
Insider’s Guide to the Minnesota State Fair
Find out everything you need to know about the Minnesota State Fair with helpful links to specific information.
There are a few tricks to the trade when it comes to navigating the Minnesota State Fair. We hope these 7 tips will help you skip the lines or save a few bucks.
You know you’re going to end up going, so why not save yourself a little cash with pre-fair discount tickets? Tickets are available for $15 through August 23—get them online, the fairgrounds ticket office, by phone or at a variety of Twin Cities Cub locations.
Save even more fun money by purchasing pre-fair ride and attraction tickets. Regular fair-time admission prices are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors (65+), $16 for kids (5-12) and free for children 4 and under.
After all that State Fair Fun, you're going to want a relaxing place to stay - and perhaps rest up for round 2 (did you know that some people attend the fair ALL 12 days?). Search for the best rates and book your stay today!
With more than 100 food, merchandise and attraction coupons, the $5 Blue Ribbon Bargain Book more than pays for itself.
Plan your visit around Discount Days for savings on gate admission, food, merch, games and rides. 2023 Discount Days include Opening Day (Aug. 24), Seniors Day (Aug. 28 & 31), Military Appreciation Day (Aug. 29) and Kids Day (Aug. 30 & Sept. 4).
Stop by any information booth for the Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide listing the day's best values, free stuff and hidden values at the fair.
While the fair does provide limited on-site paid parking, it’s one of those “better get there early” kind of things. We recommend taking Metro Transit’s State Fair Express (operating out of dozens of free parking sites in the Twin Cities) or utilizing the free park & ride service from 30 locations around the fairgrounds.
If you want to get from one end of the fair to the other without weaving through hundreds of fairgoers, it’s worth spending a few bucks on the Skyride, Skyglider or trolley (bonus that they’re fun to ride). Scooters, wheelchairs, wagons and strollers are also available to those who need extra assistance.
Beat the heat (and the crowds) by arriving when the gates open at 7 am. You won’t find everything open that early (typically happens by 9 a.m.), but it’s a great opportunity to grab some coffee, breakfast and navigate the streets with ease. Portable fans can be a life-saver later in the day and we also recommend a refillable water bottle for free hydration (plus environmental brownie points).
Insider’s Guide to the Minnesota State Fair
Find out everything you need to know about the Minnesota State Fair with helpful links to specific information.
Minnesota State Fair Attractions
In between bites, there are plenty of attractions to enjoy. By no means a full listing, here are some spots we recommend you don’t miss.
Minnesota State Fair Food Guide
At the Minnesota State Fair, you can probably find your favorite food deep-fried or on a stick somewhere on the fairgrounds.
Fun Facts: Minnesota State Fair by the Numbers
Hundreds of acres, thousands of ears of roasted corn, millions of cookies! This fair is a big deal.
This site uses cookies to provide you with an optimized experience. Learn More