If you’re looking for unique opportunities to get off the beaten path and experience the authenticity of the Midwest, you need to head to one (or more!) local farmer’s markets. There are so many Midwest markets worth visiting, many of which have decades, if not centuries, long roots in their respective communities. Midwest farmer’s markets are so much more than a spot to pick up local produce. They are a hub for communities, bringing artisans, farmers, and consumers together in one vibrant, bustling hub of activity.
As Innkeepers, we love frequenting these Midwest markets for fresh produce, much of which often finds its way into our food offerings. But farmer’s markets are also a great place to discover a wide array of goods, including handmade cheeses and other gourmet food products, artisan crafts, local wine, beer, spirits, and so much more. These markets also offer an excellent opportunity to talk to local producers and artisans, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect on a personal level with those who make the Midwest such a fabulous place to live.
Like these local farmer’s markets, our collection of Midwest Inns, Boutique Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, Cabins, and Vacation Rentals are deeply connected to their respective communities. Staying with us is about far more than finding a comfortable place to rest your head at the end of the day. We offer character, history, and tradition, not to mention exquisite hospitality. Stay at one of our properties this summer, and you’ll enjoy some of the most authentic experiences the Midwest has to offer. Browse our availability and book your stay today!
The Best Farmer’s Markets in the Midwest
As the original “foodies,” innkeepers love few things more than creating fresh new recipes and treats for their guests—especially when those recipes feature the fresh, bountiful food you can only find at local farmer’s markets. We hope you take the time to explore these regional gems, which serve as the perfect intersection between community and commerce.
We’ve gone state by state, where we have some of the top Midwest lodging properties and have listed some of the most interesting, unique, or well-known Midwest farmers markets!
The Best Wisconsin Farmer’s Markets
Wisconsin has a deep agricultural history and, as such, offers a rich selection of farmer’s markets. In fact, there are more than 300 Wisconsin farmer’s markets to choose from, starting in big cities like Milwaukee and Madison. You can expect unique experiences and a rich selection of local produce and goods at these Midwest markets. The top five Wisconsin farmer’s markets include:
- The Dane County Farmers’ Market in Madison is the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country. Every product sold here is grown, raised, or produced by the vendor behind the table. The market is positively massive and certainly ranks as one of the best farmer’s markets in the Midwest. It encircles the entire State Capitol Square and, with its strict emphasis on hyper-local products, gives off a distinctly European vibe.
- Though there are plenty of markets in Milwaukee, the West Allis Farmers Market is one of our favorite Wisconsin farmer’s markets. Established in 1919, it is renowned for its selection of fresh produce and its afternoon start time, which allows produce to be picked the morning of the market to ensure freshness. Unlike many traditional markets, the West Allis Market is open three days a week.
- You’ll find over 130 vendors at the Oshkosh Farmer’s Market, rated as another top market in Wisconsin. Though the market is open year-round, with an indoor winter market and holiday bazaar, the outdoor summer market is the big draw. It features a fantastic lineup of vendors offering a range of fresh local produce, meats, cheeses, and crafts, in addition to live music and other events throughout the season.
- La Crosse, situated on the beautiful Mississippi River, is an agricultural powerhouse in the state. So, not surprisingly, it’s home to one of the best farmer’s markets in the Midwest. There are actually several fantastic markets here, but one of the most popular is the Cameron Park Market. It’s a farmer-run market offering high-end sustainable agriculture and arts, featuring things like local meats, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, breads, crafts, and more.
The Best Iowa Farmer’s Markets
Iowa offers a rich selection of farmer’s markets, each with unique offerings and community vibe. Here are some of the best ones to visit:
- The Downtown Des Moines Farmer’s Market is one of the state’s largest and most vibrant markets, featuring products from over 300 vendors across Iowa. It’s known for its wide range of fresh produce, homemade goods, and live music, creating a lively shopping experience from May through October. The market sprawls over seven city blocks, with the historic courthouse as a backdrop.
- The Dubuque Farmer’s Market is the oldest farmer’s market in Iowa. Given its location next to the scenic Mississippi River, it offers a lovely mix of fresh produce, crafts, and unique local products from the fertile river valley. It’s been delighting visitors since 1845!
- The Cedar Rapids Farmer’s Market is one of the largest open-air farmer’s markets in the Midwest. It features more than 200 vendors offering a variety of fresh and artisan-made goods, in addition to live music, cooking demonstrations, and various children’s activities.
- There are also some great small-town farmer’s markets worth visiting in Iowa, where you’ll find all the fresh produce and farmer-driven community you crave. A great example is the Cedar Falls farmer’s market, where you’ll find a welcome assortment of fresh produce, handcrafted items, live music, and local foods to enjoy.
The Best Illinois Farmer’s Markets
In a state as diverse as Illinois, you can expect the same from local farmer’s markets! From top-rated markets in neighborhoods around Chicago to charming small-town markets in the rural countryside, Illinois is home to some of the best farmer’s markets in the Midwest.
- In the northeast corner of Illinois, you’ll find one of our favorite Midwest markets: The Market+ at the Dole. It has twice been voted the best farmer’s market in Illinois and, like so many others, features a hyper-local farm-fresh experience that is the perfect intersection of community.
