Madison Farmers Markets: The Best You Can Bike To
Madison is a city built for biking. With a network of trails, scenic routes, and bike lanes connecting every part of town, it’s no wonder locals prefer two wheels to four, especially when heading to one of the many vibrant Madison farmers’ markets. Whether you’re searching for fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade gifts, cut flowers, or specialty items, you’ll find it all at these bike-friendly markets.
If you’re wondering which farmers’ markets are best for biking, look no further. From Capitol Square to the Northside Town Center and beyond, these markets are easy to reach, full of local charm, and perfect for a Saturday ride. Some Madison farmers’ markets even continue into December, especially for holiday shopping.
Introduction to Biking in Madison
Madison is a haven for cyclists, thanks to its extensive bike lanes, scenic trails, and bike-friendly streets that make getting around town a breeze. The city’s strong cycling culture means you’ll see locals and visitors pedaling to their favorite destinations, including the many local farmers’ markets scattered throughout Madison. Whether you’re heading to the bustling Dane County Farmers’ Market located on Martin Luther King Jr Blvd or exploring the Hilldale Farmers’ Market near University Research Park, biking is convenient and a fun way to experience the city. With markets located in parks, along major boulevards, and close to home, it’s easy to find a farmers market that fits your route and your schedule.
1. Dane County Farmers’ Market – Capitol Square
Location: Capitol Square (Saturdays), Martin Luther King Jr Blvd at City-County Building (Wednesdays)
Bike Access: Capital City Trail, University Ave, and extensive downtown bike lanes
Season: April to November
The Dane County Farmers’ Market is a Madison icon and one of the largest producers-only farmers’ markets in the nation. Located on the historic Capitol Square, the Saturday market draws thousands of locals and tourists to shop for Wisconsin-grown produce, meats, cheeses, flowers, eggs, and more.
On Wednesdays, the market shifts to Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, near the City-County Building and Monona Terrace, offering a more relaxed midweek vibe.
What You’ll Find:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Local meats and artisan cheeses
- Organic eggs, cut flowers, and plants
- Honey, baked goods, and specialty items
Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds, and don’t forget your panniers or a backpack to carry your haul.
2. Hilldale Farmers Market
Location: Hilldale Shopping Center (Midweek & Weekends), near Rosa Rd
Bike Access: Southwest Commuter Path, University Ave, and accessible via Rosa Rd bike lanes
Season: May through October
Nestled on Madison’s west side, the Hilldale Farmers Market is among the best local farmers’ markets near the University Research Park area. It’s ideal for commuters, families, and weekend shoppers looking to stock up on organic produce and baked goods.
What You’ll Find:
- Organic fruits and vegetables
- Local meats, cheeses, and eggs
- Seasonal flowers and gifts
Pro Tip: Combine your trip with a visit to Hilldale’s shops or restaurants for a relaxing post-market lunch.
3. Eastside Farmers Market – McPike Park
Location: McPike Park, near Williamson St and Ingersoll St
Bike Access: Yahara River Bike Path and local neighborhood bike lanes
Season: Late April to October
The Eastside Farmers Market is your go-to spot if you prefer a chill, community-oriented vibe. Located in McPike Park, this Tuesday evening market is perfect for after-work rides. The park setting provides a scenic backdrop with picnic space and often features live music.
What You’ll Find:
- Local produce and meats
- Coffee, hot food vendors, and handmade gifts
- A wide array of specialty items
Pro Tip: Bring a blanket and enjoy your finds on the grass with friends or family.
4. Westside Community Market
Location: UW Health Digestive Health Center
Bike Access: Mineral Point Rd and Southwest Commuter Path
Season: April to November
The Westside Community Market might be a bit off the beaten path, but it’s well worth the ride. Located near University Research Park, this market is known for its friendly vendors and high-quality local goods.
What You’ll Find:
- Fresh produce, mushrooms, and gourmet popcorn
- Artisan bread, eggs, and meats
- Plants, flowers, and handmade crafts
Pro Tip: The market is typically less crowded, making it a great option for a peaceful Saturday ride.
5. Northside Farmers Market – Northside Town Center
Location: Northside Town Center, near Northport Dr
Bike Access: Sherman Ave and Packers Ave bike lanes
Season: May to November
Located in the Northside Town Center, this Sunday market is ideal for those living in or near Madison’s north neighborhoods. It offers an inclusive, welcoming vibe and a strong focus on food justice and affordability.
What You’ll Find:
- Local fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses
- Cut flowers, baked goods, and honey
- Unique food stands and gifts
Pro Tip: Easy parking and bike racks make this market a top choice for families.
