Every summer, Minnesotans flock to the Minnesota State Fair for twelve days of carnival rides, concerts, rodeos and every type of fried food imaginable. I’ve loved visiting state fairs ever since I was little so I was very excited to learn that the Minnesota State Fair dates aligned with my road trip across the US last summer! With nearly 2 million visitors each year I knew this fair was going to be a step up from the average fair (hint: I was right!).
Here’s what to expect at the Minnesota State Fair!
Rides at the Minnesota State Fair
Carnival rides are one of the best parts of spending the day at the fair and the Minnesota State Fair has some of the best, including one of the largest ferris wheels I’ve ever seen! Here are the rides you shouldn’t miss out on:
- The Giant Slide: grab a mat and slide down this huge (or should I say ‘giant’?) slide
- Ye Old Mill: the oldest ride at the park (which is more than 100 years old!) is Ye Old Mill where you can board a boat and float on through.
- SkyGlider & Skyride: this is actually one of my favorite things to do at the fair because you get a bird’s eye view of the fair grounds. It’s great for scoping out all the fair has to offer or for when you’re tired of walking!
- Great Big Wheel: this gigantic ferris wheel offers views of not only the fair but the Twin Cities.
- Haunted House: what’s a fair without a haunted house?!
Food & Drink at the Minnesota State Fair
With hundreds of vendors, there is no shortage in options for fair food and drinks at the Minnesota State Fair! With all of the traditional fair favorites like cotton candy, corn dogs, funnel cake and caramel apples, there is something for everyone. Plus, Minnesota has some favorites that are unique to the state. Here are some of the Minnesota State Fair food standouts:
- Tom Thumb donuts: these mini donuts are a staple at the Minnesota State Fair. You’ll smell them before you see them — and the aroma of fried dough is enough to make you want to see what all the fuss is about!
- Cheese curds: another quintessential Minnesota State Fair item is deep fried cheese curds. It was my first time trying them and I have to say… delicious!
- Pronto Pups: Minnesota is home to the original Pronto Pup and it’s a must try when at the fair. While its very close to a corn dog, there is a slight difference in ingredients that makes the Pronto Pup a state favorite.
- Sweet Martha’s Cookies: there’s nothing better than fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies and Sweet Martha makes the best!
- Deep fried pickles: deep. friend. pickles. Need I say more?
- Poutine: although technically a speciality from just north of the Minnesota border (Canada!), this dish made up of French fries covered in cheese curds and gravy has become a favorite.
- Corn: where better to get some sweet roasted corn than right at the source?!
- Anything on a stick: with more than 60 different items on a stick ranging from sausage to key lime pie, there’s bound to be something for every fair food lover!
- Craft beer: did you know Minnesota has a rapidly growing craft beer scene? There are more than 300 local beers and wines to try at the fair!
Entertainment at the Minnesota State Fair
There is enough to keep you entertained for days on end at the Minnesota State Fair! With music, animals and butter (?!), here are the highlights:
- Concerts: catch some big names in music at the Grandstand! Performances this year include Sugarland, Trampled by Turtles, Earth Wine & Fire, and Boy George and the Culture Club!
- Daily Parade: every day during the fair, there is a parade at 2pm featuring marching bands, floats and animals.
- Princess Kay of the Milky Way: each year, a Princess Kay is elected and serves as an ambassador for Minnesota’s dairy farmers. AND, she and her court have their likenesses carved into a 90 pound block of butter!
- Rodeo & Miracle of Birth Center: animals play a big role at the fair — with exciting rodeos and animal displays featuring horses, goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, llamas and more. And, at the Miracle of Birth Center, you can visit the baby animals and maybe even catch a live birth!
Minnesota State Fair Visiting Info + Tips
- The 12-day long fair starts August 23 and ends Labor Day, September 3, 2018.
- Admission tickets can be purchased in advance for $11 or at the gate for $14.
- There is onsite parking from 6am – midnight daily, with a $14 cash fee.
- TIP: With 2 million visitors each year, the fair grounds can get crowded! It’s best to go in with a plan of what you want to see and do. It also tends to get more crowded in the late afternoon and evening so plan to arrive on the early side if you can!
- TIP: Minnesota can get hot and humid during the summer (especially in August!) so wear something that you’ll be comfortable in. Think light, breathable materials and avoid dark colors that will attract more heat.
- TIP: The fair grounds are big so make sure to wear comfortable shoes for all that walking!
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