Best Farmers' Markets Near Minnesota

The Twin Cities seems to bring out the best in farmers markets. Local farmers peddle their fresh and healthful produce at more than thirty locations throughout the metro area. These markets are a great place to get organic fare, free-range eggs and poultry or pasture-raised meats. Only at a farmers market can you find freshly picked perishable produce like ripe red tomatoes, berries, herbs and flowers that do not tolerate transportation and storage through regional grocery warehouses. Additionally, farmers and consumers both take pleasure in face-to-face encounters and benefits from lower cost of direct markets in simple surroundings.

St. Paul Farmers Market
290 East 5th St.
St Paul, MN 55101
(651) 227-8101
www.stpaulfarmersmarket.com
www.facebook.com

Consumers can be assured of the integrity of products at the St. Paul Farmers Market. The 185-member St. Paul Growers Association, Inc. has strict guidelines guaranteeing that all food products sold are actually raised on a members' own farm in Minnesota. The member must have planted, maintained and harvested any food product it sells. Craft vendors are limited to those who have been in the market before 2005. Downtown St Paul has hosted a farmers market since 1853. The Growers Association has established more than twenty other markets. Find one near you on the St Paul Farmers Market website.

The Minneapolis Farmers Market
312 East Lyndale Ave N.
(612) 333-1718
www.mplsfarmersmarket.com
www.facebook.com

Dates: Daily through October from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Farmers have been bringing their produce to sell direct in downtown Minneapolis since 1876. That tradition runs strong as more than a hundred growers and sellers show their wares every day of the week under the red sheds of the Minneapolis Farmers Market. Beat the crowds by coming early. Get your best selection on the weekends. Pick up your best prices on perishables at the end of the day. Look for the Minneapolis Farmers Market logo to determine whether the vendor is a local grower, producer, manufacturer or reseller. Autos and bikes park free. The Minneapolis Farmers Market also runs the Nicollet Mall Farmers Market, which is relocated due to construction. It now operates at the Hennepin County Government Center South Plaza from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every Thursday.

Related: WCCO Viewers' Choice For Best Farmers Market In Minnesota

Richfield Farmers Market
Veterans Memorial Park
6335 Portland Ave S.
Richfield, MN 55423
(612) 861-9362
www.cityofrichfield.org

Dates: Saturdays, now through October at 7:00 a.m. to noon.

Operating since 1990, Richfield ranks high on the list of true farmers markets, as it grants space only to local growers and cottage food producers. For example, the Chai Xiong & Family from Rosemount has been bringing lettuce, potatoes, green onions, eggplants, squash and tomatoes for 15 years.

Maple Grove Farmers Market
12951 Weaver Lake Road
Maple Grove, MN 55369
(763) 494-5955
www.maplegrovemn.gov
www.facebook.com

Dates: Thursdays, June 9 to Oct. 20, 2016 at 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. but closing at 6:00 p.m. in Oct.

Northwest suburbanites have been buying fresh homegrown produce, farmstead foods and products directly from local farmers since 2004. The market also features ready-to-eat foods, chef demonstrations, recipes and live entertainment. The market has grown to about 50 vendors, who bring their farm-fresh produce every Thursday.

Neighborhood Roots
South Minneapolis
(612) 207-7893
www.neighborhoodrootsmn.org

Markets in south Minneapolis neighborhoods are open one day every week like Kingfield Farmers Market Sunday mornings at 43^rd and Nicollet, the Nokomis Farmers Market Wednesday evenings at 49^th and Chowen and the Fulton Farmers Market Saturday mornings at 52^nd and Chicago. Later in the summer, you can buy produce at the Stevens Square mini market on Wednesday afternoons and Ebenezer Park on Tuesday afternoons.

Related: The Best Of Kingfield Farmers Market

Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.