Head to any of these local favorites for fresh vegetables and more.
It’s summertime, which means the Minnesota farmers markets are in full swing. There are tons of great markets throughout the cities offering things like freshly picked peas, tomatoes, corn, and other vegetables and fruit. Many also offer salsas and jams made with fresh, hand-picked ingredients. Farmers markets are a great way for any parent, babysitter, or nanny to get the kids out of the house and enjoying the fresh air.
According to MinnPost, the number of farmers markets in the state has quadrupled since 2000. The latest count puts the total at 177, though there may be more in small towns or not listed in directories. We’ve removed the guesswork for you and listed the 10 best area markets that are must-stops this summer and fall.
Address: 300 S. Sixth St., Minneapolis, MN 55487
Hours: Thursday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (May – September)
Phone: 612-573-0148
The Minneapolis Farmers Market is one of the largest in the state. Dozens of vendors line the South Plaza of Nicollet Mall, offering fresh and local produce, beautiful and vibrant plants, and delicious prepared foods. There is also no shortage of candles, jams and jellies, and salsa made from farm-fresh ingredients.
On farmers market days, Nicollet Mall blooms with dozens of flower vendors selling every type of flower under the sun, as well as garden plants and herbs for planting and eating. In addition, you’ll find local meat vendors (poultry, bison, pork, beef, fish), cheese, honey, fresh eggs, wild rice, and other products as well as delicious prepared food to munch on while you shop.
Duluth Farmers Market
Address: Corner of 14th Avenue East and Third Street, Duluth, MN 55801
Hours: Wednesday, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m | Saturday, 7 a.m. – noon (Mother’s Day weekend – October)
Phone: 218-724-9955
The Duluth Farmers Market has been in operation since 1911. Housed in a gorgeous red building on 14th Avenue E. at 3rd Street, it’s one of the largest markets in northern Minnesota, open from Mother’s Day weekend through October.
The fresh produce and goods sold, like raspberries, blueberries, flowers, herbs, organic meats, and jams, are farmed in St. Louis, Carlton, and Lake Counties. The peak of the season at the farmers market is usually from mid-August to mid-September, and that’s when you’ll find plenty of farm-fresh products that can be used for canning, freezing, pickling, or eating straight from their containers. They also host fun family activities, like face painting and fall festivals throughout the season.
Saint Paul Farmers Market
Address: 290 E. Fifth St., Saint Paul, MN 55101
Hours: Saturdays, 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Sundays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Phone: 651-227-8101
The Saint Paul Farmers Market has been in operation for over 160 years. Located in the heart of Lowertown near CHS Field, the market is open all year long, with limited hours during the winter months. Its owners guarantee all of its products are 100-percent locally grown within 50 miles of St. Paul.
This farmers market sells everything from sweet corn, raspberries, potatoes, carrots, broccoli to cauliflower, green beans, cabbage, kohlrabi, spinach, radishes, and rhubarb. They also have humanely raised meats, dairy, eggs, baked goods, jams, jellies, honey, sauces, cut flowers, and hanging baskets. Kid-friendly activities, as well as live music and other family-friendly events, are offered throughout the season, so check their website before your trip.
Rochester Downtown Farmers Market
Address: Fourth Street SE and Fourth Avenue SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Hours: Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – noon (May – October)
Phone: 507-273-8232
Known for the world-famous Mayo Clinic, Rochester is a quaint community with gorgeous views, great restaurants, and an awesome farmers market. With a mission to support family farms and local agriculture, the market offers goods produced in southeastern Minnesota. The summer market features more than 90 farmers and vendors, live music, special events, cooking and canning demonstrations, and more.
A winter market is open every other Saturday November through April from 9 a.m. to noon in Building 35 at the Graham Park/Olmsted County Fairgrounds in Rochester. This smaller market features more than 30 local and independent family farms that sell hormone-free meats, dairy, baked goods, canned goods, lefse, honey, maple syrup, and other products.
St. Cloud Area Farmers Market
Address: 700 Division St., Saint Cloud, MN 56301
Hours: Open daily, 8 a.m. – noon (May 6 – Oct. 29)
Phone: 320-252-9156
Located in the heart of downtown St. Cloud, the St. Cloud Area Farmers Market is open seasonally and features local growers, bakers, and other producers with a wide variety of vegetables, meats, dairy products, baked goods, plants, flowers, herbs, maple syrup, honey, berries, and more.
