By The Lisa Wolf Team
Lake County has one of the more robust farmers market networks in the Chicago metro area, and Gurnee puts residents near the center of it. The village has its own market at Saratoga Square, and within a short drive are three of the more distinctive markets in the region: the Grayslake Farmers Market, which runs three seasons; the Libertyville Farmers Market, which celebrated its 46th year of operation in 2026; and the Mundelein Farmers Market, which runs Saturday mornings through September.
For the buyers we work with who are evaluating Gurnee and surrounding communities, farmers markets represent a meaningful part of the quality-of-life infrastructure that makes this corridor livable.
Key Takeaways
- The Gurnee Farmers Market at Saratoga Square runs Sundays in summer: The 2026 season runs Sundays, June 7 through September 6 and features fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams, artisan crafts, and jewelry alongside live music and family activities.
- The Grayslake Farmers Market is the most year-round option in the area: Three seasons in 2026: spring Saturdays April 11 through May 30, summer Wednesdays June 3 through September 23, and fall Saturdays September 26 through December 12, all at Center and Whitney Streets in downtown Grayslake.
- The Libertyville Farmers Market is the oldest market in Lake County: In its 46th year of operation in 2026, it runs Thursdays May 28 through October 15.
- The Mundelein Farmers Market runs Saturday mornings through September: Saturdays June 6 through September 19, 8 a.m. to noon, on Park Street between Lake and Seymour Streets in downtown Mundelein.
The Gurnee Farmers Market at Saratoga Square
The Gurnee market is the most convenient option for Gurnee residents and runs through the core of the summer season with a format designed for families.
- What you will find: Fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams, and artisan goods including ceramics, soaps, and jewelry. USDA certified organic products are available from select vendors.
- The format: A community-style Sunday market with live music and family activities alongside vendor stalls, suited to a leisurely two-hour outing rather than a quick grocery stop.
- Payment options: Most vendors accept cash, credit, and debit. Some vendors accept SNAP, EBT, FMNP, and WIC.
The Gurnee market's Sunday timing and family-friendly atmosphere fit naturally into the weekend routine in this part of Lake County.
The Grayslake Farmers Market
Grayslake is approximately 10 to 12 minutes from Gurnee, and its farmers market is meaningfully different from the Gurnee market in both scale and calendar.
- What you will find: Over 40 vendors with homegrown and homemade products, Michigan fruits, vegetables, baked goods, meats, flowers, artisan cheese, pastries, sweets, wine, and organic produce. Cooking demonstrations are a regular feature.
- The format: A nonprofit operating a three-season outdoor market in the historic downtown village center. Kids' entertainment is offered weekly and the market is pet-friendly.
The Grayslake market is the answer for Gurnee residents who want a farmers market experience beyond summer Sundays. Its fall market running into December is unusual for the region.
The Libertyville and Mundelein Markets
Both are 15 to 20 minutes from Gurnee and represent distinct characters worth knowing.
- MainStreet Libertyville Farmers Market: The oldest market in Lake County in its 46th year of operation in 2026. Vendors offer fresh produce, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork and poultry, eggs, local honey, freshly baked breads, sauces, jams, jellies, mushrooms, cheeses, pastries, pies, cookies, coffee, teas, and flower bouquets.
- Mundelein Farmers Market: A community-organized Saturday morning market on Park Street between Lake and Seymour Streets in downtown Mundelein.
Between these four markets, Gurnee residents have fresh market access on Sundays in summer (Gurnee), Wednesdays in summer and Saturdays in spring and fall (Grayslake), Thursdays late May through mid-October (Libertyville), and Saturdays through mid-September (Mundelein).
FAQs
Is there a farmers market in Gurnee itself?
Yes. The Gurnee Farmers Market at Saratoga Square runs Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5101 Washington Street. The 2026 season runs June 7 through September 6, featuring fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams, and artisan goods alongside live music and family activities.
Which market near Gurnee runs the longest season?
The Grayslake Farmers Market has the longest season in the area. Its three-season 2026 calendar runs from April 11 through December 12: spring Saturdays, summer Wednesdays, and fall Saturdays. For comparison, Libertyville runs late May through mid-October and Gurnee runs June through early September.
How far are the nearby markets from Gurnee?
Grayslake is approximately 10 to 12 minutes from Gurnee via Route 120 or Route 21. Mundelein is approximately 15 minutes south via Route 45 or Route 21. Libertyville is approximately 10 to 15 minutes south via Route 45 or Milwaukee Avenue.
Contact the Lisa Wolf Team Today
Farmers markets are one of those quality-of-life details that buyers notice after they have lived somewhere for a season or two. Gurnee and its neighboring communities offer one of the better market networks in the Chicago metro area, and the farmers markets near Gurnee IL are a genuine part of what makes this corridor worth investigating.
If you're evaluating Gurnee, Grayslake, Libertyville, or Mundelein as places to buy, we're the team to walk that conversation with you. Contact us at the Lisa Wolf Team today.
