Farmers Markets have deep roots in Michigan. In the early 20th century, Michigan was one of the nation’s main “truck garden” states. A truck garden has little to do with the automotive business (another prime Michigan industry) but refers to a farm that grows produce for the marketplace.
While this often meant transporting produce to stores out of state, it also led to farmers selling their products locally, which resulted in the birth of farmers markets in Michigan. In fact, it is not rare to find Michigan operations reaching or even surpassing the century mark.
Ann Arbor Farmers Market
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market turned 105 in 2024, making it Michigan’s second oldest continuously operating public market. The producer-only operation is so ingrained in Ann Arbor’s culture that many of its 120+ vendors are third-, fourth-, and even fifth-generation participants.
Situated in a covered space in Ann Arbor’s historic Kerrytown District (315 Detroit St.), the market is open year-round on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. January to April and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. May to December. It also operates on Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. from May to mid-December.
Visitors can discover a seasonal selection of fruit and vegetables, farm fresh eggs, and pastured meat and poultry, along with everything from pickles and plants to maple syrup and sauerkraut.
Sundays also offer an Artisan Market from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from early April through late December. Out-of-towners should note that the market is very near the flagship store of the world-famous Zingerman’s Delicatessen.
Photo Courtesy Ann Arbor Farmers Market
Royal Oak Farmers Market
The city of Royal Oak has hosted a farmers market since 1925. With its proximity to Detroit and being a stop for the freight train titan Grand Trunk Railroad back in the day, Royal Oak was a thriving farming area and was even hailed during this era as the “Rhubarb Capital of the World.”
Since its beginnings, the Royal Oak Farmers Market (ROFM), located at 316 E. 11 Mile Road, has followed a “farmer must grow” rule. However, it now also sells locally produced specialty food products, plants and flowers, meats, cheeses, and more.
The operation is so expansive that it has grown to three days (at least for much of the year). The Saturday market happens year-round, while the “Farm Fresh Friday” market is held from May into Autumn — both 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additionally, there is a Sunday market from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. that specializes in antiques and collectibles.
Photo Courtesy Christie Siegel
ROFM also remains active in the community even on non-market days. Throughout the year, the marketplace’s building hosts weddings, craft shows, and food truck rallies. It was the site for a city-wide block party to launch the summer season, along with being home to the monthly “Sights & Sounds” program, delivering family-friendly entertainment from May to August.
Downtown Saginaw Farmers Market
The history of farmers markets in the central Michigan city of Saginaw traces back to the 1910s, although the current Downtown Saginaw Farmers Market originated in the early 1990s.
Situated near the Saginaw River, the multi-day marketplace (203 S. Washington Ave.) grows throughout the year to mirror the local growing season.
Its primary season runs from late May through the end of October on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. However, in summer, it is expanded to Mondays from July to August.
The operation attracts vendors from all around the Great Lakes Bay region. Once they begin bringing their fresh produce and other items to market, they tend to keep coming back. Some folks have been participating for more than 30 years or are second- or third-generation vendors.
Saginaw also treats its clientele well by having a full array of special activities. The 2024 season includes festive events like “A Very Merry Market Christmas In July” and a Chili Cook-Off, as well as more educational programs such as Kids Yoga and “food safety while preserving” presentations.
Photo Courtesy Saginaw Farmers Market
Dundee Farmers Market
The village of Dundee, nestled in southeastern Michigan, might not have as long a history with its farmer market as these other three cities; however, it has created an impressive operation that has seen significant growth, especially over the past five years.
This farmers and artisans market, which typically features around 25 vendors, occurs on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting at the beginning of June and running through early October.
The Dundee Farmers Market (108 Van Nest St.) focuses on creating a welcoming environment that connects “farmers and locally grown products” with the community and making people more aware of healthy food choices. The market presents a youth vendor event each month where young entrepreneurs can sell various products they have made, and the nominal vendors’ fee gets donated to a local charity. There also are monthly special events themed around celebrating first responders or going back to school.
Photo Courtesy Dundee Farmers Market
Michigan has also made an important contribution to America’s farmers market scene. In 2009, the Michigan-based Fair Food Network launched the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program, which matches Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dollars. DUFB is currently being used in around 30 states to assist low-income families in purchasing more fresh fruits and vegetables.
