Three years ago, a shared passion for vintage toys and video games led three friends, Wayne Weidman, Cody Grindberg, and Troy Latta, to create a place in Minot where nostalgia lives on the shelves. What began as three collectors constantly bumping into each other, swapping finds, and building their personal collections has grown into 3D Relics, a shop, just recently relocated, and now, tucked beneath Coldwell Banker on Main Street. The name reflects both their love for retro 3D glasses and the fact that the business is run by “three dudes.”
The idea took off quickly. Three years ago, a friend mentioned an available retail space near Central High School, and within weeks the trio had transformed it into a full-fledged nostalgia store. The response was strong enough that, earlier this year, they moved into a larger and more visible location on Main Street to keep up with demand.
Inside 3D Relics, customers find a curated mix of treasures that span decades. Original carded Star Wars figures hang alongside Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, vintage G.I. Joes, CHiPs and Rocky collectibles, and quirky ’70s–’90s toys that spark instant recognition. The owners describe their inventory as “a little bit of everything that’s been cool throughout the years”, sprinkled with uranium glass, antiques, and local memorabilia. The video game section is equally impressive, with consoles from boxed Atari systems to present-day platforms, and thousands of games lining the shelves.
As a retired Air Force member, Wayne is especially grateful for the military community and wants Minot Air Force Base residents to know they’re valued. “I know firsthand how hard it can be doing what you do,” he said. “We just want to say thank you for your service and your sacrifice.”
The store’s variety is a big part of its charm, but what truly makes 3D Relics unique is the hunt behind the scenes. The team spends countless hours digging through basements, attics, and storage spaces, chasing leads and looking for the rare, the forgotten, and the just-plain-fun. They only put items on the shelf if they genuinely think they’re cool. That level of care shows and regular customers know that every Friday brings something new and unexpected.
That sense of discovery is one of the owners’ favorite parts of running the shop. The real reward, though, is the people. They love chatting with customers, hearing stories, seeing eyes light up when someone spots a long-lost toy from childhood, or listening to the surprised exclamations of “I didn’t even know they made one of those!” They’re also part of a strong small-business community in Minot, regularly sending customers to other local shops to help them track down the items they’re searching for.
3D Relics is located at 219 S. Main Street (lower level) in Minot. The shop is open Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with occasional extended hours during downtown events.
For anyone who loves the thrill of discovery or who just wants to relive a chapter of their childhood, 3D Relics promises a trip down memory lane every time you walk through the door.