Most of the vendors offer locally grown produce, meats, and dairy products.The market also has food sampling and free kids activities throughout the season, so make sure to check their website to see what is happening.
Mankato Farmers Market
Address: 1895 Adams St., Mankato, MN 56001
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Saturday, 8 a.m. – noon (May – October)
Phone: 507-382-9337
Mankato and surrounding-area residents flock to this market (not far from Minnesota State) to get their fill of fresh fruit and other produce. All produce originates within 40 miles of Mankato, and according to its website, the market “encourages the use of heirloom plants and heritage animals among its vendors.”
Favorites like farm-fresh eggs and organic meat will be available on most of the spring and summer market dates. You will also find asparagus, bedding plants, fresh flowers, rhubarb, garlic, onions, broccoli, beets, snap peas, green beans, cabbage, and tons of fresh salad greens. Live music and lots of activities for children are typical on Saturdays.
Prior Lake Farmers Market
Address: 16228 Main Ave. SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372
Hours: Saturday, 8 a.m. – noon (May – October)
Phone: Not listed
I would be remiss if I didn’t include my hometown market on the list. Not only is it one of my favorites, but it’s at the top of my kids’ lists, too. Walk the adorable downtown Prior Lake while sampling fresh vegetables and local meats and smelling the gorgeous bouquets of fresh-cut flowers. Each week you’ll find live music, tasty food trucks, artisans, organic coffee and espresso, candy, honey, wood items, bath products, and my son’s favorite, kettle corn. They also have health professionals on-site to share holistic-care options for people of all ages.
After you are finished gathering up all the fresh produce you can find, head over to Charlie’s on Prior for a picture-perfect lunch on the lake.
Hopkins Farmers Market
Address: 1010 First St. S., Hopkins, MN 55343
Hours: Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – noon (June 17 – Oct. 28)
Phone: 952-583-1930
The Hopkins Farmers Market is considered by many to be one of the best in the Twin Cities.
The market has been a local favorite since it opened in 1985, offering an abundance of just-picked, locally grown produce. In addition to all the produce you need, choose from a wide variety of free-range meat, poultry, and egg;, artisan-roasted coffee; fresh-baked European breads; jams; jellies; honey; and baked goods.
Depending on the time of year, they also have kid-friendly activities, including pumpkin carving, food trucks, and food tastings. The market is open rain or shine from mid-June through October.
Stillwater Farmers Market
Address: Corner of Third Street and Pine, Stillwater, MN 55082
Hours: Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – noon (June 10 – Oct. 28)
Phone: 651-704-9996
If you are looking to spend time in this charming Minnesota town, start your day at the farmers market. There you will find an abundance of fresh-picked corn, pickling cucumbers, strawberries, berries, radishes, lettuce, broccoli, peppers, potatoes, and kohlrabi, as well as fresh eggs. They also sell seasoning, jams, lemonade fruit mix, salsa, organic meats, honey, soap, cookies, alpaca products, maple syrup, and even dog treats.
Don’t forget to look at the list of upcoming events near Stillwater, located on the website. If you make a day of it, check out Lolo’s for lunch or head over to Freight House on the water for a refreshing cocktail. There are also plenty of antique shops and home goods stores on Main Street to check out.
Red Wing Farmers Market
Address: 315 W. Fourth St., Red Wing, MN 55066 (City Hall)
Hours: Open daily, 8 a.m. – until sold out (June – October)
Phone: Not listed
The Red Wing Farmers Market started in 2007 and has steadily grown its vendor list every year since. Local farms offer up a big array of fruits and veggies, organic meats and meat products, and gorgeous handcrafted items such as soap, wood sculptures, and jewelry. If you have time, Red Wing has many local shops to explore, and don’t forget to stop at the famous Red Wing Brewery for its tasty pizza and a craft beer.
Red Wing also has a winter market with seasonal products, which is held indoors November through March 1 at Sargent’s Nursery. Both markets provide a huge selection of produce and farm products. They also provide activities to engage visitors on subjects such as nutrition, food preparation, and sustainable agriculture.