6. South Madison Farmers Market – Madison Labor Temple
Location: Madison Labor Temple on Park St
Bike Access: South Park St bike lanes and Wingra Creek Path
Season: May through October
Serving neighborhoods around Park Street, this market focuses on equity, affordability, and fresh local foods. The Madison Labor Temple hosts the market on Sundays, offering an excellent alternative to the more crowded central locations.
What You’ll Find:
- Fresh vegetables, meats, and eggs
- Culturally diverse prepared foods
- Live music and community events
Pro Tip: This is one of the few Madison farmers’ markets where you can regularly interact with growers from BIPOC communities and support inclusive food systems.
Bike-Friendly Destinations Near the Markets
After visiting one of Madison’s farmers markets, why not continue your ride to a nearby bike-friendly destination? The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum offers peaceful trails and beautiful views of Lake Wingra, perfect for a post-market picnic. The Lake Monona shoreline features a scenic bike path with stunning city and lake vistas, while Olbrich Botanical Gardens invites you to explore lush gardens and winding paths. Northside Town Center is another vibrant spot, filled with unique shops and restaurants, just a short ride from the market. If you’re near Edgewood College, enjoy the campus trails and take in the views of Lake Wingra. Wherever you go, you can bring home fresh food, plants, and flowers from the markets to enjoy after your ride. Madison’s parks and neighborhoods make it easy to find new adventures and savor the best of local living.
Biking Tips for Madison Markets
Madison is consistently ranked one of the top biking cities in the U.S. With miles of bike paths and protected lanes, biking to farmers markets is easy and enjoyable—if you come prepared:
- Bring your bike lock: Most markets offer racks, but demand can be high during peak hours.
- Use the trails. The Capital City Trail, Southwest Commuter Path, and Yahara River Path can quickly get you to most locations.
- Pack smart: Panniers, cargo bikes, or baskets make it easier to carry heavier items like cheeses, meats, and flowers.
- Be weather aware: Some markets run rain or shine, but others may close early in October or November due to cold weather or blocked event access.
Why Bike to a Farmers Market?
Choosing to bike to one of the many farmers’ markets in Madison is more than just a fun outing—it supports sustainability, healthy living, and our local food economy. You’ll burn calories, reduce emissions, and get closer to the people growing your food.
Madison’s markets are close to home, easy to find, and offer everything from cut flowers and eggs to prepared food and gifts—often in charming neighborhoods like Williamson Street or Park Blvd, and near landmarks like Capitol Square or the City-County Building.
Whether you’re biking from Edgewood High School, the Novation Center, or just a few blocks away, a market nearby is perfect for your next adventure.
So grab your bike, a reusable bag, and enjoy all Madison’s local farmers markets offer—on two wheels.
Downtown Madison Attractions
Downtown Madison is the city’s heart, offering a lively mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural hotspots. Stroll around Capitol Square to soak in the historic architecture, or pop into the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art for a dose of creativity. The area is also a hub for farmers markets, with the Saturday Market on Capitol Square drawing crowds for its fresh cut flowers, meats, cheeses, and unique gifts. On Wednesdays, the market near the City County Building offers a more laid-back shopping experience, where you can find specialty items and local treats. With the Madison Labor Temple and Novation Center close by, downtown is the perfect place to explore, shop, and enjoy everything Madison’s markets offer—all within walking or biking distance of home.
The Best Farmer’s Markets You Can Bike To
Madison’s network of bike paths makes it easy to reach some of the city’s best farmers markets. Here are a few top picks for your next ride:
- Dane County Farmers’ Market – Located on Capitol Square at Martin Luther King Jr Blvd and Main St, this iconic market is a must-visit for fresh fruits, meats, cheeses, eggs, honey, and gifts.
- Hilldale Farmers’ Market – Situated near the Hilldale Shopping Center and University Research Park, this market offers a wide selection of local produce, specialty items, and baked goods.
- Eastside Farmers’ Market – Found in McPike Park on Ingersoll St, this market is known for its community vibe and variety of local foods and crafts.
- South Madison Farmers’ Market – Located at the Madison Labor Temple on Park Street, this market features culturally diverse foods and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Monroe Street Farmers’ Market – Held at Edgewood High School on Monroe St, this market is a favorite for fresh produce, flowers, and unique specialty items.
No matter which market you choose, you’ll find a bounty of local foods, from fruits and vegetables to meats, cheeses, eggs, honey, and handmade gifts—plus plenty of specialty items to discover along the way.
