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Best Places To Buy A Thanksgiving Turkey In Minnesota

It's that time of the year again, when the the leaves turn to vibrant reds, oranges and yellows and flutter to the ground. The air has that slight chill to it—just enough to make you shiver and cuddle up closer to your loved ones. And, of course, our tables will soon be filled with the rich and plentiful bounty of Minnesota farms. As Minnesota is the largest producer of turkeys in the country, Thanksgiving is one of the best opportunities to celebrate local cuisine. Here are a few of the best places to find a turkey for the holiday.
Northern Pride Cooperative
401 Conley Ave. S.
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-1201
www.northernprideinc.com

A cooperative that encompasses turkey growers from North Dakota as well as Northern Minnesota, the Thief River Falls-based processing facility offers the very best for your dinner table. Proudly producing free-range and antibiotic-free turkeys. Northern Pride embraces quality meat for a better flavor. Whether you're looking for a whole turkey (they get big, so no shame if you need help carrying it out), or just a few wings, drummies, or a gift box for the holidays, these are some of the finest turkeys you'll find.

Hilltop Pastures Family Farm
26134 Jasmine Drive
Fountain, MN 55935
(507) 867-0096
www.hilltoppasturesfamilyfarm.com

Hilltop Pastures Family Farm lives up to its name, as you'll meet various members of the family if you head out to their farm in Southeast Minnesota. They'll help you find the perfect bird for thanksgiving, as well as any other animal proteins you might be interested in (they're also well-known for pork, beef, chicken, and goat) with all the hospitality you'd expect. But you don't have to make the trip down (although especially in the fall the surrounding bluff country is beautiful and more than worth the drive), as they also make monthly deliveries to the Twin Cities.

Related:  Best Fried Chicken In Minnesota

Mississippi Market
622 Selby Ave.
St Paul, MN 55104
(651) 310-9499
www.msmarket.coop

This St. Paul-based grocery chain has made a point to offer at-risk communities in the city some of the finest local groceries. Mississippi Market's selection of organic and sustainable goods makes it one of the best, and you'll be able to taste the difference. This goes for the turkey, too, as the team of experts always find the very best local birds. If you're curious, feel free to ask any of the staff for information on where your turkey came from, raising practices, or whatever else you'd like to know.

Turkey Valley Farms
112 S 6th St.Marshall, MN 56258
(507) 337-3100
www.turkeyvalleyfarms.com

As the name implies, turkey is the main focus at this farm. You can get your turkey any which way you want it, whether you're a fan of white meat or dark, seasoned or unseasoned, basted or non-basted, or in bulk or just a few bites. The saying may be "There's more than one way to skin a cat," but at Turkey Valley they make the case for the turkey as well. If you're looking for something specific this Thanksgiving, this is where you want to go.

Ferndale Market
31659 Willow Trail
Cannon Falls, MN 55009
(507) 263-4556
www.ferndalemarketonline.com

For nearly 80 years, Ferndale (named for original founders Dale and Fern Peterson, making for the most heartwarming business name on our list) has provided Minnesotans with excellent turkey. If you can't make the trip to Cannon Falls, Ferndale offers a listing of all the markets serving its product here. The market offers everything you need to know about the farm and practices on its website, so you know that your turkey came from a good home. If you're looking for a deal on turkey, make sure to take part in Ferndale's Turkey Fest on November 19 and 20.<

Related: WCCO Viewers' Choice For Best Butcher Shop In Minnesota

Post Author: Adrian Schramm.
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