Farmer's Markets to Visit in the Tri-State, WI, MN and IA Area

Farmer's Markets can be found in almost every town across the three states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. This region abounds with small hobby farmers and organic farmers. This is a bonus to the general population as you can find fresh produce and other home made goods throughout the spring, summer and fall months. If you live in southeast Minnesota, northeast Iowa, or southwest Wisconsin, read on to find out the locations of some awesome Farmer's Markets!

Along the eastern border of Minnesota lies the town of Winona. Winona borders along the Mississippi River and boasts of rugged rock cliffs and beautiful bluff scenery. The town is also home to the University of Minnesota Winona. The surrounding rural area is full of small farmers and has a large Amish community as well. The Winona Farmers Market is located downtown on the corner of 2nd Street and Main Street. This farmers market is open on Saturday from 7:30 am until 12 pm (noon) and also on Wednesday 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm. The market season runs from the middle of May through the end of October. Many vendors bring all sorts of items to the market including: fresh produce, home baked goods, honey and maple syrup.

In southwest Wisconsin you will find the town of La Crosse. La Crosse has a population of about 50,000 with a very rich rural community. La Crosse has two farmers' market locations. One is on the north side of town, in the suburb of Onalaska. This farmers market is located in the Festival Foods Plaza, just south of Interstate 90. This market abounds with vendors upon vendors displaying fresh produce for your enjoyment. The Festival Foods Farmer's Market is open Sunday from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. The Farmers market kicks off in June and ends its season in the middle of October.

Another Farmer's Market in La Crosse is the Cameron Park Farmer's Market. This market is located just off the intersection of highway 14 and Cass Street, across from the People's Food Coop of La Crosse. The coop is located at 315 5th Ave. S in downtown La Crosse. The Cameron Park Farmer's Market is open on Fridays from 4:00pm until closing time when the market has slowed down. Generally the market is wrapping up by 8:00pm. The months of operation are from May until October.

Another great Farmer's Market in the southwest area of Wisconsin in the Farmer's Market in Viroqua Wisconsin. Viroqua is the center of one of the nation's largest organic farming communities. This brings a surplus of home grown organic produce to the general population's enjoyment. The Farmer's Market is a main attraction and brings out the town and country folk each week. The Market is open on Saturday morning from 9:00am until 1:00pm. The market is located along the town's main street in the parking lot of the Western Wisconsin Technical college building. You can also shop the town's historic downtown shopping district where you can find unique gifts and other goods. The market features many Amish vendors who bring baskets, furniture, quilts and many other home made crafts.

Last but not least is the northeast corner of Iowa. Iowa of course is a very rich farming community. Located in Allamakee county is the small town of Waukon with a population of about 4,000 people. Many small farmers bring their produce to the farmer's market each week assuring a plentiful supply of fresh fruits and vegetables. The market is located at the Allamakee County fairgrounds, on the north side of Waukon along highway 9. This market is open each Monday night from 4-6:00 starting May 14 until September 24th. The market is also open every Saturday morning from 9-11:00 am starting on June 2nd continuing through September 29th.

There is no doubt that if you are living in one of these tri-state locations, you can find a farmer's market for you! Each year markets are added and more and more families are choosing to bring produce to sell. Gone are the days of buying mass produced fruits and vegetables from the grocery store when you can buy them fresh from the garden at these wonderful Farmer's Markets!