Ever since I visited the famous Pike’s Place Market in Seattle, I have loved public markets. However, Seattle isn’t the only place you’ll find a public market. During a weekend getaway to Milwaukee, I discovered the Milwaukee Public Market in the beautiful Historic Third Ward. Then, on a quick weekend trip to Davenport, IA, I discovered the Freight House Market. I’ve also been to the French Market in Chicago.
With my curiosity piqued, I decided to do some research to discover how many public markets are out there. Wow! I was pleasantly surprised at the results — there are so many public markets to visit!
Introduction to Public Markets
I couldn’t find an official definition of “public market,” however Pike’s Place Public Market really sets the standard for what to expect. Primarily, you can expect to find a selections of produce, baked goods, seafood, or meats available for purchase. The fresh, locally grown or raised kind. Most public markets also have restaurants or cafes where you can enjoy an meal. You can also expect to find handmade goods by local makers.
Now that I’ve given you an idea of what to expect from a public market, let’s dive into some of the options available in the Midwest. I also included a selection of some of the larger year-round farmers markets since it’s a similar concept. All quotes are take directly from the market’s website. With COVID, many of these markets are not offering pickup.
Public Markets in the Midwest
Indiana
Indianapolis City Market, Indianapolis, IN – “You can stroll through our renovated historic landmark and enjoy a glass of wine… pick up something light for supper or purchase unique gifts… satisfy the inner foodie in you… or simply hang out with family and friends.” During the Summer, there is also a large outdoor farmers market once per week.
Indy Winter Farmers Market, Indianapolis, IN – Located in downtown Indianapolis. “Since 2008, the Indy Winter Farmers Market has provided a venue for Indiana’s sustainably-minded family farms and food producers to sell products throughout the fall and winter, improving the community’s year-round access to fresh, local food.”
Broad Ripple Winter Farmers Market, Indianapolis, IN – Located on the North side of Indianapolis, this winter farmers market offers a wide selection of produce, handmade goods and restaurants.
South Bend Winter Farmers Market, South Bend, IN- Offers “fresh, home-grown produce (fruits and vegetables), dairy products, meats, poultry, eggs, maple syrup, jams, jellies, flowers, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry, gift items and many more unique items.” They also have a restaurant on site.
Ohio
West Side Market, Cleveland, OH – According to their website, West Side Market is “Cleveland’s public oldest market is home to 100 vendors offering meats, seafood, fruits, vegetables, baked goods, dairy, flowers, ready-to-eat foods, spices and nuts.”
North Market, Columbus, OH – The website describes the market as “a 144-year-old vibrant public market made up of Ohio’s best independent merchants, farmers, and makers. “
Findlay Market, Cincinnati, OH – Findlay Market is Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market. They offer farm fresh, locally sourced, artisan and specialty foods. They also have a great selection of restaurants.
Michigan
Eastern Market, Detroit, MI – The Eastern Market is open on Saturdays year-round and addtional days during the summer. It offers the full experience of farm goods, items from makers and restuarants.
Downtown Market, Grand Rapids, MI – The market is described as “A culinary collective of butchers, bakers, fishmongers, and more, the Market Hall is filled with artisan cuisine, local grocery items, and specialty food products. “
Iowa
New Bo City Market, Cedar Rapids, IA – New Bo Market is “home to unique food and retail business start-ups; farmers and artisans markets; and numerous community arts, entertainment, and educational events. “
Freight House Farmers Market, Davenport, IA – This market in a year-round indoor farmers market featuring farm goods and products from makers.
Wisconsin
Milwaukee Public Market – Located in a beautiful, historic section of Milwaukee, this market is “bursting with unique, high quality selections of artisan ethnic products, and freshly-made prepared foods.”
Kenosha Public Market – This is and indoor farmers market “offering an incredible selection of locally grown produce, locally sourced meats and poultry, plus the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, confections and prepared meals.”
Mequon Public Market – “The Mequon Public Market is a multi-vendor market with restaurants and specialty shopping.”
Eagle Public Market, WI – “Eagle Public Market offers a unique selection of local products at unbeatable prices. It’s a great place to sample and enjoy a wide variety of goods from local producers and makers.”
Minnesota
Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis, MN – They offer fresh produce, meats and baked goods, plus a diverse selection of restaurants.
Mill City Farmers Market, Minneapolis, MN – Their winter farmers market offers goods from over 30 farmers and makers.
St. Paul Farmers Market, St. Paul, MN – their winter farmers market offers a selection of produce, meats and goods from local makers.
South Dakota
The Root Cellar Public Market, Sioux Falls, SD – “Stop by for a cup of coffee, fresh, healthy lunch options and grab-and-go fare. Or drop in for quick pick up items to prepare a meal at home. Locally sourced produce and products when available.”
Illinois
Eataly, Chicago, IL – Eataly is a large market with a selection of farm goods, gourmet food, wine, and restaurants.
Chicago French Market, Chicago, IL – The market offers a “unique collection of 30 + local vendors that were hand selected for their individual passions and high-quality products. You will find best-of-the-best from Chicago’s melting pot neighborhoods.”
Green City Market – This farmers marking typically offers a winter farmers market, but it is closed for the wnter of 2020-21 due to COVID.
There is also a public market in the works for Springfield, IL. It looks like it will be a great place when it opens.
Missouri
City Market, Kansas City, MO – “Explore Kansas City’s original marketplace connecting local businesses and regional growers to the community. Shops – Restaurants – Produce Stands – Spices – Import Grocers open daily.”
Historic Soulard Farmers Market, St. Louis, MO – “The market is open Wednesday thru Saturday, year round. We feature locally grown and shipped in goods, including: produce, meats, cheeses, spices, gourmet kettle corn, flowers, baked goods, and general merchandise. There are also several different eateries that have many food options,”
Columbia Farmers Market, Columbia, MO – “Columbia Farmers Market is a year-round producer-only farmers market! Shop local, with everything produced within a 50-mile radius of Columbia!”
Travel Accessory for Shopping at a Public Market
I’m a huge fan of the product and gift lists you see floating around the internet because I usually find some new-to-me product for myself, a friend or family member. I’d like to offer you the same inspiration by highlighting a travel accessory in each post.
This section contains an affiliate link. If you use this link to buy something I may earn a commission.
Obviously, you’ll need some reusable, packable, eco-friendly tote bags to store your purchases while shopping at the public or farmers markets. Happy Shopping!
Final Thoughts on the Midwest’s Public Markets
If I missed any public markets, please let me know. I would love to expand my list. If you use my trip suggestions or if you’ve visited any of these locations in the past, please provide your reviews in the comments. Happy vacationing!
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