A Travel Guide to the Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair, affectionately known as “The Great Minnesota Get-Together,” is one of the largest and most celebrated state fairs in the United States. Held annually in Falcon Heights, just outside St. Paul, this 12-day event draws nearly 2 million visitors with its unique blend of agriculture, food, entertainment, and Minnesota culture. Running from August 21 to Labor Day, September 1, 2025, the fair offers everything from deep-fried foods on a stick to butter sculptures and thrilling rides. This guide will help you plan an unforgettable visit to this iconic Midwestern tradition.
Why Visit the Minnesota State Fair?
The Minnesota State Fair is a vibrant showcase of the state’s agricultural heritage, culinary creativity, and community spirit. With over 500 food items (many famously served on a stick), 900 free performances, 30 carnival rides, and unique attractions like the butter-sculpted Princess Kay of the Milky Way, the fair offers something for everyone. It’s a family-friendly event with livestock shows, crop art, and interactive exhibits, yet it also appeals to thrill-seekers with its Mighty Midway and Grandstand concerts. Named the best state fair in the U.S. by USA Today readers in 2015, it’s a bucket-list experience that captures the heart of Minnesota.
How to Get There
The fairgrounds are located at 1265 Snelling Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55108, near the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus in Falcon Heights, easily accessible from the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul).
By Public Transit: Express Buses: Several express buses drop off at the Transit Hub on the west end of the fairgrounds. Options include routes from the Mall of America (round-trip $5), downtown Minneapolis, and other locations. Metro Transit’s A Line and Route 3 buses stop at the Snelling Avenue entrance. Travel time from downtown Minneapolis is about 20–30 minutes, with fares around $2–3. Free Bike Racks: Available at the south, north, and west entrances for cyclists.
By Car: The fairgrounds offer paid parking lots ($15–20), but spaces fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive by 8 a.m. to secure a spot or consider free street parking along Como Avenue (within a half-mile walk). Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) are available, but beware of surge pricing during peak times.
From Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP): A 15–20-minute drive (about 10 miles) via I-94 E. Alternatively, take the Metro Transit Blue Line to downtown Minneapolis, then transfer to a fair-bound express bus.
Tip: Public transit or express buses are recommended to avoid parking hassles and traffic. Check the fair’s website for updated transit schedules.
Best Time to Visit
Dates: August 21 to September 1, 2025 (12 days, ending on Labor Day). Hours: 7:00 AM–11:00 PM daily (9:00 PM on Labor Day).
Best Days: For fewer crowds, visit on Thrifty Thursday (opening day), Tuesdays, or Wednesdays. Avoid Labor Day weekend, especially the final Saturday, which saw a record 270,426 visitors in 2018.
Weather: Late August in Minnesota is typically warm (70–85°F), but evenings can be cooler. Bring sunscreen and a light jacket, and check the forecast for rain.
Tickets and Costs
Admission: Adults (13–64): $18 at the gate, $15 if purchased before August 20 online, via Etix (800-514-3849), at the fairgrounds ticket office, or at Cub Foods stores. Seniors (65+) and kids (5–12): $16 at the gate, with discount days listed on the fair’s website. Kids under 5: Free every day.
Rides and Games: Purchase tickets at the Mighty Midway or Kidway ($1–6 per ride). Discounted ride sheets are available pre-fair or via the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book ($5 for 100 coupons).
Food and Merchandise: Most vendors accept cash and credit cards. Budget $20–50 per person for food, depending on your appetite for fair specialties. ATMs are available, but bring cash to avoid fees.
Accessibility: The fair is wheelchair-friendly, with free accessible buses, designated parking, and rentals for scooters, strollers, and wheelchairs at five locations.
What to See and Do
Food (500+ Items): The fair is a foodie’s paradise, famous for over 80 items on a stick, including Pronto Pups (pancake-battered corn dogs), Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar (buckets of warm cookies), and Peterson’s Pork Chop On-a-Stick.
New 2025 foods may include creative dishes like grilled purple sticky rice, Korean corn dogs, or deep-fried ranch dressing. Check the fair’s Food Finder online for a full menu. Don’t miss the All You Can Drink Milk Booth for ice-cold milk to pair with cookies or the Minnesota Wine Country Stand for local wines and ciders.
Rides and Attractions: Mighty Midway and Kidway: Over 40 rides, including the Great Big Wheel (North America’s tallest traveling Ferris wheel, 15 stories high), Giant Slide, and Ye Old Mill (a 100-year-old boat ride). New 2025 rides may include Overdrive (spinning sleds) and The Scorpion (tilting swings).
