Reviving St. Louis Traditions: Soulard Farmers Market and Produce Row Deserve a Place in the Spotlight Again
ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) St. Louis, Missouri, boasts a rich and diverse cultural history rooted in its neighborhoods, cuisine, and marketplaces. Among its most iconic destinations are the historic Soulard Farmers Market and the lesser-known but vital Produce Row. These two areas have served the region for generations, acting as cornerstones of local commerce and food distribution. However, despite their enduring importance, both have struggled in recent years with underfunding, neglect, and concerns over safety. Now, as cities across America revitalize their historical districts, it is time for St. Louis to refocus efforts on restoring and repopularizing these vital destinations, making them welcoming, safe, and vibrant for both locals and tourists alike.
The Legacy of Soulard Farmers Market
Soulard Farmers Market is the oldest continuously operating public market west of the Mississippi River. Established in 1779, it was originally a place where farmers gathered in a meadow to sell their produce to local residents. Julia Soulard later donated the land to the City of St. Louis in 1838, with the stipulation that it forever remain a public marketplace. Her gift has created a legacy that has lasted nearly 250 years.
Today, Soulard is open Wednesday through Saturday year-round, hosting over 140 vendors selling everything from farm-fresh vegetables and fruits to meats, cheeses, spices, flowers, and artisan products. The Grand Hall—a Renaissance-style building inspired by Florence’s Foundling Hospital—was completed in 1929 and still stands as the architectural centerpiece of the market.
Soulard is not just a place to shop. It’s a cultural and social hub where families gather, musicians play live jazz and blues, and seasonal events such as Mardi Gras spill into the surrounding streets. The community spirit is strong, but like many urban landmarks, Soulard has challenges. CLICK to visit the website.
The Role of Produce Row
Just a short distance from Soulard sits Produce Row—a vital food distribution corridor that has been feeding St. Louis and surrounding regions for decades. Often overlooked by the general public, Produce Row consists of wholesalers and distributors who receive, store, and deliver fresh produce to grocers, restaurants, and food service providers throughout the Midwest.
Historically, Produce Row was once bustling with round-the-clock activity. Trucks loaded with crates of apples, onions, and citrus fruits came and went, and local business owners would gather in the early hours to purchase their supplies. Sherman Produce Co., one of the major tenants in this area, has helped supply the city with fresh produce for generations and continues to operate today.
While Produce Row may not offer the entertainment and flair of Soulard, it is nonetheless a crucial piece of the local food ecosystem. It reflects the backbone of St. Louis’s food economy, and revitalizing this area could unlock potential for both food logistics and agri-tourism. CLICK to read our recent article about Produce Row.
Challenges Facing Both Markets
Both Soulard and Produce Row face similar obstacles: outdated infrastructure, increased crime rates in surrounding neighborhoods, and a lack of public awareness and tourism marketing. Although Soulard still sees foot traffic, safety concerns deter potential visitors, especially in the evening hours. Being largely industrial, Produce Row lacks pedestrian-friendly design and is often perceived as unsafe or inaccessible to the average person.
Gun violence and petty crime have scarred the perception of both areas, causing a decline in consumer confidence. Many locals have fond memories of visiting Soulard on weekends or picking up wholesale produce at dawn, but those traditions are fading in the face of urban decline.
A Call for Reinvestment and Tourism Promotion
To preserve and revitalize these essential St. Louis destinations, city officials and private stakeholders must work collaboratively on several fronts:
- Infrastructure Investment: Both Soulard and Produce Row need upgrades in lighting, parking, public transportation access, and sanitation. Sidewalks should be widened, and bicycle lanes could encourage eco-friendly travel between the two.
- Increased Security: A stronger, visible police presence and community-based safety initiatives could restore public confidence. Surveillance cameras, security patrols, and safe walking paths could significantly reduce the fear factor currently discouraging tourism.
- Marketing and Tourism Campaigns: Soulard and Produce Row should be featured in St. Louis tourism campaigns as authentic, historic, and essential parts of the city’s identity. Food tours, heritage walks, cooking classes, and family events could all be planned to bring life back into these spaces.
- Community Engagement: Hosting events that unite neighborhoods—like food truck festivals, farmers market showcases, and educational tours of Produce Row—can reignite community pride and create new economic opportunities.
- Business Incentives: Local entrepreneurs should be encouraged to invest in food stands, restaurants, and retail shops around both markets. Incentive programs for minority-owned and locally operated businesses can enrich the districts’ cultural appeal.
A New Vision for the Future
Imagine tourists arriving in St. Louis and embarking on a walking tour that begins at the bustling Soulard Farmers Market, where they sample locally grown peaches and Missouri-made cheeses. From there, they hop aboard a food trolley or bike share heading toward Produce Row, where they witness how food progresses from farms to stores and restaurants.
With improved lighting, murals by local artists, and safe walkways, these once-industrial areas could transform into thriving cultural destinations. Educational kiosks could explain the region’s rich food history, while guided tours by former market workers or chefs would give an insider look into the working-class spirit that built the city.
Conclusion: Don’t Let the Legacy Fade
St. Louis has always been a city of innovation, resilience, and community pride. Soulard Farmers Market and Produce Row are shining examples of the city’s storied past and potential future. With proper investment, security, and promotion, they can again become cornerstones of St. Louis tourism and local commerce. It’s time to remind the world—and ourselves—what makes these places so special.
By repopularizing Soulard and Produce Row, St. Louis can preserve its food heritage and build a safer, more vibrant community that thrives on connection, history, and shared experiences.
