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What can you not miss at the Minnesota State Fair?

Author

Charlotte Adams

Published Feb 18, 2026

What can you not miss at the Minnesota State Fair?

25 Must-Dos at the Minnesota State Fair
  • Ride the Giant Slide. Grab a mat and ride the Giant Slide at the Minnesota State Fair.
  • Float Through 'Ye Old Mill' Float Through 'Ye Old Mill'
  • Chill Out on a Relaxing Ride.
  • Run in a Race.
  • Rise Above The Crowds.
  • Go Into Space.
  • Watch the Parade.
  • Enjoy Fine Art.

Keeping this in consideration, what is there to do at the Minnesota State Fair?

  • Giant Slide. A classic attraction at the Minnesota State Fair for more than half a century!
  • Go Karts. Race around a thrilling track at exciting speeds!
  • Great Big Wheel. One of the tallest traveling giant Ferris wheels in North America makes a stop at the Minnesota State Fair!
  • SkyGlider.
  • Skyride.
  • Space Tower.
  • Ye Old Mill.

Secondly, what is the least busy day at the MN State Fair? It typically draws the "fewest" number of visitors. If you want the Minnesota State Fair experience, but would prefer to avoid all the people, your best bet is to go on the first Thursday. On average, the first Thursday, often the first day of the state fair, draws about 109,655 people.

Also Know, what can you bring into the Minnesota State Fair?

Fair guests are welcome to bring outside food and drinks. No alcoholic beverages may be brought into the fair.

What is the MN State Fair known for?

The 2020 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 27 – Sept. 7. Paul, the 322-acre Minnesota State Fairgrounds is renowned for its beautiful gardens and architecture reflecting the art deco and Works Progress Administration eras.

Why is Minnesota State Fair the best?

The Minnesota State Fair offers more to visitors than food and rides; it's a full-on, record-breaking Minnesota experience. Even if you're not from the great state of Minnesota, the State Fair is sure to make you feel like a true Minnesotan or want to become one.

How much is the fair rides?

$30: Wristbands are for unlimited carnival rides plus two free games on Wednesdays and Thursdays. They are sold at the fair until 5 p.m. and valid until 8 p.m. Admission pass is still required. How much are OC Fair ride tickets? Each of the fair's 63 rides require multiple tickets that cost 50 cents each.

What should I bring to the state fair?

State Fair Survival Guide: What to Bring
  • Cash. In situations like the fair or any live event, it's nice to bring cash.
  • Hand Sanitizer. Any local gathering is a cesspool of germs.
  • Stroller. All of my children have outgrown the stroller, but we will sometimes bring it.
  • Dress Accordingly. Comfortable shoes for walking.
  • Bring Floss / Portable Toothbrush.
  • Bottled Water.

How many rides are at the Minnesota State Fair?

Kidway offers 30+ carnival rides for pint-sized fair visitors. The most extreme thrill attractions are located at Adventure Park. The Space Tower, Haunted House, Ye Old Mill, River Raft Ride, Giant Slide, Skyride and SkyGlider are permanent attractions and State Fair traditions.

What do you do at a state fair?

The staff of the State Fair has compiled a list of their favorite things to do with their families at the Fair.
  1. Pig Races.
  2. Pee Wee Stampede.
  3. Pumpkin Painting.
  4. Take a walk through the Livestock Barns.
  5. Visit the Errol McKoy Greenhouse on the Midway.
  6. Backyard Circus.
  7. See Ronald McDonald.
  8. Little Hands on the Farm.

Who puts together fair rides?

While companies like KMG manufacture the rides, it's up to operators like Amusements of America to put them together, following each state's safety protocols. That's why Amusements of America has been named in the lawsuit filed by one victim's family.

What is there to eat at the Minnesota State Fair?

53 new foods at the Minnesota State Fair, ranked from best to
  • Tacos Al Pastor. Manny's Tortas.
  • Lemonade Apple. The Produce Exchange.
  • Kentikka Fried Chicken Sliders. Hot Indian Foods.
  • Hickory Grilled Texas Red Hot Sausage. Tejas Express.
  • Heirloom Tomato and Sweet Corn BLT with an Egg. Farmers Union Coffee Shop.
  • Duck Drummies. Giggles' Campfire Grill.
  • Brisket Tacos.
  • Blueberry Key Lime Pie.

What is there to do this weekend in Minnesota?

25 Best Things to Do in Minnesota
  • Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive. © Courtesy of khlongwangchao - Fotolia.com.
  • Minneapolis Institute of Art. © Minneapolis Institute of Art.
  • Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St.
  • Quarry Hill Nature Center.
  • Minnesota Marine Art Museum.
  • The Duluth Experience.
  • Leif Erickson Park & Rose Garden.
  • Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Can you bring water bottles into MN State Fair?

