Midwest Farmers' Markets
Midwest farmers’ markets are some of the best in the country.
Discover our favorite farmers' market finds from Madison, Des Moines and the Twin Cities. Our guide includes tips on which booths to visit early, before they run out of goodies! Packed with so much more than fresh produce, you'll be amazed by the hidden treasures we found. I’ve been lucky enough to live in all three capital cities, so have the inside scoop from each location. Grab your market bag and bring your appetite. We’ll be sampling lots of Zabelicious treats along the way. Let’s start in the dairy state, which is my current home base.
Dane County Farmers’ Market, Madison, WI
A beloved tradition, inspired by Europe’s open markets, Dane County Farmers’ Market has grown to be recognized as America’s largest producers only farmer’s market. Held on the Capitol Square Saturdays from April until October 6:15am to 1:45pm. Arrive early to discover all the treasures from local artisans to fresh produce and plenty of food stands to tempt your tastebuds!
So many booths, so little time. We can’t name them all, but here’s a list of a few favorites.
Baked Goods
Stella’s Spicy Cheese Bread-It comes hot out of the oven and melts in your mouth. Trust me, it’s worth waiting in line for. Snack on one of their other treats while you wait. May I suggest, a rhubarb turnover, giant cinnamon rolls or sticky buns?
Sugar Bush Bakery-Famous for their lemon pound cake, my friends swear by their gluten free cookies and crumble bars.
Violet Rose Artisan Farm to Market Foods-My daughter and I recently discovered this mystery stand with a red tent, but no name. We followed the heavenly scent of sweet and savory empanadas that are addicting. We inhaled the veggie egg scramble on the spot. Then, took home a fruit turnover and a potato herb and cheese empanada for later.
Chris & Lori’s Bakehouse-Kids love the adorable flower and cow cookies. They taste as good as they look. Their signature “Sconuts” in three flavors sell out fast.
Cheese
Bleu Mont Dairy-Bandaged Cheddar is the signature flavor that flies off the shelves at this small stand, run by the owner himself. The son of a Swiss cheesemaker, Willi Lehner, has been working his magic in the rolling hills of Blue Mounds, Wisconsin for more than twenty years.
Brunkow Cheese-Famous for their unique Brun-uusto Wisconsin made Bread Cheese. Translated in Finland and Sweden to Juustoleipa. It’s baked to form a tasty crust similar to bread and comes in several flavors you can sample at the market. Pizza and fire roasted Chile are the top picks in my tribe.
Forgotten Valley Cheese-Award winning cheesemaker that brings international expertise to every variety they offer; including several types of Havarti, Butterkase, Aged Cheddar and Muenster.
Hooks Cheese -World Champion cheesemakers known for their Aged Cheddars and distinct Blue Cheese varieties. Served in the finest restaurants, but even better as a snack at the market, while people watching.
Produce
Alsum Sweet Corn-One of the top corn producing farms in Wisconsin feeding families with their fresh produce since 1912. Try the bicolor jalapeño if you can handle the heat! Stash some away in your freezer for the holidays!
Carandale Fruit Farm-Offering lesser known seasonal fruits and berries. Check website for daily updates to see what’s available and when they will be at the market.
Canopy Gardens-Find some of the best local vine-ripened tomatoes, English cucumbers and fresh salsa.
Patterson Maple Syrup-Any barrel aged varieties are amazing! Pancakes will never taste the same without it, once you try it.
Don’t forget to grab your fresh flowers, then check out the entertainment and artisans. Here’s a few hidden gems we discovered.
Entertainment & Shopping
Balloon Artists-Entertaining kids and parents.
Music-Live performances.
Oniomania-Hand crafted jewelry from around the world, antique postage stamps they’ve made into charms.
Poems-Typed while you wait. Any topic. Name your price.