Skyride/SkyGlider: Get a bird’s-eye view of the fairgrounds. Time your Great Big Wheel ride for the nightly fireworks for a magical experience. Space Tower: Offers panoramic views, while Journey to Space is a free, hands-on astronaut exhibit.
Unique Exhibits: CHS Miracle of Birth Center: Witness live animal births, including calves, piglets, and lambs, with crowds cheering on. Dairy Building: Watch Princess Kay of the Milky Way and her court have their likenesses carved into 90-pound butter blocks, a tradition since 1964.
Crop Art in the Agriculture Building: Marvel at intricate artworks made from Minnesota seeds, stems, and beans, often with pop culture or political themes. Fine Arts Building: Browse unique pieces by Minnesota artists.
Entertainment: Enjoy over 900 free performances, including live music at the Leine Lodge Bandshell, International Bazaar, and Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater. The Grandstand hosts major concerts (e.g., Def Leppard, Hank Williams Jr. in past years). Tickets are separate and sell out quickly.
Catch the daily parade at 2:00 PM, featuring marching bands, floats, and animals. History-On-A-Schtick at Schilling Amphitheater offers a humorous take on Minnesota’s history.
Shopping and More: International Bazaar: Find goods from Scandinavia, Mexico, Africa, and more. Merchandise Mart: Shop for home goods, kitchen gadgets, and framed art. Pet Pavilions: Pick up pet treats, toys, and animal-themed apparel.
The North End (formerly Machinery Hill): Explore modern displays of cars, trucks, and kid-friendly exhibits like Little Farm Hands, where children experience farm life.
Where to Eat
The fair’s 500+ food options are a major draw. Must-try classics include:
Mouth Trap Cheese Curds: Fresh, squeaky fried curds. Corn Roast: Sweet, buttery corn on the cob. Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar: A bucket of warm cookies (millions sold annually). Steichen’s: A hidden market behind the Poultry Barn for convenience items and deli snacks.
For adventurous eaters, try new 2025 offerings like Afro Bean Pops or Bison Meatball Sub. Use the fair’s online Food Finder to locate vendors.
Where to Stay
Bloomington (Mall of America Area): Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America (3-star, ~10-mile drive): Offers free parking and proximity to express bus shuttles. Rooms start at ~$120/night. Radisson Blu Mall of America (4-star): Luxury with direct mall access, ~$150–200/night.
St. Paul: Holiday Inn St. Paul Downtown (3-star, ~5-mile drive): Convenient and affordable, ~$100–150/night. Celeste St. Paul (boutique): Charming historic hotel, ~$130–180/night.
Minneapolis: Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy North Loop Green Apartments (4-star, ~8-mile drive): Modern with rooftop terrace, ~$120–200/night. Budget Options: Book Airbnb or motels in Roseville or Falcon Heights for ~$80–120/night. Reserve early, as the fair attracts millions.
Tip: Stay near a bus route (e.g., Mall of America or downtown Minneapolis) for easy fair access.
Tips for a Great Visit
Arrive Early: Gates open at 7:00 AM. Early mornings are less crowded, ideal for popular exhibits like the Miracle of Birth Center. Use the Map: The fairgrounds are vast, and maps are limited. Download the fair’s app or grab a map at information booths to navigate.
Save Money: Buy the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book ($5) for 100 coupons on food and attractions. Check the Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide at info booths for daily specials, especially on Labor Day. Bring Essentials: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle (no deodorant or outside water allowed). Bags and coolers are permitted but subject to search.
Accessibility: Rent mobility scooters or wheelchairs for ease. Hand stamps allow same-day re-entry until 8:00 PM (6:00 PM on Labor Day). Combine Your Trip: Visit nearby attractions like Como Park Zoo & Conservatory (2 miles away) or the Mall of America (10 miles) for a full Twin Cities experience.
Final Thoughts
The Minnesota State Fair is a celebration of food, fun, and Minnesota’s rich agricultural and cultural heritage. From sliding down the Giant Slide to savoring a Pronto Pup or watching a butter sculpture come to life, the fair offers endless ways to create lasting memories. Plan ahead, embrace the crowds, and dive into this quintessential American experience. Whether you’re a foodie, a thrill-seeker, or a culture enthusiast, “The Great Minnesota Get-Together” will leave you smiling.
Happy fairgoing!
