The 'Oldest Farmers Market West Of The Mississippi River' Is A Vibrant Midwest Gem With Over 100 Local Vendors

From toasted ravioli to gooey butter cake, St. Louis, Missouri, is a city serving up robust Midwestern flavors. Home to Soulard Farmers Market, this is a place that should be on your culinary radar the next time you find yourself in the "Gateway to the West." Located less than 10 minutes away from Gateway Arch National Park, Soulard Farmers Market is a long-standing St. Louis destination. Its history as a marketplace dates back to 1779, and aside from being the oldest farmers market in the city, it's actually the oldest farmers market west of the Mississippi River. The market's continued operation is due in part to the efforts of Julia Soulard, who once owned the land Soulard Farmers Market stands on in the historic neighborhood that bears her last name.

Known as one of the first female real estate developers in the country, the City of St. Louis' website states that she gave up this property in 1838, with the expectation that it would remain a public market. That it did, and today, Soulard Farmers Market is housed in a 1920s-era structure known as the Grand Hall. In an August 2026 interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Bob Ray, manager of Soulard Farmers Market, revealed that the site boasts 148 vendor stalls.

Featuring both indoor and outdoor stalls, a reviewer on Google described it as "A feast for the senses!" citing its "Wonderful smells, [and] beautiful colors." Naturally, visitors can expect to encounter rows of neatly organized pristine produce. However, as Ray explained to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, everything from souvenirs to boozy beverages and more is sold at Soulard Farmers Market. Plus, the site is a hub for community events too. The adjacent Soulard Market Park hosts celebrations like the food- and dance-filled Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival, held each September. 

St. Louis is renowned for being a walkable Midwestern gem with vibrant culture. Soulard Farmers Market, a year-round destination where you can experience the city's history and local culinary scene, is a testament to this. But with more than 100 vendors, the hardest part may be figuring out where to start exploring. One stall you'll find here is Harr Family Farms, which hails from neighboring Illinois. In addition to fresh meat, Harr Family Farms offers honey and loose-leaf tea, two items visitors can take home without having to worry about spoiling.

Soulard Spice Shop has been around since 1914 and is stocked with canisters of coffee beans, rubs, and other foodstuffs. "The line is always long, but it moves fast. Most of the spices and rubs come in multiple sizes. It is reasonably priced as well!" reads a review on Yelp. Chances are that you'll work up an appetite at Soulard Farmers Market. If fruit or pastries aren't enough to satisfy your hunger, grab a meal at one of the market's eateries. Soulard's Cajun Corner, offering Louisiana-style dishes like jambalaya and chicken and dumplings, is an option. Diners can wash it all down with a Bloody Mary, a drink that reviewers on Google suggest sipping on as you shop.

Soulard Farmers Market is open from Wednesday to Saturday. However, many reviewers on Yelp, Tripadvisor, and Google say that Saturday is the best time to visit, as this is when a majority of vendors are open. One Yelp reviewer wrote that the earlier you arrive, the better the selection. Bringing cash, reviewers note, is a good idea as well. And if you're a foodie in the Midwest, you should also read about Detroit's historic Eastern Market, a hub of fresh food, art, and unique local goods, and Findlay Market, Ohio's bustling icon of culinary excellence.