Guide to East Central Minnesota Farmer's Markets

Nothing spells summer here in the Upper Midwest and the area of East Central Minnesota where I live more then the Local Farmers markets. On many a street corner you'll find locals selling their fresh produce like corn on the cob, tomatoes and other fresh veggies. There are many local Farmers Markets within a 50 mile radius of Mora,Mn. (where I have resided for almost a half century) that sell a number of products throughout the summer and early fall season. Here is a list of some of them that I have had a chance to visit and sample their excellent locally grown products.

Isanti Farmers Market, 17 Main St., Isanti: This Eagle Park location is open April to Oct. on Sat. from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. They have 20 vendors that feature locally grown fresh produce, a variety of fresh food vendors, unique artisans, live music featuring local musicians, and kids activities. This one is worth going to just for the entertainment.

Pine City Farmers Market, 3rd Ave. S.E. & Railroad St. S.E., Pine City: This farmers market in Pine City's Robinson Park is open Fri. & Sat. from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. from mid Jul. through Oct. It features handmade and homegrown items from farmers and artisans throughout East Central Mn. It has 32 different vendors.

Princeton Farmers Market, 11 S. Rum River Drive, Princeton: This easy to find downtown farmers market is open from May to Oct. every Sat. morning. It has local produce, fresh meats, jams, pickles, syrups, plants etc.

Cambridge Farmers Market, 3239 285th Ave., Isanti: A number of homegrown fresh fruits and vegetables is what you can expect at this farmers market that is open from May to Oct. on Sat. from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

Bock Creamery Farmers Market, Hwy. 23, Bock (5 miles East of Milaca): This is one of my favorites. It's open Sat. mornings from May to Oct. In addition to the fresh produce, it has fresh eggs, jams, baked goods, goat milk products, plants etc.

Isle Farmers Market, Isle: Open Sat. 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., May to Oct. It features maple syrups, wild rice, raspberries, honey, locally grown produce etc.

Onamia Farmers Market, off Hwy. 169, Onamia: Another favorite of mine. This one is open on Fri. from 3:00 P.M. to 7: 00P.M. It has a variety of unique locally harvested products including wild rice, maple syrup, honey, fruits & vegetables, grass fed meats, free range eggs, and many handcrafted items made from natural materials.

Sandstone Area Farmers Market, Sandstone: This farmers market is located at the Train Park in downtown Sandstone, Mn. It's open from Jul. 15 to Oct. 30. It features seasonal produce, honey, baked goods, wood products and more. I was here last Sat. and stocked up on corn on the cob and fresh tomatoes. For more info on their products check out their website at Sandstone Market @yahoo.com.

For more local Farmer's Markets sites throughout Minnesota visit the website Members of Mn. Farmers Market Association.com or local Minnesota Farmers Markets.com

Sources: MFMA.com
local Mn. Farmers Markets.com
personal experience