A Taste of the Driftless
Local Markets, Farm Stands & Seasonal Finds
One of our favorite things about living in the Driftless is that some of the best discoveries aren't necessarily the places you planned to visit. They're the farm stands you spot along the road, the local markets filled with fresh produce, and the little seasonal stops that make you turn around because you just have to see what's there.
When you're staying at Driftless Destinations, leave a little room in your plans for those kinds of stops. They're part of what makes exploring this area so much fun.
Marquette Farmers Market
Just minutes from Driftless Destinations, the Marquette Farmers Market is an easy stop to add to a Friday afternoon in the area. Browse local vendors, pick up something fresh or locally made, and enjoy one of those small-town stops that makes a Driftless getaway feel a little more like you're experiencing the area instead of simply visiting it.
For 2026, the market is scheduled Fridays from 4–6 PM, May 22 through October 2, at the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre in Marquette.
Shihata’s Orchard — Prairie du Chien
A fall trip to the Driftless isn't complete without a good apple-orchard stop. Just north of Prairie du Chien, Shihata’s Orchard is a fun place to pick up fresh apples and cider, browse the Apple House, or spend a little more time enjoying the orchard and seasonal activities.
DD Tip: Grab some apples, cider or a bakery treat to bring back to the house—you'll thank yourself later. 🍎
Prairie du Chien Thursday Night Farmers Market
Spend a Thursday evening along the Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien’s Farmers Market on St. Feriole Island. Browse local produce, baked goods and other locally made finds while enjoying the relaxed riverfront atmosphere. Live music and family-friendly activities make it more than just a quick shopping stop—it’s a fun way to experience a little bit of local life while you’re here.
DD Tip: Bring a lawn chair, take your time and make an evening of it. Pick up something local to bring back to Driftless Destinations for later!
Thursdays, 4–7 PM during the market season.
Gays Mills — Apple Country
If you love a good fall road trip, Gays Mills is worth the drive. The rolling hills surrounding this small Driftless town are home to several apple orchards, making it especially fun to visit during late summer and fall. Depending on the season, you'll find fresh-picked apples, cider, pumpkins, baked treats and plenty of beautiful countryside along the way.
You don't necessarily need to choose just one orchard—part of the fun is driving the orchard route, stopping wherever catches your eye and seeing what you discover.
DD Tip: Go hungry and bring an empty bag. Between apples, cider, baked goods and other local finds, there's a pretty good chance you'll come back with more than you planned. 🍎😂
Sunrise Orchards
A longtime Gays Mills favorite, Sunrise Orchards has been growing apples since 1913. Along with plenty of apple varieties, you'll find fresh cider, cider donuts, caramel apples, specialty foods and beautiful views overlooking the Driftless countryside. It's the kind of place where a quick stop can easily turn into an afternoon.
DD Tip: Don't leave without trying the cider donuts. 🍎
1913 Kickapoo Orchard
There's a lot more than apples waiting at 1913 Kickapoo Orchard. Browse the farm market and bakery, sample fresh cider, grab a bite at the orchard café or make more of a day of it with seasonal activities. Depending on when you visit, you'll also find U-pick apples, a corn maze and other fall fun.
DD Tip: This is a great stop if your group wants an orchard experience with plenty to see and do.
Turkey Ridge Organic Orchard
For a smaller, more tucked-away orchard experience, add Turkey Ridge Organic Orchard to your drive through Gays Mills apple country. It's a nice addition for visitors who enjoy getting off the main route and discovering some of the smaller local growers that make this area special.
DD Tip: Apple varieties and availability change throughout the season, so part of the fun is seeing what's fresh when you visit.
Elkader Farmers Market
A drive to Elkader is worth it on its own, and the local farmers market gives you another reason to make the trip. Browse seasonal produce, baked goods, handmade items and other locally grown or created finds, then spend a little time exploring downtown Elkader while you're there.
DD Tip: Don't make this just a farmers-market run. Give yourself time to walk around downtown, check out the local shops and enjoy the drive—the scenery getting there is part of the experience.
Guttenberg Farmers Market
Few farmers markets come with a backdrop quite like this one. Set along the Mississippi River in Guttenberg, the Saturday morning market is a great place to browse local produce, baked goods and handmade finds while enjoying one of the prettiest riverfronts in the area.
After the market, take some time to walk along the river, watch the boats and barges go by, and explore downtown Guttenberg. It's an easy stop to turn into a relaxing morning or afternoon.
DD Tip: Grab a coffee or something from the market and find a bench along the river. This is one of those places where there's absolutely no reason to hurry.
Decorah Farmers Market
If your Driftless exploring takes you north to Decorah, make time for the farmers market. You'll find locally grown produce, baked goods, flowers, handmade items and other products from growers and makers throughout the area.
Pair the market with a walk around downtown Decorah, grab lunch, or make a day of exploring the area. There's plenty to see, so this is one stop that's easy to build an entire day trip around.
DD Tip: Head up in the morning and don't rush back. Decorah is one of those towns where you'll almost always find another shop, trail or stop that wasn't originally in the plan.
Bring a Little of the Driftless Home With You
One of the best parts of exploring the Driftless is never knowing exactly what you'll find along the way. A bag of fresh apples, homemade baked goods, locally grown produce or something handmade can become part of the memories you bring home from your trip.
So leave a little extra room in the car, take the scenic route and stop when something catches your eye. Sometimes the unplanned stops end up being the best ones.
And when you're done exploring, come back to Driftless Destinations, unpack your finds and settle in for the evening.
Ready to plan your Driftless getaway?