I grew up going to the MN State Fair on the opening Thursday for the first 17 years of my life. For the 18th year, we went through the drive through fair that happened (Covid era). I’ve guided my out-of-state friends through the treacherous barn buildings (watch out for the manure!). I’ve perfected the getting-on-the-Skyride-at-the-end-of-the-day move. I’ve ridden the tractors at Little Farm Hands and milked the fake cow. I’ve tried Sweet Martha’s at all the locations. I’ve won a small Scooby Doo stuffed animal at a Midway game (RIP I haven’t seen that stuffed animal at the fair in years). The list goes on.

Long story short, I’m a credible MN State Fair source who is qualified to give the following recommendations 😊

Keep in mind that the State Fair is just one of those things where you should find what works for you! Go for the food, go for the cool art, go for the innovative products. At the end of the day, go for whatever you want… and stay for the MN State Fair food.

Fresh French Fries

I don’t even need to say much because if you have even a modicum of interest in french fries, the line is worth it. NGL, if you come in by the Midway/Grandstand entrance in the morning, I would get these as breakfast. I’ve done it before, and I’d do it again. No judgement here 🙂 The line is virtually non-existent, and the fries are FRESH-FRESH (even fresher than usual).

The Dairy Building

The Dairy Building contains multitudes: butter princesses, creamy shakes, and kayaks. One of my out-of-state friends was so enamored with the butter princesses that I made her a mug (see above). Stop here for a chocolate shake or to ponder why a princess would sit in the cold butter fridge for six hours.

Hit me up at [email protected] if you want a mug made.

Education Building

If you’re in the mood for feeling out-arted by a second grader, head to the Education Building. In all honesty, this is a must-see for me each year. The amount of skill and talent that goes into the art produced by these K-12th graders is AWESOME!

I typically head here in the afternoon when I’m in need of a break from eating. There’s a pronto pup stand outside for after. There’s also a quilt/baking/products-as-seen-on-TV section of the building that contains a kitchen show area with benches. Peak place to stop.

Honorable Mention: Across the street, there’s a cute little area called “Math On-A-Stick.” It’s a place to stop (mainly for kids) that encourages you to count/estimate different things at the fair.

Giant Karaoke Machine

You may not be able to hear anyone besides yourself, but that’s probably for the best. With a limited but appealing-enough song selection, I’d recommend taking a pit stop here after getting a Korean corn dog or filled churro. Feel free to sing along, mouth WATERMELON, or just watch as your friends have a great time 😗 

Lumber Jack Show

For some reason, this seems to be a lesser-known attraction of the fair. If you time it right, you’ll catch a chainsaw sculpture show, some lumberjacks walking across logs in the water, or a race to the top of a tree trunk. If you have some time to spare and need a break from walking, I’d recommend taking a gander into the North Woods.

Tom Thumb’s Mini Donuts

TBH, I haven’t gotten mini donuts the past few years, but I’d still recommend. These are iconic and super tasty. While there are always new sweet treats to try, these remain a staple for good reason. Located in the Kidway area, you can easily stop here on your way to/from North end of the fair.

DNR Building

Smokey Bear. What else needs saying.

Well, I guess I could also say that the DNR building provides insight into local flora and fauna, and is a great place to check for the latest on invasive species. In addition, you can see fish (alive and well). You can also walk through a mini forest with taxidermied animals (not alive and well ☹️).

Head to the State Fair!

While I can’t be there this lovely Thursday morning, I’m looking forward to spending all weekend (and all my money) at the fair. If you have the time, energy, and the $$$ (tickets are $20 this year????), definitely head out to the fair. Good luck finding a parking spot!

Keep in mind that this list is pretty incomplete as well, because there’s just SO MUCH TO DO AT THE FAIR! Go out and find new things to try! And here’s hoping you win one of those coveted big animal prizes at the fair (I’m always jealous when I see people walking past with a giant bear ☹️).

P.S. While the MN State Fair may be a hectic place, it does help slow time down. By trying new foods or having new experiences, your day is likely to feel like a pretty long one (good and bad — I tend to be exhausted by the evening).

Blog next week will be on my brief trip to Boston, the only reason I’m not at the fair on opening day.