25 Must-Dos at the Minnesota State Fair
25 Must-Dos at the Minnesota State Fair
By Caitlin Hannah
Every summer, nearly 2 million people visit the Minnesota State Fair. The Fair is an #OnlyinMN tradition for many Minnesotans and visitors alike.
With nearly 500 food items, 30 carnival rides and more than 900 free performances, there's plenty to keep you busy throughout the Fair's 12-day run.
Get ready for "The Great Minnesota Get-Together” with these 25 must-dos.
-
Ride the Giant Slide
Grab a mat and ride the iconic Giant Slide at the Minnesota State Fair.
Ride the Giant SlideGrab a mat and ride the iconic Giant Slide at the Minnesota State Fair.
No trip to the State Fair is complete until you grab a mat and take a ride down the iconic Giant Slide. Challenge a friend and the loser has to buy an ice cold lemonade for the winner.
-
Float Through 'Ye Old Mill'
Float Through 'Ye Old Mill'
For an old-school good time, board a boat and float through Ye Old Mill. This State Fair staple has been in operation for more than 100 years.
-
Chill Out on a Relaxing Ride
The Minnesota State Fair is the biggest and best state fair in America / Robert Ferdinandt
Chill Out on a Relaxing RideSummer days at the State Fair can get pretty busy, so take a break and relax on the Great Wheel, one of the tallest traveling Ferris wheels in North America.
-
Experience a new attraction or exhibit
Experience a new attraction or exhibit
From new shops to support to thrilling attractions, you will find something different to experience year after year. This year, enjoy a sensory-friendly morning on the Midway, check out the pig barn's newly constructed Oink Booth, and play a round of Fair-themed mini golf courtesy of Can Can Wonderland. Find the full list of new attractions and exhibits for 2023.
-
Rise Above The Crowds
Get a bird's-eye view of the Minnesota State Fair on the Skyride / Thomas J. Wieland
Rise Above The CrowdsGet a bird’s-eye view of the fair by taking a ride on the SkyGlider or Skyride. It’s a great way to get around the fairgrounds when you get tired of walking.
-
Go Into Space
Go Into Space
See new heights and great views of the fairgrounds and the Twin Cities by going up in the iconic Space Tower.
-
Watch the Parade
The State Fair's daily parade features marching bands, visiting royalty and more / Minnesota State Fair
Watch the ParadeWatch the daily parade at 2 p.m. featuring the high school band competition, floats, animals, visiting royalty and more.
-
Enjoy Fine Art
Enjoy Fine Art
Stroll through the Fine Arts building to see unique pieces by Minnesota artists.
-
Attend a Free Concert
Attend a Free Concert
Catch some live music at the Leine Lodge Bandshell, International Bazaar or Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater.
-
See the Butter Sculptures
See the Butter Sculptures
Watch Princess Kay of the Milky Way and the court have their likenesses carved into a 90-pound block of butter in the Dairy Building.
-
See Huge Shows at the Grandstand
See Huge Shows at the Grandstand
See a popular show at the Grandstand. Past artists include The Doobie Brothers, Weird Al, Darci Lynne Farmer of America's Got Talent and many more.
-
Laugh While You Learn
Laugh While You Learn
Discover Minnesota’s history with the hilarious History-On-A-Schtick show at the Schell’s Stage.
-
Try All the New Foods
The Bacon-Wrapped Waffle Dog from Nordic Waffles
Try All the New FoodsEvery year, State Fair food vendors try to one-up each other with a mix of over-the-top new foods meant to impress and delight your palate. Come with a group and try to taste them all! This year will feature crispy lutefisk steam buns, dill pickle cheese curd tacos, walleye fritter pops, bacon-wrapped waffle dogs and more. See the full list of funky foods for 2023.
-
Eat a Bucket of Cookies
Eat a Bucket of Cookies
Dunk a warm Sweet Martha’s Cookie (or 12) into a cup of ice cold milk from the All You Can Drink Milk booth.
-
Sip Minnesota-Made Drinks
Sip Minnesota-Made Drinks
There are more than 300 Minnesota beers, wines and ciders on the fairgrounds for you to try. Some Fair favorites are Lift Bridge Brewery’s Mini Donut Beer and the flight of Minnesota wines at Minnesota Wine Country.
-
Take in the Scenery
Take in the Scenery
Watch a variety of Minnesota fish swimming in the pond or climb to the top of the fire tower at the DNR Building.
-
Appreciate Agriculture
Appreciate Agriculture
Celebrate Minnesota's agricultural significance by seeing the prize-winning and giant vegetables in the Agriculture Horticulture Building or learn about a variety of topics in the 4-H building.
-
Seek Out Seed Art
Seek Out Seed Art
Gaze at the incredible crop art in the Agriculture-Horticulture building. Art and crops collide to create unique pieces made of seeds, corn husks and more. This state fair tradition has been going on since 1965.
-
Watch Lumberjacks at Work
Watch Lumberjacks at Work
Channel the spirit of Paul Bunyan at the Timberworks Lumberjack Show with daily shows at the North Woods area.
-
Eat Curds
Sharing cheese curds at the Minnesota State Fair / Christina Sindelir
Eat CurdsShare some piping hot cheese curds with your friends or family.
-
See the Stunt Dogs
See the Stunt Dogs
See former rescue dogs perform new tricks at the All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash at the North Woods.
-
Watch Llamas Dress to Impress
The llama costume contest is a treasured State Fair tradition / Minnesota State Fair
Watch Llamas Dress to ImpressWatch the popular Llama Costume Contest to see 4-H kids and their llamas in coordinating costumes.
-
Appreciate the Gift of Life
Appreciate the Gift of Life
Walk through the CHS Miracle of Birth Center to see and pet adorable baby pigs, cows, goats and chicks.
-
Go Upscale
Visit the West End Market at the Minnesota State Fair / Minnesota State Fair
Go UpscaleShop ‘til you drop at the West End Market, Veranda and more. The new Veranda area in the Grandstand features boutique-style shopping showcasing vintage, upcycled, handmade and made-in-Minnesota goods.
-
Eat Food On a Stick
Eat Food On a Stick
A State Fair staple, you can find more than 60 items on a stick including Cajun-seasoned alligator sausage, bacon, deep-fried olives, key lime pie and more.