On Saturday mornings during the growing season, a huge crowd descends on the Wisconsin State Capitol. The Dane County Farmers Market is a marketplace and so much more – it’s a wonderland of fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. It’s a place to discover new flavors that can be sampled on site, or brought home for a special Saturday night dinner. It’s not a place to rush (and truthfully, you couldn’t if you wanted to, especially when the crowd is at full strength.) Take your time to savor what’s growing at one of the best farmers markets in Wisconsin.
Get your market basket ready: here’s what’s waiting for you.
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The Dane County Farmers’ Market takes place on the Capitol Square in Madison, on the four streets that ring the state Capitol. During the market, traffic and street parking is limited around the square to make room for the stalls – and the huge crowds.
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While Wisconsin has a lot of outdoor markets, this one dwarfs them all. On any weekend, there will be 150 vendors, and their stalls completely encircle the capitol.
Facebook / Dane County Farmers’ Market
The market holds the title of America’s largest producers-only farmers market, and it has garnered many awards over the half century it has been in operation.
Facebook / Dane County Farmers’ Market
The stalls are laden with offerings produced in Wisconsin. Because the food sold here is grown locally, the offerings change throughout the seasons - spring flowers make way for June berries. Late in the summer, tomatoes and peppers take center stage.
Facebook / Dane County Farmers’ Market
There are a lot of ready-to eat items, including delicious cheese bread and fresh fruit. There are also places on the square to get coffee and pastries.
Facebook / Dane County Farmers’ Market
The market is also a chance to do a little bit of people watching – join the crowd and start your stroll. Just remember: the crowd walks around the square counter-clockwise. Don’t forget to buy some produce!
Facebook / Dane County Farmers’ Market
There’s plenty of parking near the market in Madison’s parking garages. Learn more about the market, including information on the items sold and the market dates and hours, on the Dane County Farmers’ Market website. If you feel like some more shopping after the market, there’s a quirky spot on the east side of town that’s worth exploring.
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Address: Wisconsin State Capitol, 2 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
