Out on a quiet stretch of highway in western Minnesota, there is a small store that many drivers pass for years without ever stopping. That is a mistake worth fixing.
Inside, the shelves are packed with bulk flours, spices, old-time candies, jams, pickles, and handmade goods that most big grocery chains never carry. Bakers stock up here, families come for sandwiches and hard scoop ice cream, and crafters sometimes leave with fabric they did not plan to buy.
The prices are fair, the staff is friendly, and nearly every trip turns into a treasure hunt. Keep reading to find out where this country store sits, what fills its aisles, when to go, and the one small payment detail worth knowing before you load up your basket.
A Country Store on Highway 12
Plenty of locals admit they drove past for a couple of years before finally pulling in. Once they did, the store became a regular stop.
Ebenezer Country Store sits at 55989 US-12, Grove City, MN 56243, in the farm country of western Minnesota.
The building is a grocery store at heart, but it feels closer to an old general store. Its shelves lean toward bulk foods, baking supplies, and country goods made the old-fashioned way.
Highway 12 is a busy route for people heading toward Willmar and points west. That makes the store an easy break during a road trip, and some travelers now plan their drives around it.
Some regulars also call it Taylor’s, so do not be surprised if you hear that name mentioned around town.
The rural setting keeps things simple. There is no big shopping center around it, just the store, the road, and open land.
For food-focused day-trippers, that simplicity is part of the charm. The trip is about what waits inside, not about anything flashy outside.
So who would build a country store with this many treasures on a quiet highway? The answer starts with a small family business and a loyal hometown crowd.
Small-Town Pride in Grove City
Ask a Grove City resident about the best thing in town, and this store tends to come up quickly.
Some locals have been shopping here since the day it opened. They talk about it the way people talk about a favorite diner or a beloved park.
The store is often described as a cute little family store. That label fits the friendly, small-scale feel of the place.
Weekly shoppers make up a big part of the crowd. They come for meats, eggs, and baking staples, then often grab a treat on the way out.
Travelers from farther away have discovered it too. Some found it by accident on a trip to Willmar and left with bags full of goods.
That mix of hometown regulars and curious road trippers gives the store a welcoming energy. Nobody seems to be in a hurry to leave.
The store holds a near-perfect 4.9-star standing across more than 230 opinions online, which is impressive for a rural shop off a state highway.
Hometown pride is one thing, though. The real test is what sits on those shelves, and that is where the fun begins.
Bulk Aisles Built for Bakers
Flour, sugar, and more flour. Home bakers tend to treat this store like a supply depot.
The bulk section covers flours, sugars, canned foods, and plenty of ingredients for people who like to make food from scratch.
Many of these items are hard to find in a standard grocery store. That is a big reason serious bakers make the drive.
Canning fans will find supplies here too. Cooking, baking, and canning goods share shelf space with bulk snacks and crackers.
Bulk just about everything is a fair way to sum it up. Shoppers can stock up for a season of holiday baking or simply refill the pantry.
Health food options and gluten-free items also appear on the shelves. Organic and local choices round out the mix for shoppers with specific needs.
Prices are often described as fair and competitive. Many shoppers feel they spend less here than at a typical grocery store for the same staples.
Bring a list, but leave a little room in the budget. Bakers rarely leave with only what they planned to buy.
Spice Shelves Worth Browsing
Spices might be the quiet stars of the whole store. They come up again and again when shoppers talk about their favorite finds.
The selection is huge. Shoppers mention a wide variety that goes well beyond the small jars found at chain stores.
Alongside the spices sit soup mixes, sauces, and condiments. It is the kind of aisle where a quick look turns into a long browse.
Home cooks who like to experiment will feel right at home. Bulk buying also means stocking up without paying for fancy packaging.
Cookbooks are on hand too, which helps when a new spice blend ends up in the basket without a plan.
Essential oils show up in the store as well, adding another category for curious shoppers.
This section suits people who cook often and want better value on the basics. It also suits anyone who enjoys reading labels and discovering something new.
Spices fill the pantry, but sweets fill the memories. The candy shelves are next, and they are a different kind of temptation.
Old-Time Candy Corner
Some treasures come wrapped in wax paper. The candy selection here leans proudly old-fashioned.
Shoppers point to good old-fashioned candies as a highlight. Many families make a habit of grabbing unique treats for the kids on every stop.
Chocolate covered toffee is one of the finds people mention. Maple bacon caramels have also earned a loyal fan base.
Bulk candy means you can pick a little of this and a little of that. It makes the candy corner a favorite for gift baskets and road trip snacks.
