Exploring Farmers Markets in Flint, MI

A great farmers market offers a shopping experience that’s hard to get at any superstore. You not only enjoy seasonal goods and artisanal products but also get to support local growers and vendors. In and around Flint, Michigan, there are several excellent farmers markets you can choose from. From large downtown areas to small family-run operations, see what we think are some of the best markets around.

Flint Farmers Market

Image via Flickr by gmtbillings

Right here in downtown Flint is the Flint Farmers Market. The history of the market goes back to 1905. Its location has moved several times since then. It began at the corner of Beach and Kearsley, moved to Smith Street in 1912, relocated to the corner of Harrison and Union in 1920, and found a new home along the Flint River in 1940 before settling at its current spot on First Street in 2014.

If you visit the market today, you’ll find over 50 vendors within the building and even more outside. There’s a variety of vendors providing a broad array of goods. In addition to produce, cheeses, meats, spices, and herbs, you can purchase arts and crafts, various libations, plants, baked goods, and souvenirs. There are numerous restaurants offering diverse fare, including barbecue, Middle Eastern cuisine, plant-based cuisine, sushi, and salads, to name a few.

Several qualities make this hometown market a special destination. For one thing, it’s open year-round, providing you the opportunity to enjoy highly seasonal products. For another, the market provides a variety of community spaces, such as a rooftop bar, a demonstration kitchen, and the Atrium, known as the indoor “Town Square.” Not only that, but the American Planning Association (APA) has recognized Flint Farmers Market as one of the Great Places in America, describing it as a “historical and cultural gem” that’s helping to bring life to the city.

Location: 300 E. First St.

Telephone: 810-232-1399

Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday

Walker Farms & Greenhouse

Walker Farms & Greenhouse, located just 4 miles east of Flint, is the place to go for flowers and other plants to spruce up your home, inside and out. The history of Walker Farms starts in 1953, with the arrival of Betty and Pearl Walker in Michigan. Pearl Walker began gardening as a form of exercise and soon had acres of strawberries, raspberries, corn, and tomatoes, which the Walkers sold door-to-door. Their earnings allowed them to acquire their current property on Atherton Road, where they built a greenhouse.

Over time, the Walkers’ customers came to request the sale of vegetable plants they could tend to on their own properties. The Walkers built more greenhouses to meet the growing demand. Now, they have over 5 acres of greenhouses and largely focus their operation on flowers and vegetables.

Location: 5253 E. Atherton Road in Burton, Michigan

Telephone: 810-743-0260

Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday

Knickerbocker Farm Market and Greenhouse

Head north from Flint for about 8 miles and you’ll come across Knickerbocker Farm Market and Greenhouse in Mt. Morris. Knickerbocker offers a tremendous selection of farm-fresh produce. Its website lists 28 varieties of tomatoes, including Brandywine pink and red heirlooms Cherokee purples, Heinz tomatoes, Fantastics, Glamours, and Mountain Prides.

In addition to the impressive range of tomatoes, you’ll find 20 varieties of peppers, numerous varieties of cucumbers, a broad selection of squashes and gourds, watermelons, cantaloupes, collard greens, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, several types of cabbages, three types of corn, eggplant, tomatillos, and a couple of types of beans. You can also order your produce online and arrange for a pickup at the farm.

Location: 2115 E. Stanley Road in Mt. Morris, Michigan

Telephone: 810-785-7590

Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday

Davison Farmers Market

About 11 miles northeast of Flint, there’s the Davison Farmers Market. Located in Genesee County, this market is an excellent destination for farm-fresh vegetables and fruits, local artisanal products and artworks, plants, prepared foods, and much more. Like the Flint market, Davison is open year-round. Over 50 vendors operate on the premises. Some notable vendors are:

• Bonnie Lass: Here, you’ll find a creator of artisanal goods such as soy candles and soaps.
• Egg Basket: This is a vendor of eggs and milk from free-range chickens and eggs raised on an all-natural diet, free of additives.
• Knob Hill Meats: Enjoy a family-owned butcher that offers prime meats, grass-fed beef, and custom cuts.
• Penzien’s Produce: Check out this purveyor of seasonal vegetables grown on their farm in Imlay City.
• Porter’s Orchard: This is a vendor offering apples and apple-made products such as cider and cider doughnuts, with fruit grown on their orchard and cider mill in Goodrich.
• Squeeze the Day: Enjoy this vendor specializing in handcrafted juices and drinks, as well as healthy prepared foods.
• Those Nature People: This is a seller of handcrafted toiletries such as soaps and lotions, as well as teas, spices, herbs, incense, and spiritual products.

Aside from its broad selection of vendors and their respective goods, Davison Farmers Market hosts many events throughout the year. These include Flea Market Flip Days, in which members of the public can rent space to sell their used possessions, barbecue cook-offs, food truck festivals, and craft shows.

Location: 8110 E. Court St. in Davison, Michigan

Telephone: 810-412-5883

Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday

Those are the farmers markets in and around Flint. If there are any you think we should add to the list, please get in touch with us by phone at 810-238-7611 or through our contact page. You’re also welcome to stop by our dealership for a chat or to get an up-close look at our used and new inventory. You can find us at 3637 S. Saginaw St. Our hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.