Watch CBS News

Best Farmers' Markets Near Detroit

The Motor City is home to one of the largest urban farming booms compared to anywhere else within the country. As dilapidated homes and abandoned lots are transformed into new farmland for inner city farmers, amazing new farmers' markets are popping up all over the city and metro area. Detroit is also home to one of the country's oldest operating farmers' market too, right in the heart of Detroit. That spirit has also made its way into some of the farming communities around Southeast Michigan, as well.
farmers_market1.jpg
Detroit's Eastern Market; Photo credit, Michael Ferro

Detroit's Eastern Market 
2934 Russell St.
Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 833-9300
www.detroiteasternmarket.com

Since 1891, the Detroit Eastern Market has been inviting Detroiters from all around to come and check out the incredible offerings from some of Michigan's top farmers. This market, which has its own distinct location near downtown Detroit, is the largest continually operating farmers' market in the entire nation. Those families who can trace their roots back generations in Detroit will no doubt have a long tradition of visiting the Eastern Market each weekend. Nothing can ever quite beat the original and best.

Ann Arbor Farmers Market
Kerrytown District
315 Detroit St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734) 794-6255
www.a2gov.org

For 97 seasons, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market has been the home to one of the most bustling farming communities in the state. Ann Arbor is the urban hub of a massive central area of farms and land dedicated to some of the best organic farming in the Midwest. Ann Arbor locals are very particular about their farmers' markets, as well, so you can bet that those who shop here are going to have a very sensitive eye and taste for good, fresh produce. The Kerrytown district transforms each weekend to house dozens of the best stalls from talented farmers in the area and is well worth a visit any weekend!

Allen Park Farmers Market
Park Avenue between Harrison Ave. and McLain Ave.
Allen Park, MI 48101
(313) 928-0940
www.facebook.com/AllenParkFarmersMarket

If you're not in the mood to make it all the way down into downtown Detroit to the Eastern Market, and would instead just prefer a smaller market outside of the city limits with the same quality, then the Allen Park Farmers Market could be perfect for you. With many of the same offerings as the Eastern Market, this nearby farmers' market in the central location of Allen Park is open each Friday and offers plenty of fresh produce, as well as many great localized goods too.

Related: Best Parks In Detroit

Dodge Park Farmer Market
40620 Utica Road
Sterling Heights, MI 48313
(586) 446-2700
www.sterling-heights.net

For those in Macomb County looking for a great regional farmers' market close by, the Dodge Park Farmers Market is a great option located right in lovely Dodge Park each Thursday. With many of the best local vendors, there are plenty of great options to choose from no matter what you're looking for. Now in its second year, the Dodge Park Farmers Market is looking to become a staple for Sterling Heights residents and others from nearby for many years to come.

market_2.jpg

Downtown Rochester Farmers Market
Corner of E. Third St. and Water St.
Rochester, MI 48307
(248) 656-0060
www.downtownrochestermi.com

Every Saturday until Halloween weekend, the Downtown Rochester Farmers Market will be open and touting not only the best produce and fresh foods, but some of the areas best crafts and local gifts as well. Now in its 16th year, the Downtown Rochester Farmers Market is home to 30 of the area's top vendors with more planned for each new season. There are also lots of fresh flowers to choose from on top of the great food and plenty of Michigan-made gifts to purchase too!

Related: Best Kayaking Around Detroit

Michael Ferro is freelance writer and a graduate of Michigan State University where he majored in Creative Writing and received the Jim Cash Creative Writing Award. Born and bred in Detroit, he currently resides in rural Ann Arbor. Additional writing can be found at Examiner.com.
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.