Unusual food items here also work well as gifts. Shoppers often say the store is a great place to find something different for friends and family.
Kids tend to love this section, but adults are just as guilty of lingering. The nostalgia factor is strong for anyone who grew up with candy shops.
A sweet tooth is a fine reason for a visit. Still, the store has a savory side that keeps many people coming back weekly.
Deli Counter Favorites
A quick sandwich stop has a way of turning into a full shopping trip here.
The deli is one of the most talked-about parts of the store. Fresh made sandwiches draw in hungry travelers, and gluten-free bread is available.
The value stands out too. One hot chicken sandwich has been noted at just $5.99, which feels like a bargain for a fresh lunch.
Deli meats and cheeses are sliced to order. Shoppers can ask for the thickness they want, and the staff is happy to help.
The meat counter is known for freshness. Jerky and gourmet meats also line the case for anyone planning ahead.
Cheese lovers have plenty to explore. Smoked horseradish cheese is one of the more unusual picks shoppers mention.
For day-trippers, the deli makes a smart first stop. Grab lunch, then shop with a full stomach and a clearer head.
After lunch, many people head toward the jars and coolers. That is where the store shows off its pantry personality.
Jars, Jams, and Farm-Fresh Finds
Pickles with turmeric have won over at least a few loyal fans. Some say they recall pickles made by family members years ago.
The jarred goods aisle is packed. Jams, jellies, canned pickles, asparagus, and pickled okra all appear on the shelves.
Homemade cappuccino peanut butter is another find that has turned heads. It is the kind of item you will not spot at a big chain.
Fresh items share space with the jars. Eggs, including free range eggs, are available, and fresh vegetables show up too.
The bakery section adds baked goods to the mix. Shoppers mention bakery items as a reason to stop in.
Almond milk is carried as well, which helps families with dietary needs. That small detail shows how the store pays attention to its regulars.
Treat this section like a scavenger hunt. Many shoppers say the fun lies in seeing what is new on each visit.
Food fills most of the store, yet a few non-food treasures may surprise crafters and decor fans.
Crafts, Fabric, and Handmade Furniture
Crafters, take note. A trip for flour can end with fabric in your bag.
The store carries a few pieces of fabric, and some shoppers say they could not resist taking them home.
Homemade craft items are also part of the mix. They make good gifts and add a personal touch that mass-produced goods lack.
Country style home decor is on display for anyone who loves a farmhouse look. Small kitchen tools, like a cheese knife, are available as well.
Outside of decor, the store offers quality handmade outdoor furniture. Some shoppers keep their eye on a piece for months before deciding.
These items give the store a wider appeal than a typical grocery. Crafters and decor fans can browse while others shop for food.
It also makes the store a solid stop for gift shopping. Pair a jar of jam with a handmade item, and the present is ready.
Of course, a store is only as good as the people behind the counter. That part earns some of the warmest praise of all.
Friendly Faces and a Spotless Store
Kindness may be the most mentioned item in the store, even though it is not for sale.
Friendly staff comes up more than any other topic. Workers are described as helpful, patient, and happy to chat.
Many shoppers say the people make them feel welcome right away. Some even look forward to the conversations as much as the goods.
Cleanliness earns praise too. The store is often described as neat, tidy, and spotlessly clean.
The atmosphere suits a wide range of shoppers. Families with kids, serious bakers, crafters, and curious road trippers all fit right in.
Hard scoop ice cream adds a fun twist for families. Ice cream cones make the stop feel like a small treat after shopping.
No one feels rushed, which encourages slow browsing. That works well in a store where new finds hide on every shelf.
With the friendly vibe covered, a few practical details will help you plan the perfect visit.
Hours, Payment Tips, and a Gentle Verdict
Timing matters on a rural highway, so here is the plan.
The store is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Saturday hours run from 8:30 AM to 4 PM, and the store is closed on Sunday.
Weekday trips give the most time to browse. Saturday works well too, but plan for the earlier closing time.
One small detail can catch first-timers off guard. Paying by card adds a fee to cover the charge, so bring cash if you would rather avoid it.
The fee is described as modest, but it is good to know ahead of time.
Bring a cooler if you plan to buy deli meats, cheeses, or eggs. The drive home along Highway 12 can be long for some travelers.
So, is it worth the trip? For bakers, candy lovers, deli fans, and crafters, the answer is a friendly yes.
Fair prices, a wide selection, and genuinely kind people make this country store a stop worth planning around. Just leave extra room in the trunk, because empty-handed exits seem to be rare here.
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