Discover fresh finds at these farmers’ markets

Delicious discoveries await you in Wisconsin. Farmers’ market season is here, and it’s time to enjoy the bounty of the Dairy State—you’ll find everything from tomatoes and peppers to flowers and strawberries. Here’s a look at a few of our favorite farm markets, sorted by region.

Northern Wisconsin

In the heart of the Northwoods, Vilas County is known for outdoor recreation—it’s home to more than 1,300 lakes, vast wild forests, and dozens of trail systems. But there are some fresh and tasty reasons to spend some time in the county’s charming communities. Seasonal markets take place throughout the county, including in Land O’ Lakes, Eagle River, Presque Isle, Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction, and St. Germain. Check out Vilas County’s online event calendar to find more information.

Pick up some bakery items for breakfast or something tasty for the grill at one of Oneida County’s seasonal markets. In Rhinelander, you’ll find a Saturday morning market at Pioneer Park—it runs from Memorial Day until the third weekend of October. Tomahawk’s Washington Park also hosts a weekly market throughout the summer and fall, and on Friday mornings from May to October, Minocqua hosts a vibrant market outside the chamber of commerce.

In Rusk County in northwestern Wisconsin, you’ll find two markets filled with fresh produce, bakery items, and much more. The Rusk County Farmers’ Market is held Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the season in the heart of Ladysmith, and the Bruce Community Farmers’ Market takes place Friday afternoons.

Central Wisconsin

Marshfield’s Downtown Farmer’s Market features local produce, artisan crafts, flowers, and more, including certified organic products. The market is held every other Tuesday from June through early October in the parking lot of Pick ‘n Save on Central Avenue in the heart of historic downtown Marshfield.

Head to Houdini Plaza in downtown Appleton to find the Downtown Appleton Farm Market, which boasts more than 100 vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, breads and bakery items, cheese and much more. The farm market, which has been welcoming fresh food fans for three decades, takes place on Saturday mornings from June through October.

Along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Downtown Manitowoc Farmers Market runs from May to October and features everything from honey and eggs to baked goods and plants. In nearby Two Rivers, the Two Rivers Farmers & Crafters Market welcomes shoppers to Central Park in downtown Two Rivers on Thursdays and Saturdays through mid-October.

Southern Wisconsin

The Dane County Farmers’ Market—the country’s largest producer-only farmer’s market–is held on Saturday mornings from April to November on the streets surrounding the state Capitol in Madison. More than 150 vendors set up booths every week, and nearly 300 vendors come to the market throughout the year. A smaller farmers’ market is held on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on Wednesdays, and in the winter, the market is held indoors at Monona Terrace.

Milwaukee and its suburbs are home to lots of great farmers’ markets, but one of the best is the Cathedral Square Market, held every Saturday in the city’s historic East Town neighborhood. Enjoy fresh produce and locally made crafts, as well as live entertainment and free wellness classes (like yoga) held every week.