to the business. He holds a Master of Divinity and a Master of History and also serves as a Lutheran pastor in interim roles, frequently preaching at local congregations. Outside the shop, Austin enjoys the outdoors, travel, and time with his large family, and he delights in sharing the stories behind the remarkable pieces curated at Curious Belongings.
