Farmers Markets, Farms & Veggie Stops Along the Wisconsin Great River Road!
Fresh and local produce and products can be found at a number of Farmers Markets along the Wisconsin Great River Road. Wisconsin farmers do more than keep the dairy aisle in stock. At these local farmers markets you can find a myriad of farm products from Wisconsin beef and garden vegetables to freshly cut flowers and the honey made by bees who appreciated those local flowers.
At the right time of year you may see pickup trucks at roadside pull offs with watermelon, strawberries, or sweet corn. The Mississippi River bluffs also make for some prime orchard land. You will find that apple orchards are often more than just somewhere to get a bushel of apples, but can be a place where the community gathers.
We’ve got a few tasty ideas of places to stop. Be sure to check out individual websites to learn about the steps being taken as Covid-19 health measures.
Pepin Country Stop – Pepin, WI
This country store is also the spot for fresh local produce. They offer an open air market where you can find sweetcorn, green beans, peas, peppers, asparagus, potatoes, onions and so much more. Farm fresh strawberries and eggs are favorites. Locally produced Wisconsin cheese is available along with award-winning Durand smokehouse meats. Take home some jams, jellies, made from scratch fudge or honey. As long as you’re there, check out the antique barn and unique yard art selection.
Eckers Apple Farm – Trempealeau, WI
Ecker’s Apple Farm is an orchard that grows over twenty different varieties of apples. Enjoy the different textures and flavors. (Honeycrisp is a local favorite.) Ecker’s uses their apples in baked from scratch apple pies. You’ll also find specialty foods including gourmet carmel. The farm is home to a bee apiary and you can check out their observation hive. Or take a ride on the John Deere train or the Honeycrisp Express. One of the more popular offerings of the farm is the Hog’s Back Beer Farm, serving up craft brews from around the nation in the middle of the apple orchard.
Cameron Park Farmers Markets – La Crosse, WI
You can find this market downtown La Crosse, Fridays and Saturdays, in the warmer months of May through October. Not only local farmers’ produce, but you’ll also find baked goods and locally created crafts at this outdoor market. Bring a blanket to toss on the grass in the park and listen to live music when you’re done with your shopping. Also, be sure to bring your appetite as food trucks gather to offer you lunch or dinner options. Voted Best Farmers Market in La Crosse County a few years in a row. Stop by and discover why.
Sunrise Orchard – Gays Mills, WI
The orchard is known for it’s apple cider donuts and when you walk in the delicious smell coming from the bakery will lead you right to them. There is warm apple cider as a perfect complement to the snack or the cold Sunrise Apple Slush for a hot day. With 22 varieties, you can find an apple for whatever you’re looking to do. Baking apples? Canning apples? Grab and snack apples? They have them. The orchard also has a gift shop, food stand (including fresh cheese curds), outdoor play area for the kids, and even a spot to take the dog out for a walk.
