When it comes to farmer's markets, they can be as different as the city and town in which they're held. Around the U.S., some are as small as a park green while others span entire blocks in the middle of a city. Depending on the season, they might look different, as well, with some vendors selling homemade crafts and woodwork while others offer the bounty of their harvest.
However, when speaking of the largest farmer's market in the country, there's only one that comes to mind. It can be found in Minnesota, and it's truly one of a kind in terms of outdoor, open-air markets. In short? It's 100% worth paying a visit.
The Largest Farmer's Market In America
Many people don't realize that farmer's markets originally began as a European tradition. In Dane County, Minnesota, it was recognized by the mayor in 1972 that this is a tradition that could be easily adapted to fit the immediate region. Drawing on inspiration from its neighbors across the pond, the first Dane County Farmer's Market was held, but the notion was nothing new to the local farmers who lived in the county. They had already been bartering for some time now in the local parking lots and shopping centers, thus a farmer's market seemed like the perfect way to get everyone in one place - and invite a crowd.
One year later, in 1973, according to Dane County history, farmers and vendors were camping out overnight in order to secure a spot. The following year, the market continued to grow even more, with local Wisconsin producers arriving by the masses. Today, the Dane County Farmer's Market is home to four separate markets, all of which include local Wisconsin vendors only.
Visting The Dane County Farmer's Market
With about 300 vendors throughout the year and at least 160 during each market, it's easy to see how this could become the largest in America. The Dane County Farmer's Markets sees hundreds, if not thousands, of shoppers each weekend, and it covers an expanse large enough to spend an entire day walking through.
Wednesday Market
With so much interest in the regular Saturday market, Dane County also holds a market in the middle of the week. This market starts in the early summer and runs through until the end of fall and offers a chance to shop for those who can't make it on the weekends. It is a slightly later market, though, as opposed to Saturday's very early-morning hours. Shoppers can anticipate a smaller, more intimate setting that's not as crowded as weekends but with most of the same vendors. Therefore, it's a great option for those who want a slower pace and a chance for fewer crowds. There, one can find local produce, cheeses, honey, maple products, baked goods, plants, and cut flowers.
- Dates: The end of June through the first week of November
- Times: 8:30 AM - 1:45 PM
- Location: 200 Block Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Saturday Market On The Square
The big kahuna happens on Saturdays and starts about a week later in the season, but also ends about a week later. This market starts bright and early just before 7 AM so there's plenty of time for early-risers to get their shopping in. Visitors to Dane County can find this farmer's market on the square surrounding the capitol building, along with hundreds of unique and local vendors. It's recommended that shoppers come early, as vendors tend to sell out by the end of the day.
- Dates: Usually the second week in June through the second week in November
- Times: 6:15 AM - 1:45 PM
- Location: The Square
Holiday Market
The holiday market is an indoor market that's held just before both Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's held on only three dates (usually) and since it is a limited market, those interested should mark it on their calendars early. It's the perfect place to pick up holiday gives and with more than 60 vendors, there's sure to be something locally made that will catch one's eye.
- Dates: November 20th, December 4th & December 18th for 2021
- Times: 7:30 AM - 12 PM
- Location: Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center
Late Winter Market
Missed the first few seasonal markets? Don't worry, Dane County also hosts a late-winter market that goes straight through Wisconsin's winter months. Here, shoppers will be able to continue finding many seasonal goods as well as items created by local vendors, with the exception of the market being indoors. It spans from January all the way until the open-air market season.
- Dates: Early January until April
- Times: 8 AM - 12 PM
- Location: Garver Feed Mill