Wisconsin boasts some of the best farmers’ markets in the country, thanks to its incredible variety of vendors and their unique products. Summer is the perfect time to explore a new market, but it can be overwhelming to choose where to go and which vendors to visit.
Here are five of our favorite vendors from the top markets around the state!
Rock County Rocks and Gems — Beloit Farmers’ Market, Beloit
The Beloit Farmers’ Market is the second-largest in the state, behind only Dane County. With more than 130 vendors each summer, shoppers have plenty of options and Rock County Rocks and Gems (say that five times fast!) is a must-see.
This gift shop offers a wide selection of crystals and minerals in any form you can imagine. From raw gems and jewelry to accompanying gifts like tapestries or incense straight from Nepal, Rock County Rocks and Gems is bound to have something that will catch your eye.
Toadally Fantastic — Cameron Park Farmers’ Market, La Crosse
The Cameron Park Farmers’ Market is located in the heart of Downtown La Crosse, right across from the Children’s Museum and a few blocks from the Mississippi River. Unlike most markets in Wisconsin, Cameron Park runs on Fridays from 4 pm to dusk, making it a great option for a night out with the family at the end of the work week.
We recommend stopping by the Toadally Fantastic booth. Run by local artist Emily Grace, this booth specializes in marble and drip artwork. If you’re looking for a new set of coasters, painted pots, or a beautiful canvas piece to hang in your home, Toadally Fantastic is worth a visit.
Anodyn Coffee Roasting Co. – South Shore Farmers’ Market, Milwaukee
With live music in the summer and a prime location on the shores of Lake Michigan, there’s a reason why South Shore is the most popular farmers’ market in Milwaukee. South Shore is about to celebrate its 25th anniversary, so now is the best time to take a trip to the South side of Milwaukee!
Before you shop for locally-grown produce or browse the art and jewelry booths, Anodyn Coffee is the perfect vendor starting point to caffeinate your day at the market. Iced tea and lemonade are Andoyn’s most popular options, but coffee is where it truly excels. Each blend is labeled with a roast scale from light to dark, as well as the key flavors in that particular bag.
Voyageurs Sourdough – Saturday Farmers’ Market, Green Bay
From late May to October, locals and visitors can visit the downtown Green Bay farmers’ market for an array of more than 100 different shops and vendors. If you plan on visiting frequently, make sure to sign up for the (free) loyalty card program to get your name entered into a monthly prize drawing once you visit the market five times.
Voyageurs Sourdough is a Green Bay vendor that stands out at the Saturday market for its unmatched bread. Each loaf is naturally leavened, handmade, and crafted from the highest quality grains milled right here in Wisconsin. Sourdough is Voyageurs’ specialty, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of options to choose from. Whether you enjoy a classic country loaf or like experimenting with marbled rye or buckwheat, there’s a bread for you!
Chris and Lori’s Bakehouse – Dane County’s Farmers’ Market, Madison
Last but not least, the Dane County Farmers’ Market remains Wisconsin’s pride and joy. Located right on Capitol Square in Madison, Dane County holds the title of America’s largest producers-only farmers’ market. You can’t go wrong with any vendors you visit, but there is one booth that stands out from the rest.
Chris and Lori’s Bakehouse sells some of the best scones and cookies in the state, with options ranging from ‘slightly’ to ‘ultra’ healthy depending on your personal preference. For those with dietary restrictions, there are gluten-free and vegan options, too! Just a heads up–Chris and Lori’s routinely sells out, so visit early for the best selection.
Fiona Hatch A recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Fiona spent her college years writing for several college publications. Her stories won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club and the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.
