In the Brainerd Lakes Area, our local farms aren’t just about producing food—they play a vital role in strengthening and sustaining the community. Buying local doesn’t just mean fresher produce and better flavor; it means investing in the people who make northern Minnesota thrive. And whether you’re picking up veggies at the farmer’s market, signing up for a CSA, or heading out to a U-pick farm, there are so many ways to access this homegrown goodness.
Why Buy Local?
When you buy from local farms, you’re not only enjoying the freshest fruits, vegetables, and meats, but you’re also supporting sustainability, boosting the local economy, and keeping family farms alive. These farms use eco-friendly methods and focus on producing food that’s healthier for you and the environment. Plus, every dollar spent at a local farm stays in our community, helping to create jobs and foster growth.
Where & How to Access Local Produce
It’s easier than ever to get your hands on locally grown produce and meats, whether you prefer to grab it at a stand, purchase from a Farmer's market or buy direct from the farmer.
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CSAs: Sign up for a weekly box of farm-fresh produce from Community Supported Agriculture farms.
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Farmer’s Markets: Spend your Saturday mornings strolling through markets like Nisswa Farmers Market or Baxter’s Lakes Area Growers Market, where local farmers gather to offer everything from fresh berries to homemade jams and local meats. Check for seasonal dates.
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Grocery Stores: Many local grocers offer locally sourced options. Keep an eye out for labels that indicate local farms—it’s one way to shop conveniently while supporting small-scale growers.
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U-Pick Farms: Looking for a more hands-on experience? Pick your own strawberries, apples, or blueberries at a local farm.
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Farm Stands & Co-ops: Swing by a farm stand for a quick pick-up or visit co-ops like Brainerd Lakes Co-op for fresh, locally sourced goods that support sustainable farming practices.
- Direct from the farm: Many local farms have stores on-site to sell their goods.
Local Beef, poultry + more
Brakstad Family Farm | Pequot Lakes, MN
Healthy Harvest Farm | Hillman, MN
Kleinschmidt Farms | Staples, MN
Bernatsky Family Farm | Brainerd, MN
Round Rock Farm | Fort Ripley, MN
Cedarbrook Steading | Aitkin, MN
Hollister Family Farm | Pine River, MN
Y4 Ranch | Staples, MN
Eller Family Farm | Onamia, MN
Community Supported Agriculture
Sprout | Little Falls, MN
Pine River Market Square | Pine River, MN
Kleinschmidt Farms | Staples, MN
Little Farms LLC | Onamia, MN
Farmer's Markets
Lakes Area Grower's Market | Brainerd/Baxter, MN
Nisswa Farmer's Market | Nisswa, MN
Lakewood Health System Farmer's Market | Staples, MN
Little Falls Farmers Market | Little Falls, MN
Northern Pacific Center Farmer's Market | Brainerd, MN
Fruit + vegetables
Brambleberry Fruit Farm | Pequot Lakes, MN
Brakstad Family Farm | Pequot Lakes, MN
BoysnBerries | Brainerd, MN
Double T Acres | Pequot Lakes, MN
Nelson's Berries | Brainerd, MN
Barry's Cherries | Staples, MN
Gnarly Oaks Farm | Nisswa, MN
Strictly Mushrooms LLC | Pine River, MN
Beyond the Food: Giving Back to the Community
Local farms aren’t just growing great food—they’re deeply invested in our community. Many local farms offer educational programs, provide surplus food to local shelters + food shelves, or partner with schools to teach kids about sustainable agriculture. Supporting these farms means supporting initiatives that make northern Minnesota a better place for all of us. Next time you plan your grocery list or your weekend, think about how you can incorporate more local goodness. Whether it’s a visit to a U-pick farm or grabbing some locally sourced eggs at the grocery store, every little bit helps keep our Brainerd Lakes farms + communities vibrant, strong, and full of life.
If you're interested in getting even more involved in local food, reach out to your local farmer or visit the Farm Direct MN page on Facebook. You can also visit LocalHarvest for more info on local growers near you.
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