Downtown Farmers’ Market, Des Moines, Iowa
Voted one of the best markets in America, Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday through the end of October in the Historic Court District. A celebration of farm fresh produce, local handmade items and friends catching up after a long winter! It’s grown tremendously since the time I lived and worked in Des Moines as a TV news reporter for the CBS affiliate, KCCI. My former colleagues, Heidi Gojkovich, Kevin and Mollie Cooney were all happy to update me on what’s new at the market. Here are some of their top picks not to be missed, along with some candid photos.
Food
Big Sky Bread-Homemade granola so good you eat it out of the bag before you leave.
Brenda Smith Concessions-Fresh lemonade to quench your thirst when you arrive.
Farm Kids Food Company-First stop for many is this stand for a breakfast burrito that they say can’t be beat!
Juan O’Sullivan Salsa-So addicting, people from out of state buy it by the case once they taste it. Even Texans say this Iowa salsa wins their vote.
La Mie Bakery-Decadent pastries that sell out fast. Come early to beat the rush.
Mast Family Farm-Pies and cinnamon rolls just like Grandma’s… maybe even better. Just don’t tell her.
Entertainment & Shopping
Fairy Garden Display
Heart & Soul-Whimsical lawn and garden decor.
Live music
Pawsitively Spoiled-Gifts for the pampered pooch in your life.
Rosemary Fee-Artwork by well known Carlisle artist.
Zumi’s-Unique, fun clothing from around the world.
Twin Cities Farmers’ Markets
The Farmers Markets of Minneapolis
My hometown of Minneapolis has so many markets in and around the city, they have formed a collaborative effort to help you explore all of them throughout the season. Each one offers something unique and all have plenty of fresh produce, baked goods and crafts. Take your pick, you can’t go wrong with any of the Minneapolis farmers’ markets, big or small. If you wish to avoid the crowds and find a more intimate setting, here are some options I’d recommend.
Stroll through the Mill City Farmers Market, which is held Saturdays from 8am to 1pm outside the Mill City Museum through October. Enjoy amazing views of the picturesque Stone Arch Bridge over the river, as you peruse fresh produce and sample the tasty treats from talented chefs. Indulge in a croissant at Solomon’s Bakery while listening to live music.
Next, I would head over to the Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market, which also runs Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. The neighborhood where my great grandparents settled still feels like home. It’s easy to see why this market gets such rave reviews, with something for for everyone and food trucks galore. You definitely won’t go hungry here!
I’m also partial to Linden Hills Farmers Market, because of its proximity to Lake Harriet, which is held on Sundays from 10am to 1pm. It’s a fun, family friendly atmosphere with face painting and crafts. Plus, an array of vendors from this tight knit neighborhood, which has so much to explore. Hop on a scenic train ride or visit Wild Rumpus, our favorite bookstore, with a special door for the littlest customers.
If you think bigger is better, then check out one of the oldest and largest markets in the neighboring capital city. The Saint Paul Farmers’ Market offers a more traditional market scene with a wide variety of vendors and special events. Located in Lowerton, near the area where the original Farmers’ Market was held back in 1854. Open Saturdays 7am-1pm and Sundays 8am-1pm. Other markets are open throughout the city of St. Paul and the outlying suburbs six days a week. Find the full schedule in the link above.
Here are a few tips for dog friendly markets in neighboring suburbs, where my friend Beth LaBreche lives and hangs out with her dog Bear on the weekends, when he’s not busy boating.
White Bear Lake Farmers’ Market-A tradition since the 70’s the market is held Fridays 8am-noon through October. The market features more than 50 vendors, many are second generation farmers. Beth says her go-to is the enchilada booth where you can purchase fresh tortillas and frozen trays of homemade enchiladas.
Mahtomedi Area Farmers Market-Discover what small town charm is all about at this quaint market held at Triangle Park on Saturdays through September. Find them on Facebook. Beth’s says she always starts with hot Vietnamese egg rolls at the first booth, which are addicting. Fresh eggs, flowers and plenty of produce are always available from nearby farmers.
Discover More Farmers’ Markets
Do you have a favorite market or vendor you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comment section here, or on our social media pages. Tell us what’s special about your hometown market, or one you’ve visited!