It’s Farmers Market Season

No matter where you live in Minnesota, fresh produce, flowers and homemade goodies await

Photo by Markobe

It’s finally here. Summer. Well, at least it’s close. It seemed like warm weather would never come, but now it’s the middle of May and the season of patio dining, lakeside relaxing, and farmers markets is finally upon us. Whether you’re hoping to grab some fresh vegetables after a long day of work downtown or looking to spend a leisurely Saturday morning strolling through the many vendors, these farmers markets are worth the trip.

Nicollet Mall Market

Back to its original location after Nicollet’s multi-million dollar renovation, the Nicollet Mall Farmers Market takes place every Thursday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. May through November. A favorite stop for professionals’ mid-day lunch break, vendors sell anything from baby basil plants to raw honey. To bring a burst of color back to the office, peruse the flower bouquets—they are all relatively inexpensive, cheery, and freshly cut.

Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

Lyndale Market

Open daily from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lyndale Market is the largest farmers market in Minneapolis. Since it’s still early in the growing season, not everything is available yet, but early perennial vegetables are available right now including rhubarb, asparagus, and much more.

312 East Lyndale Ave. N., Minneapolis   

Mill City Farmers Market

Located right near Mill City Museum, not too far from Gold Medal Park (and for that matter, Izzy’s Ice Cream), Mill City Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Visit the complete list of vendors to find specific items.

704 S. Second St., Minneapolis

Midtown Farmers Market

Located on Lake Street in South Minneapolis, Midtown Famers Market is celebrating 16 years of fresh produce and community bonding. Visit on Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May through October and Tuesdays 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. June through October. View a complete list of vendors here.   

2225 E. Lake St., Minneapolis

East Isles Farmers Market

Celebrating its second year, the East Isles Farmers Market can be found in the grassy mall east of Bde Maka Ska and Lake of the Isles June through September. This scenic new produce hub has the unique “Pickle Booth,” an avenue for selling your (non-hazardous, please) edible creations for a mere $10 fee and no vendor permit. Check out the market on its opening day, June 13.

St. Paul Farmers Market

Located near the Mississippi River, right in the Lowertown District, the St. Paul Farmers Market is open Saturdays 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May through November. For more metro locations near St. Paul, check out the full schedule here.

Duluth Farmers Market

If you’re making a trip to Duluth for a summer vacation (or perhaps a long Memorial Day weekend?), make sure to check out the Duluth Farmers Market, open since 1911. Located at the corner of 14th Avenue East and Third Street, the market is open every Wednesday 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon May through October.

1324 E. Third St., Duluth

Rochester Farmers Market

With three locations—one in downtown Rochester, one in Graham Park, and another on Historic Third—Rochester Farmers Markets are easy to visit no matter your schedule or trip itinerary. Besides produce, baked goods, and flowers, visitors can also check out concessions from Le Petit Café, Zumbrota Wood-Fired Pizza, or Old Abe Coffee Co. See schedules, maps, and lists of vendors here.

Fourth St. SE and Fourth Ave. SE, Rochester; 35 Fairgrounds Ave SE, Rochester; 311 Broadway S, Rochester