- Don’t miss the quaint country charms at the Galena Farmer’s Market this summer. It features a fantastic range of local specialties, farm-fresh produce, crafts, and more. While you’re in the area, we encourage you to visit other small markets nearby, including the Elizabeth Farmer’s Market.
- If you’re looking for sprawling, producer-only markets outside Chicago, don’t miss the Old Capitol Farmer’s Market in Springfield. This fantastic Midwest market is community-oriented and offers a wide selection of farm-fresh food and artisan-made goods.
- There are plenty of neighborhood markets in Chicago, but if you find yourself in the Windy City, one of our favorite farmer’s markets to visit is the Logan Square Farmer’s Market. It’s celebrated for its excellent selection of artisan goods and local produce and also features regular live music for that vibrant community hub you’re looking for.
The Best Minnesota Farmer’s Markets
Minnesota boasts a vibrant scene of farmers’ markets, where you can find fresh, local produce, artisanal products, and a great community atmosphere. Here are some of the best farmers’ markets to visit in the state:
- The Saint Paul Farmer’s Market has been serving as a vibrant community hub since 1854. It operates on weekends and offers a rich variety of locally grown produce, meats, baked goods, and fantastic crafts. It’s particularly known for its vibrant atmosphere and strong community focus. For something truly diverse and different in St. Paul, visit the Hmongtown Marketplace. It offers a rare opportunity to explore Minnesota’s thriving Hmong population and their influence on local culture. Don’t miss the food courts!
- Like St. Paul, there are many farmer’s markets in Minneapolis. One of the best, though, is the flagship Lyndale Market. It features over 100 vendors and is Minnesota’s largest farmer-managed market. It also boasts one of the most diverse collections of market vendors in the Upper Midwest, making it a true reflection of the community it serves.
- There are many great markets outside of the Twin Cities, including the Rochester Farmer’s Market. This market in Rochester offers products from Southeastern Minnesota, including organic vegetables, local meats, and artisan crafts. The weekend market runs year-round, moving indoors during the colder months.
- The Mankato Farmer’s Market is one of the best Minnesota markets outside the Twin Cities. It offers a fantastic range of products, including sustainably raised meat, eggs, honey, produce, artisan-made goods, crafts, and so much more. Of course, like many of these top farmer’s markets in the Midwest, it’s a spectacular celebration of all that makes Mankato such a welcoming and vibrant community.
The Best Nebraska Farmer’s Markets
Nebraska has a rich agricultural heritage, and its farmers’ markets reflect this with a wide variety of fresh produce, handmade goods, and local specialties. Here are some of the top markets across the state:
- There are no Nebraska farmer’s markets more storied than the Omaha Farmer’s Market. This market operates at the Old Market on Saturdays and Aksarben Village on Sundays. You’ll find a broad selection of goods at both, from fresh local produce to artisan cheeses and craft items. With roots over a century old, the Omaha Farmer’s Market is a must-visit for markets in the Midwest.
- If you find yourself in Lincoln, don’t miss the Lincoln Haymarket Farmer’s Market. It is located in the historic Haymarket District of Lincoln and is one of the oldest and most popular in the state. The vendors at this market are diverse, offering everything from fruits and vegetables to local meats and fresh flowers.
- Get out of the big cities and embrace the smaller-town vibes of markets across the state, including the Kearney Farmer’s Market. This Midwest market offers a rich selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, and handmade products and is also a favorite local hub for the community.
- Grand Island Farmer’s Market in central Nebraska offers a similar experience, showcasing products from local growers and artisans and serving as a wonderful immersion into the small communities that make Nebraska a fantastic place to visit.
Find the Best Places to Stay Across the Midwest
Though we’ve chosen four representative farmer’s markets in the Midwest, there are thousands more worth exploring. Each of these fantastic Midwest markets represents exactly what we love about our communities. They are a vibrant hub where everyone can gather, enjoy connecting with small, local businesses, shop for their weekly produce, and perhaps even learn about new local vendors they may not otherwise find. It’s truly the most rewarding shopping experience, but more importantly, it’s a wonderful way to get plugged into any local community you may find yourself in this summer.
In the same way these top-rated farmer’s markets encapsulate our communities and showcase the very best of an area, you’ll find our lodging properties do something similar. Whether planning a brief visit or an extended stay, the group of properties represented by the Midwest Association of Independent Inns offer the perfect place to stay. Not only do our Inns invite you out of the major metropolises in the Midwest and into the charming communities that form the backbone of this region, but they invite you into our homes and businesses, where you’ll meet the people that make America’s heartland such a warm and welcoming place to visit.
Midwest Inns is a collection of boutique hotels, Inns, Bed and Breakfasts, cabins, and vacation rentals around the Midwest. Right now, we represent properties in Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and we’re growing all the time. Wherever you travel, you’ll find the most dedicated innkeepers who excel at what they do. From urban guest rooms to rural farm stays, you’ll enjoy nothing but the best hospitality and authentic Midwest spirit.
Perhaps most importantly, unlike Airbnb and other unregulated vacation rental properties, our collection of Inns and lodging properties are licensed, inspected, and guaranteed to give you a stay like no other. Seek out the best of the Midwest with us this year, and explore the top communities and farmer’s markets in the Midwest! Book your stay today!
