The Minnesota State Fair also known as, ‘The Great Minnesota Get-Together’, is the largest state fair in the United States by average daily attendance. The state fairgrounds are located in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. The residents gather in full fervor to show off their skills in art and cooking, explore new products and services and exhibit their livestock. Residents in and around Minnesota and from many other states too wait enthusiastically for the fair to begin. Every year, around 2 million people attend the world-class showcase of agriculture, entertainment, food, art and science.
The Minnesota State Fair is a state government-related entity that is operated by the Minnesota State Agricultural Society. So, if you have always wanted to experience an extravagant fair that gives you more reasons than just entertainment to visit then the Minnesota State Fair is just the right place to be. It not just gives numerous options for enjoyment, it also gives you a sneak-peak into the lifestyle and culture of the people of Minnesota.
Here is What to Expect
The fair runs for twelve days from the end of August to the beginning of September, ending on Labor Day. Some of the popular activities at the fair include the wide array of food, entertainment shows, livestock competitions, horse shows and many contests. Not just that, you can also find many vendors, demonstrations and exhibits for kids and adults, as well as a fireworks show every evening.
The Minnesota State Fair offers a range of attractions that are the highlight of the event. Some of the extreme thrill rides and attractions you can enjoy include Rock Climbing Wall, Skyscraper, Sling Shot, Turbo Bungy, to name a few. Children can head to the Kidway for rides and games like Bumble Bees, Beetle Bobs, Dive Bomber, Dragon Wagon, Kite Flyer, Mini Swings, Sky Race, Tractor Ride and Wave Swinger. The website has a whole list of attractions and activities you can enjoy during the fair. The Grandstand shows, schedule of live music and others as well are published.
The Minnesota State Fair is a must-visit and the reasons are aplenty. The first and foremost being the food. At the fair you can find a range of must-try cuisines and dishes, such as Bison Bites, Buffalo Chicken Doughscuit, Paneer Pakora, Cucumber Jalapeno Limeade, Cheese Curds, to name a few. The other reasons for your visit could certainly be the thrilling rides and amusement parks, as well as activities such as shopping, music, sports, art and culture, and gaming.
How to Reach the Venue
If you are coming from Minneapolis, you can take the metro Bus Route 3 that will take you from Downtown Minneapolis directly to the fair. From the greater metro area you can take State Fair Express buses that operate from over ten locations. A few different regular bus routes that serve the State Fairgrounds are also available. Add to that the Route 84 and the A Line, and Route 3 buses. You can buy all-day passes for these services online.
If taking the metro transit, look for the Metro Blue Line from Terminal 1 or 2 headed toward Mpls-Target Field and take the train to the 46th St. Station. Driving in your automobile? Note that there are several park-and-ride lots with free parking and regular free shuttle buses to the fair. You can check out the State Fair map to know the parking lots where you can park for free. If you prefer to park at the Fairgrounds, the parking lots there open from 6am to midnight. Parking is available at the State Fair lots on a first-come basis. Motorcycle parking is available for a fee as well. For bicycles, the State Fair has three free bike parking areas.
Tickets and Registration
You can buy your state fair admission tickets at a discount just before the fair. These tickets can be bought from various locations, such as Minnesota State Fair Ticket Office or their website for $13, Cub Foods locations throughout the Twin Cities starting July 25 or from State Fairgrounds Ticket Office.
Also, if you are undecided about your visit then you can buy tickets last minute at the gate too. Regular fair-admission tickets cost $16 for adults (13-64) and $14 for senior citizens (65+) and kids (5-12). Entrance for children below the age of 4 is free.
Address and Contact Information
The Minnesota State Fair has its address located at 1265 Snelling Avenue North
St. Paul, MN 55108-3003. For queries, you can reach the support at 651-288-4400 or guestservices@mnstatefair.org. For tickets you can call 651-288-4427 or write to tickets@mnstatefair.org. The Lost & Found department can be reached at 651-288-4555 or lostandfound@mnstatefair.org.
