Every summer, nearly 2 million people visit the Minnesota State Fair. The fair is an #OnlyinMN tradition for many Minnesotans and visitors alike.
With nearly 500 food items, 30 carnival rides and more than 900 free performances, there’s plenty to keep you busy throughout the Fair’s 12-day run.
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Ride the Giant Slide
No trip to the State Fair is complete until you grab a mat and take a ride down the iconic Giant Slide. Challenge a friend and the loser has to buy an ice cold lemonade for the winner.
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Float through Ye Old Mill
For an old-school good time, board a boat and float through Ye Old Mill. This State Fair staple has been in operation for more than 100 years.
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Chill out on a relaxing ride
Summer days at the State Fair can get pretty hot, so take a minute to cool off on the River Raft Ride or enjoy the Great Wheel, one of the tallest traveling Ferris wheels in North America.
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Run in a race
Burn off some calories and join nearly 1,500 runners in the Milk Run 5K race.
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Rise above the crowds
Get a bird’s-eye view of the fair by taking a ride on the SkyGlider or Skyride. It’s a great way to get around the fairgrounds when you get tired of walking.
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Go into space
See new heights and great views of the fairgrounds and the Twin Cities by going up in the iconic Space Tower.
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Watch the parade
Watch the daily parade at 2 p.m. featuring the high school band competition, floats, animals, visiting royalty and more
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Enjoy fine art
Stroll through the Fine Arts building to see unique pieces by Minnesota artists.
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Attend a free concert
Catch some live music at the Leine Lodge Bandshell, International Bazaar or Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater.
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See the butter sculptures
Watch Princess Kay of the Milky Way and the court have their likenesses carved into a 90-pound block of butter in the Dairy Building.
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See huge shows at the Grandstand
See a popular show at the Grandstand. Past artists include The Doobie Brothers, Weird Al, Darci Lynne Farmer of America’s Got Talent and many more.
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Laugh while you learn
Discover Minnesota’s history with the hilarious History-On-A-Schtick show at the Schell’s Stage.
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Try all the new foods
Every year, State Fair food vendors try to one-up each other with a mix of over-the-top new foods meant to impress and delight your palate. Come with a group and try to taste them all! Past items have included a carnitas taco cone, breakfast potato skins, duck drummies, feta bites, lavender lemonade and shrimp & grits fritters.
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Eat a bucket of cookies
Dunk a warm Sweet Martha’s Cookie (or 12) into a cup of ice cold milk from the All You Can Drink Milk booth.
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Sip Minnesota-made drinks
There are more than 300 Minnesota beers, wines and ciders on the fairgrounds for you to try. Some Fair favorites are Lift Bridge Brewery’s Mini Donut Beer and the flight of Minnesota wines at Minnesota Wine Country.
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Take in the scenery
Watch a variety of Minnesota fish swimming in the pond or climb to the top of the fire tower at the DNR Building.
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Appreciate agriculture
Celebrate Minnesota’s agricultural significance by seeing the prize-winning and giant vegetables in the Agriculture Horticulture Building or learn about a variety of topics in the 4-H building.
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Seek out seed art
Gaze at the incredible crop art in the Agriculture-Horticulture building. Art and crops collide to create unique pieces made of seeds, corn husks and more. This state fair tradition has been going on since 1965.
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Watch lumberjacks at work
Channel the spirit of Paul Bunyan at the Timberworks Lumberjack Show with daily shows at the North Woods area.
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Eat curds
Share some piping hot cheese curds with your friends or family.
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See the Stunt Dogs
See former rescue dogs perform new tricks at the All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash at the North Woods.
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Watch llamas dress to impress
Watch the popular Llama Costume Contest to see 4-H kids and their llamas in coordinating costumes.
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Appreciate the gift of life
Walk through the CHS Miracle of Birth Center to see and pet adorable baby pigs, cows, goats and chicks—you may even witness a live birth.
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Go upscale
Shop ’til you drop at the West End Market, Veranda and more. The new Veranda area in the Grandstand features boutique-style shopping showcasing vintage, upcycled, handmade and made-in-Minnesota goods.
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Eat food on a stick
A State Fair staple, you can find more than 60 items on a stick including Cajun-seasoned alligator sausage, bacon, deep-fried olives, key lime pie and more.
