DRG Real Estate Blog

MINNEAPOLIS FARMERS MARKETS: WHAT TO EAT, BUY AND DO

Minneapolis boasts one of the most vibrant farmers market scenes in the Midwest, with markets scattered throughout the city offering everything from fresh produce to artisan crafts. Whether you're a longtime local or just visiting, these markets provide a perfect window into the city's diverse culture and commitment to supporting local agriculture. Here's your comprehensive guide to all the farmers markets Minneapolis has to offer.

The Major Markets

1. Minneapolis Farmers Market on Lyndale

Location: 312 East Lyndale Ave N
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday (7 a.m.-1 p.m. weekdays, 6 a.m.-1 p.m. weekends)
Season: Year-round

The granddaddy of Twin Cities farmers markets, this is the largest farmer-managed market in Minnesota. Operating since 1876 and relocated to its current location in 1937, you'll find well over 100 vendors under the iconic red sheds. This market truly reflects Minneapolis's diversity, with vendors representing cultures from Laos to Trinidad to California.

What You'll Find:

• Over 170 permanent and rotating vendors
• Fresh produce from multi-generational farming families
• Locally raised beef, pork, buffalo, poultry, goat, and lamb
• Fresh and smoked trout, Alaskan salmon, and codfish
• Artisan cheeses, maple syrup, honey, wild rice, and pasta
• Prepared foods: Vietnamese street food from Banh Sizzle, French pastries from La Boulangerie Marguerite, Chinese cuisine from Rainbow Chinese Restaurant

Pro Tips: Visit on Fridays for nearly weekend-level vendor selection with fewer crowds. Parking is abundant and free! The best market experience happens on weekends when all vendors are present.

2. Mill City Farmers Market

Location: 704 S 2nd St (Downtown East, between Mill City Museum and Guthrie Theater)
Hours: Saturdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (May-September), First & Third Saturdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (November-April, indoors)
Season: Year-round

Founded in 2006, this market features over 100 vendors offering prepared food, produce, body care, and crafts, all with stunning Mississippi River views. The market emphasizes sustainability and community with free cooking classes, outdoor yoga, live music, and zero-waste initiatives.

What You'll Find:

• Premium local and organic produce
• Specialty items: fresh hazelnuts, heirloom corn, mushrooms from Kenyan farmers
• Dried beans from multi-generational Hmong families
• Artisan goods: local ceramics, hand-printed tea towels, Peruvian textiles, fair trade jewelry
• Prepared foods: Northern Fires wood-fired pizza, Krishna's Delight Indian cuisine, Rudy's Breakfast Bagels, Sonny's Ice Cream

Pro Tips: The nearby Guthrie Theater parking ramp offers convenient paid parking. Combine your market visit with the Mill City Museum, Stone Arch Bridge walks, or catching a show at the Guthrie.

3. Kingfield Farmers Market

Location: 4055 Nicollet Ave (Kingfield neighborhood)

Hours: Sundays 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Season: Mid-May through October

This 30-vendor market has won the City Pages Best Farmers Market award for outstanding quality and variety. What sets Kingfield apart is its strict policy: vendors can only sell products they've grown, raised, made, or substantially transformed themselves.

What You'll Find:

• Local produce from many BIPOC farms
• Artisanal ferments, cheeses, and spices
• Handcrafted items: woodworking, ceramics, soaps, pet treats
• Prepared foods: Venezuelan arepas from Arepa Time, coffee from Cafe Palmira, Krishna's Delight vegan options

Pro Tips: Easily accessible via Metro Transit Route 18 from downtown. The market runs rain or shine, embodying the community spirit that makes it special.

Neighborhood Gems

4. Midtown Farmers Market

Location: 2225 E Lake St (corner of Lake Street and Hiawatha Ave)
Hours: Saturdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (May-October), Tuesdays 3-7 p.m. (June-September), 3-6 p.m. (October)

This market shines with its "Try It!" Remix Program, supporting new vendors from underrepresented communities. It's an incubator for Minneapolis's future artisan food scene.

What You'll Find:

• Green Garden Bakery's creative treats (beet brownies, jalapeño chocolate chip cookies)
• Naturally leavened breads from Asa's Bakery
• Live music, book readings, and children's events

Pro Tips: Located on the Blue Line for easy transit access. Combine with visits to nearby Mercado Central and Midtown Global Market.

5. Four Sisters Farmers Market

Location: 1414 E Franklin Ave (Phillips neighborhood)

Hours: Thursdays 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Season: June through October

Located in the American Indian Cultural Corridor, this market celebrates Indigenous foods and culture while serving Minneapolis's third-largest urban Indigenous population.

What You'll Find:

• Indigenous teas, skincare, jams, and syrups
• Local produce and herbs
• Handcrafted jewelry
• Culturally appropriate foods supporting Indigenous food sovereignty

6. Linden Hills Farmers Market

Location: Settergren's Hardware Store parking lot
Hours: Sundays 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Season: May through October

This community-focused market brings together over 30 vendors in the charming Linden Hills neighborhood, emphasizing the connection between local growers and residents.

7. Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market

Location: Multiple locations
Hours: Saturday Market (9 a.m.-1 p.m., May-October), Market After Dark (last Thursday monthly, 6-8 p.m.), Winter Market (Sundays)

Actually three markets in one, offering year-round shopping opportunities with everything from cold-pressed juices to Potters Pasties & Pies.

8. theNEWmpls Farmers Market

Location: Coliseum Building
Hours: Every other Thursday 3-7 p.m. (mid-June through September)

This Black-owned initiative combines farmers market shopping with diabetes prevention education, fitness classes, and food competitions featuring regional Black chefs.

Planning Your Market Adventure

Best Times to Visit:

• For crowds and full selection: Saturday and Sunday mornings
• For a calmer experience: Friday afternoons or early weekend mornings
• For unique experiences: Thursday evening markets offer different vibes

Payment Options: Many markets accept SNAP/EBT with token exchange programs, making fresh, local food accessible to all community members.

Transportation: Most markets offer free parking, and many are accessible via Metro Transit. The Mill City and Midtown markets are particularly transit-friendly.

Seasonal Considerations: While summer brings peak selection, don't overlook winter markets. Mill City operates year-round with indoor winter markets, and several others offer holiday markets.

What Makes Minneapolis Markets Special

Minneapolis farmers markets reflect the city's values: diversity, sustainability, and community support. From the multi-generational farming families at Lyndale to the Indigenous food sovereignty focus at Four Sisters, each market tells part of Minneapolis's story while nourishing its residents.

The emphasis on local production, support for BIPOC farmers and vendors, and innovative programs like the Midtown market's business incubator show how these markets serve as more than just places to shop—they're community anchors fostering economic development and cultural celebration.

Whether you're seeking the best heirloom tomatoes, artisan soaps, or just want to experience the heart of Minneapolis's food culture, these farmers markets offer something for everyone. Grab your reusable bags and get ready to explore the bounty of Minneapolis, one market at a time.

Pro tip: Follow individual market social media accounts and websites for up-to-date vendor lists, seasonal specialties, and special events. Market seasons and hours can vary based on weather and other factors.

Let me know if you'd like more details or additional recommendations!

Joe Grunnet
Joe@DRGMpls.com
612-244-6613