The Ultimate 2025 Guide To The Apple Valley Farmers Market: Schedule, Vendors, And SNAP Benefits
Planning your weekend trip to the Apple Valley Farmers Market? As of the current date, December 23, 2025, the market remains one of the premier destinations for fresh, local produce and artisan goods in the Twin Cities metro area, specifically serving the Dakota County community. This guide provides the most up-to-date information for the 2025 season, ensuring you know exactly when and where to find the best seasonal bounty, from crisp Minnesota sweet corn to locally crafted artisan foods.
The Apple Valley Farmers Market, proudly associated with the Saint Paul Farmers Market, is more than just a place to buy groceries; it’s a vibrant community hub supporting local Minnesota farmers and small businesses. Its commitment to accessibility is highlighted by its full acceptance of EBT/SNAP benefits, making fresh, healthy food available to everyone in the Apple Valley and surrounding areas.
2025 Apple Valley Farmers Market: Location, Schedule, and Essential Details
The Apple Valley Farmers Market operates seasonally, typically running from the beginning of June through the end of October. It is a cornerstone of the Dakota County Farmers Market offerings, providing a reliable Saturday morning destination for shoppers.
Market Operating Hours and Dates
- 2025 Season: The market is scheduled to run from June through October.
- Day of Operation: Every Saturday.
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Official Market Location and Directions
The market is conveniently located at the Apple Valley Municipal Center, utilizing the spacious parking lot to host its array of vendors.
- Location: Apple Valley Municipal Center
- Address: 7100 147th Street West, Apple Valley, MN 55124
The location offers ample parking and easy accessibility, making it simple for shoppers to load up on their weekly haul of fresh goods. The market's central position near the Dakota County Center ensures it is a focal point for the community every weekend.
Payment Options and Accessibility
The Apple Valley Farmers Market is committed to being accessible to all residents. They accept a wide variety of payment methods, ensuring you can shop local regardless of how you pay.
- Accepted Payments: Cash, Credit/Debit Card, EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer), and Market Bucks/Coins.
- Accessibility: The market is set up in a large parking lot, providing easy access for wheelchairs and strollers, with plenty of nearby parking available.
Maximizing Your Shopping: SNAP, EBT, and the Market Bucks Program
One of the most valuable features of the Apple Valley Farmers Market is its participation in the Minnesota SNAP-EBT Market Bucks program. This program is a powerful incentive designed to help low-income families stretch their food budgets while supporting local agriculture.
How the Market Bucks Program Works
The Market Bucks program allows individuals receiving SNAP benefits in Minnesota to essentially triple their spending power on fresh produce at participating farmers markets, including Apple Valley.
- Swipe Your SNAP-EBT Card: Visit the market's information booth and swipe your EBT card for the amount you wish to spend (e.g., $10).
- Receive a Dollar-for-Dollar Match: You will immediately receive a dollar-for-dollar match in Market Bucks (up to $10). So, your $10 SNAP withdrawal becomes $20 in tokens.
- Receive an Additional Produce Match: In many cases, an additional $10 in Produce Market Bucks is provided, effectively turning a $10 SNAP spend into $30 to spend on SNAP-eligible foods and fresh produce.
This initiative directly addresses food insecurity and strengthens the local economy, making the market a vital community resource. Be sure to stop by the information booth upon arrival to take advantage of this fantastic benefit.
A Seasonal Bounty: What to Expect from Apple Valley’s Local Vendors
The diversity of the vendors at the Apple Valley Farmers Market reflects the rich agricultural heritage of Dakota County, which was historically known as Lebanon Township, a strong farming community since the mid-1800s. Shopping here means you are getting peak-season freshness, often picked that very morning.
Seasonal Produce Highlights
The produce available changes dramatically throughout the season, offering a rotating menu of peak-fresh ingredients:
- Early Season (June - Mid-July): Look for cool-weather crops and early fruits. This includes crisp asparagus, tart rhubarb, tender spinach, leafy greens, and the first sweet strawberries.
- Mid-Season (Late July - August): This is the time for summer’s best. Expect an abundance of Minnesota sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, green beans, and a variety of melons.
- Late Season (September - October): The market transitions to fall harvests, featuring a massive selection of pumpkins, squash (acorn, butternut, spaghetti), crisp apples, potatoes, carrots, and vibrant cut flowers like sunflowers and mums.
Artisan and Specialty Food Vendors
Beyond the fresh produce, the market is a treasure trove of specialty and artisan food goods. These vendors offer unique products that are perfect for enhancing your meals or gifting.
A Sample of Local Market Entities:
- Baked Goods: Find fresh-made treats from vendors like Addie's Donuts and Dough Re Mi, offering everything from classic pastries to unique market breads.
- Beverages & Coffee: Get your morning caffeine fix from Drogo's Coffee Caravan or Cozy Coffee.
- Specialty Foods: Discover unique flavors like the robust sauces from Angry Tomato Salsa, local honey from Aspen Ridge Honey Farm, and canned goods from Aunt Kathy's Kitchen.
- Farm-Fresh Staples: Vendors like Fatima's Farm Fresh Eggs provide high-quality, local eggs, while Fina Gardens often features unique plants and herbs.
- Pet Treats: Don't forget your furry friends! Barkley's Bistro and 12 Paws Bakery offer natural, healthy treats for pets.
Planning Your Perfect Saturday Morning at the Market
To make the most of your visit to the Apple Valley Farmers Market, a little planning goes a long way. Since the market is open for a limited time on Saturday mornings, arriving early is highly recommended, especially during the peak summer months of July and August.
Tips for a Successful Market Trip
- Arrive Early: The best selection of popular items, like sweet corn and specific artisan cheeses, often sells out quickly. Arriving closer to 8:00 a.m. ensures you get your pick of the freshest goods.
- Bring Reusable Bags: Help reduce waste and make carrying your purchases easier by bringing several sturdy reusable shopping bags.
- Visit the Information Booth First: If you plan to use EBT/SNAP, head straight to the information booth to get your Market Bucks tokens before you start shopping.
- Carry Small Bills/Cash: While most vendors accept cards, cash is often preferred, and small bills make transactions quick and easy.
- Talk to the Farmers: The people selling the produce are often the farmers themselves. Ask them for cooking tips, storage advice, or details about how their food was grown—it’s a great way to connect with your food source.
The Apple Valley Farmers Market provides a vital connection between local farmers and the community, offering fresh, high-quality food in a friendly, outdoor setting. Mark your calendar for the 2025 season and make a Saturday morning trip to the Municipal Center a healthy, enjoyable part of your weekly routine.
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