Navigating Farmer’s Markets in Madison, Wisconsin

The Farmer’s Market is a unique opportunity for city-dwellers to enjoy the bounty of farm-fresh and locally owned produce and products in Madison, Wisconsin. Every year, thousands of people navigate their way through various farmer’s markets held throughout the city, including the largest around the Capitol square on Saturday mornings. Farmer’s markets in additional areas include set ups on large mall parking lots, local co-ops, and other outdoor venues. The attractiveness of fresh, locally-grown, and often organic food is prominent in Madison’s food culture, and is a vein of creative opportunity for food enthusiasts, gourmets, and simple eaters alike! Local artisans offer an array of baked goods, often made with pure and organic products. Farmers offer delicious homemade cheeses, a staple of the Wisconsin diet. Local gardeners offer their best picks of flowers, baskets, and stems alongside the city walks. There is never a missed opportunity for bargaining, and the farmer’s market offers different selections each week.

Navigating Madison’s abundant farmer’s markets is a learning experience. Farmer’s markets are dispersed throughout Wisconsin, but the most prominent and popular are found in the state’s capitol.

The famed Dane County Farmer’s Market on the Capitol Square is coordinated in a circular format, but wise market-goers soon realize that the crowd must go counter-clockwise to join the flow of traffic. Here you’ll find one of the biggest selections of fresh corn in season, fruits galore, along with bread, cheese, and flowers. Over 200 farmers participate each season, and offer their top picks. Live music is common, as many independent artists gather on the Capitol square steps to share their creativity. Crowds often gather for performing artists at various times of the year, and the market begins bright and early at 6:30 a.m. and runs to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Hilldale Farmer’s Market is a short drive from the downtown area, offering a smaller version of the Dane County Farmer’s Market. This market takes place at the Hilldale mall, opening up booths and tented tables for a variety of food peddlers, fresh flowers, and unique offerings. This market runs on a Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m.-2 p.m., making it convenient for many people any time of the month.

The farmer’s market on Martin Luther King Boulevard is a small-scale version of the larger Dane County Farmer’s Market, and runs from April through November on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Here you’ll find a large selection of flowers, plants, fresh baked goods, and even sandwiches and treats perfect for the downtown lunch crowd.

The Willy Street Co-op offers a great evening alternative market for east side fans. The Eastside Farmers Market takes place from May through October from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. This market offers a large selection of exclusively organic produce, baked goods, and a sampling of Willy Street culture! Enjoy some ethnic selections and assortment of cultures.

The Middletown Farmers Market is an emerging popular market catering to the west side crowd. The Greenway Station shopping center hosts this festive farmer’s market from May through October on Thursdays, from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. This is a much-needed alternative to the downtown and east side crowds, and offers similar options in organic, vegetarian-fare, fresh produce, and plants/flowers.

Whatever your choice and destination for the farmer’s market, do be sure to take in at least one or two each year in Madison! These are unique experiences, and the assortment of products varies by the side of town. Local farmers, organic-food lovers, and even the general cook in the house are sure to be pleased with the selections and variety each year. Wisconsin takes pride in its abundant food resources at the farmer’s market, and enjoying the fruit, vegetables, and crops of the season is a wonderful opportunity!