Fair guests are welcome to bring their own water bottles, as well as outside food and drinks to the fair. No alcoholic beverages may be brought into the fair. PLEASE NOTE: Coolers are not permitted in the Grandstand. Water fountains are located throughout the fairgrounds.

How much is parking at the MN State Fair?

Vehicle parking in State Fair lots is $15 (cash only) and is paid for as you enter the gate to park. Please note: A pre-fair discount admission ticket cannot be used to cover the cost of vehicle parking.

Can I bring a backpack to the state fair?

Can I bring in a backpack, bag or cooler? Yes. Backpacks, bags and coolers are permitted on the fairgrounds, but are subject to search. There are no lockers or a bag check at the State Fair.

Can I bring a backpack into the Minnesota State Fair?

Yes. Backpacks, bags and coolers are permitted on the fairgrounds, but are subject to search. There are no lockers or a bag check at the State Fair. PLEASE NOTE: Coolers are not permitted at the Grandstand.

How much money should you bring to the state fair?

Parking at the Arizona State Fairgrounds varies between $5 and $20 per vehicle, depending on where you park. It is recommended to bring cash. The West Lot is the cheapest at $5 and is located at 19th Avenue and Encanto Avenue. The North Lot is $10 per vehicle and is located at 19th Avenue and Monte Vista.

Can you bring drinks into the fair?

Bringing food and drinks
Outside food and beverages are permitted if stored in factory-sealed receptacles. No cans, glass, outside alcohol or hard-sided coolers. Water bottles are permitted if factory-sealed or empty upon entry.

Can you smoke at MN State Fair?

For the comfort and safety of all, designated smoking areas have been established at convenient locations throughout the fairgrounds. Smoking (including the use of e-cigarettes and vape pens) is permitted only in these areas.

Can you bring water bottles to state fair?

Yes, water bottles are fine, but no glass, aluminum cans, or outside alcohol are allowed. Paper and plastic containers of non-alcoholic beverages are allowed.

How much is MN State Fair tickets?

Pre-fair discount admission tickets are just $12 and are valid for any age guest (age 5+) on any one day of the fair. Children ages 4 and under are always free!

What is the best day to go to the fair?

What if I can't go to the fair on the first day because I have to work? Your next-best bet is to plan ahead and take a personal day on either Tuesday or Wednesday. On average, each of those days draws around 118,000 and 116,000 visitors respectively.

What is the best day to go to the MN State Fair?

The best day to go to the state fair is on the first day. It typically draws the "fewest" number of visitors. If you want the Minnesota State Fair experience, but would prefer to avoid all the people, your best bet is to go on the first Thursday.

How many people are at the state fair?

United States
State or RegionFair NameAttendance (year)
CaliforniaCalifornia State Fair673,237 (2016) [6]
ColoradoColorado State Fair466,576 (2016) [7]
DelawareDelaware State Fair262,587 (2016) [8]
District of ColumbiaDC State Fair

What was yesterday's attendance at the Minnesota State Fair?

The official total for Thursday's attendance was 133,326 breaking the 2018 opening day record of 122,695. Thanks to the 133,326 people who came to the fair yesterday!

How many people attended the Minnesota State Fair this year?

24 set 12 new record prices and raised more than $775,000 to benefit youth programs statewide. The 2020 Minnesota State Fair will run Aug. 27 through Labor Day, Sept.

Has Minnesota State Fair been Cancelled?

In 1861 and 1862, the fair was not held because of the Civil War and the Dakota War of 1862. Scheduling issues between the fair and the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois caused the 1893 fair to be canceled. The fair again closed because of World War II in 1945, as fuel was in short supply.

Who has the biggest state fair?

The Biggest State Fairs in the United States
  1. State Fair of Texas (2.25 million visitors)
  2. Minnesota State Fair (2 million visitors)
  3. The Big E (1.5 million visitors)
  4. The Great New York State Fair (1.2 million visitors)
  5. Tulsa State Fair (1.15 million visitors)
  6. Arizona State Fair (1.14 million visitors)
  7. Iowa State Fair (1.13 million visitors)

How much money does Sweet Martha's make at the MN State Fair?

Sweet Martha's was the top-grossing food vendor at the State Fair once again last year, with over $4.73 million in gross revenue across its three locations — a 7.9 percent jump from 2017. Sweet Martha's had nearly $3.4 million more in sales than the next-highest vendor on the list, Mouth Trap Cheese Curds.

Who owns the fair?

The Fair is operated by the Los Angeles County Fair Association, a not-for-profit 501(c)(5) corporation. The Fair is held each September on 543 acres (2.20 km2) of fairgrounds known as Fairplex (Los Angeles County Fair, hotel and exposition complex).

Who runs the MN State Fair?

The fair is governed by the Minnesota State Agricultural Society, which is charged exclusively with governance of the State Fair. Society delegates represent all 87 county fairs in Minnesota, along with delegates from 43 regional and statewide agricultural groups.