FIVE MUST-VISIT FARMERS MARKETS IN THE TWIN CITIES
Your summer guide to the farmers markets of the Twin Cities
Photo by John Tornow/Flickr
By Lauren DeLapa
A stroll through the streets of the city soundtracked by live music and surrounded by locally-sourced produce is one of many ways to spend a summer day in the Twin Cities. Farmers markets are a seasonal staple in both Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and with dozens of local markets to choose from, finding the perfect fit can be quite the feat. That’s why we’ve listed some of our top picks to help slim down your search. Check out these must-visit farmers markets located in the Twin Cities.
Mill City Farmers Market
Just minutes away from Stone Arch Bridge and the Mississippi River, the Mill City Farmers Market is located in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis. Each Saturday, you’ll find more than 60 vendors offering locally sourced goods and groceries from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. All attendees can enjoy live music, yoga classes, Meet Your Vegetables demonstrations and chef-led cooking classes. Bringing the family? Don’t forget to check out the Power of Produce children’s veggie tasting club, Guthrie Storytelling and a mini farm guaranteed to make any little ones love a trip to the Mill City Market.
Make sure to mark your calendars for the Mill City Tuesday night market, which begins July 18 on The Commons park space next to U.S. Bank Stadium. Besides the fresh produce stands, cooking demos, community booths, live entertainment and even pop ups by Day Block Brewing Company give yet another excuse to enjoy the night air.
Minneapolis Farmers Market
The Minneapolis Farmers Market is so big they had to split it up into the Lyndale and Downtown markets. Open daily from 6 a.m.-1 p.m., the Lyndale Market is the largest farmers market in area. With the Minneapolis skyline at your back, wander through the massive maze of vendors selling the season’s freshest produce and other goods guaranteed to catch your eye. Looking to explore the market on a smaller scale? The Downtown Market hosts dozens of vendors every Thursday from 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saint Paul Farmers Market
This wouldn’t be a true Twin Cities guide if the Saint Paul Farmers Market wasn’t given the spotlight. On weekend mornings and afternoons, venture over to Lowertown where the Saint Paul Farmers Market has been serving the community for 150 years. Each item for sale is sourced within 50 miles of Saint Paul city limits, continuing the market’s tradition of promoting community and culture. A variety of neighborhood pop-up markets and special events are lined up for the summer, so make sure to check out their calendar.
Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market
Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., head on over to the Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market for cooking demonstrations, children’s activities and of course, a variety of community-based products. What sets this Minneapolis market apart from the rest? The answer is food trucks. You’ll find O’Cheeze, Potters Pasties, Emconada and Wholesum Kitchen food trucks, along with a rotation of other options, lining Second Street every Saturday.
Midtown Farmers Market
The Midtown Farmers Market is celebrating its 15th season this summer, and the festivities are in full-swing. Visit on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. or Tuesdays from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. to experience all the market has to offer. From ready-to-eat food, arts & crafts booths and even free concert Saturdays and Zumba Tuesdays, the Midtown Market has a little something for all grocery-goers and impromptu browsers.