The community-oriented culture found throughout all of Iowa is something that can’t quite be replicated. And nowhere is it more apparent than at a number of the state’s top farmers markets. These markets feature homemade, baked goodies, fresh produce and a glimpse of the tight-knit community that makes the state so special. Here’s a breakdown of the best Iowa farmers markets.
Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market
Des Moines
Located on the Historic Court District of Court Avenue is the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market—an event that’s regarded as not only the most popular and plentiful markets in all of Iowa, but one of the best in the entire country. This Iowa farmers market offers everything from live music and unique vendors, to locally-grown produce and meat options. Plus, visitors can get a closer look at the thriving culture of Downtown Des Moines, too. Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday starting in May, from 7 a.m. to noon, to October, when the market opens at 8 a.m. For more information, visit www.dsmpartnership.com.
Cedar Rapids Farmers Market
Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids Farmers Market features over 200 vendors and an average of 14,000 visitors total for its bi-monthly events. The market also goes beyond what a typical farmers market might look like—with live music performances, cooking demonstrations and plenty of activities that are fun for the entire family. Cedar Rapids Farmers Market kicks off in late May and end mid-September. For more information, visit www.cedarrapids.org.
Dubuque Farmers Market
Dubuque
Settled alongside the great Mississippi River is the Dubuque Farmers Market—an event that has as much culture and flair, as it does a deep-rooted history. This market is the oldest in the state, with its debut dating back as early as 1858, when it was still being hosted at the city hall building. The event encompasses three city blocks filled with vendors, fresh food booths and kid-friendly activities. Dubuque Farmers Market takes place every Saturday starting in May, from 7 a.m. to noon, to October, when the market opens at 8 a.m. For more information, visit www.dubuquefarmersmarket.org.
Decorah Farmers Market
Decorah
Decorah Farmers Market is so beloved, that it literally takes place twice a week in the Oneota Food Co-op parking lot. Visitors can find anything and everything at this event—from handcrafted pottery creations to homemade sourdough bread, along with all of the other items that are considered farmers’ market staples. The outdoor market takes place May through October on Wednesday afternoons, 3 to 6 p.m., and Saturday mornings, 8 to 11 a.m., in the lower Oneota Community Co-op parking lot. Shop the indoor market in November and December from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. in the Danan Lansing Building at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds. For more information, visit www.visitdecorah.com.
Iowa City Farmers Market
Iowa City
The open-air Iowa City Farmers Market is set on the Chauncey Swan parking ramp in Downtown Iowa City. This Iowa farmers market aims to servce culturally and economically diverse populations, providing easy access to fresh, local products in a fun environment with live music. Iowa City Farmers Market takes place May through October, 7:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit www.icgov.org.