Minnesota State Fair Reviews

Loooove the state fair. Go. Eat the food. Pet animals. Do all the weird Minnesotan things. You will be so happy. Plan to be there the whole day and to spend a bunch of cash on food and activities!

Great time. They offered military night ( Free) cant beat that!!! Thank you!!! The dragon lights were only $5.00 and light up snow cones $8.00. Loved it here will definitely be going back.

There is good food, good beer, and goats. I watched a cow judging event and had no idea what was going on, but was enthralled. I love this state, and the MN State Fair!

Have to see this at least once in your lifetime! A few hundred thousand people will be with you but you will always find your space! Get ready to eat loads of food all throughout the day! Also, it is advisable not to drive there, you should get one of the buses from the transit services. Good connectivity through the day!

Great food with imaginative creations added each year, interesting exhibits, Park 'n Ride system is awesome at getting people there, and they do a tremendous job of keeping the place clean given the number of visitors.

Always a good time. Tons of different vendors and endless food options. They have put a lot of work into creating more spaces for vendors and visitors so that there is always something new.

This was really fun since I rented one of the electric wheelchairs but it's not like it used to be. Maybe I'll come again in 5 years or so?

It was busy, but beers were good and angry bird exhibit was a hit with the kids.

Well, lets start off. You can't go to the MN State Fair without trying the loads of cultured MN foods. And the live music is really cool too!! Definatly a 10/10 if your going to party, chill, be with family, or friends. FUNNNNNN!

I love the Minnesota State Fair. It's fun and interesting to see the different exhibits and vendors. No matter what you may like, you can likely find it at this fair. And you are also highly likely to find things you never thought you'd enjoy looking at before. For me, this example would be ice houses. I'm not a fisherman but it's always fascinating to look through some of them on display there! And vehicles and motorcycles--you can always count me in!

Other than displays, music is my other big draw. I am never organized enough to get a good seat for a show in the grandstand (if one is available for a show I'd like to see), but the free entertainment on the various stages is always great. This year I particularly loved listening to some polka and seeing people dance to it, and kids have a blast!!

When it comes to food, of course you cannot go wrong at this fair. This year I enjoyed the rare luxury of a grilled all-beef hotdog (yes, I love one of these a year) and also loved chowing down on the bacon on a stick. The person I was with got buffalo shrimp skewer appetizer from Caribe Cafe (and bar) and they loved it. It was delicious and a great value. Comes on a bed of rice!

The one thing about the fair that everyone needs to be alert to is parking. It is not easy and if you want to be really close, you'll be looking at a private party charging you $40...maybe even more. We waited in the long line to pay $15 for a fairground parking and barely made it in. We arrived there at 9 AM and the fair begins at 7:30. I've heard there is an afternoon wave of people who can get spots then, taking advantage of people like me leaving in the mid-afternoon. We are yet to have success with the places you can park that are further away from the grounds for places that would be logical for someone coming from Wisconsin. But I know it is possible...we just haven't had success with this for the past years.

Overall, enjoy the people, food, and ingenuity of this fair. It is a lot of fun, even if you don't want to walk around and plant yourself in one central location.

The great Minnesota get together. Bring money and enjoy people watching.

Is there anything better than a footlong hotdogs? Or pork chops on a stick? No! And sweet Martha's cookies! And of course going into every building on every street! Love the state fair!

There is something for everyone at this fair. Music, art, machines, gardening, pets.....no matter what your interests you will be entertained all day. The variety of foods offered is mind boggling, both sweet and savory. The midway has hundreds of games & rides and the barns hold every type of farm animal.
Also, the best people watching on the planet.

I love the fair! It's a tradition for me and my family to go ever year. I also go with an organization and have a blast! The food is awesome, I recommend get a foot long corndog, cheesecurds, French fries and Martha's cookies. They have concerts there, I've never been to one. Theres lots to look at and do, and lots to buy. It can be a little spendy, but you can have fun without breaking your budget. The farm animals are free and always fun to watch. Everyone is there to have a good time. If you haven't been, I suggest you go at least for half a day and just walk around. Theres a little something for everyone.

Love it! Delicious food! yarnbomb! Attractions! Competitions!

not crowded all went on the 1st day and i think that will be the day i go on from this point forward...

Went for a gem and jewelery show. It was good, we didn't even get charged for parking.

Went on a day with record attendance with 3 kids and still had a blast. Tip: limit kids to 2 rides out of the Midway. We have never had a ride meltdown. Our kids know we are there to... eat.

What to eat:
Wild rice burger in the Food Building
Freshly made pretzels
Deep-fried everything

We had a great experience! We used one of the free parking lots and bus shuttle services and we wouldn't do it any other way in the future! Lots to see, tons of great food. The only downfall (for me personally) is the amount of people. It was packed. But we expected that!

Disney world, but you wait in line for food instead of rides. Everyone needs to experience the Minnesota state fair.

The great mn get together. Awesome weather and new things to see.

The best fair in the USA! So much to see and eat. Lots of fun!

Great place to end summer. There are lots of things to see, do and eat!

For nursing and pumping moms, there are 4 places you can nurse you child and/or pump. Rated in order off my preference. (2017 info)
1. Care and assistance facility on West Dan Patch and Leggett. Here in a private room, you can nurse, change diaper, pump (electrical outlet) and use the restroom. There's running water to rinse out your pump pieces. Comfortable chairs, air conditioned, nice staff. This is the best location IMO.
2. My talk 107 at under wood and Randall. This location is hosted by WIC. You can nurse, pump (electrical outlet), change diaper in a communal space. There isn't running water or a restroom. However, they provide essentials in case you run out: wipes, ice packs etc.
3. Health Fair 11 at Underwood and Dan Patch. There are private rooms (2) to pump (electrical outlet) and nurse. No running water or restroom. It can get very loud from all of the traffic.
4. TPT PBS on Cosgrove and Wright. This area isn't very private, however there is an enclosed area blocked off by black curtains. You can only nurse here or use your manual pump.
Thanks to Minnesota Department of Health for accommodating for nursing moms and normalizing breast feeding!

Did I really pay 30 bucks to get trampled by a motor scooter and eat salty junk soaked in oil? If you want to see where the fat, stupid American stereotype comes from look no further...

There is literally no other state fair in America that competes with the Minnesota State Fair -- not even Texas!!! So many things to see, purchase, gawk at, and especially EAT!!! Every food you can imagine, and many you really can't, served "on a stick". It's a glorious gastronomical event that MUST be tried at least once before you die! Just a lot of fun. Be sure you don't mind crowds though as you'll be there with thousands and thousands of other people, elbow to elbow...

First time in years we went to the fair, did alot of walking, but we had a good day

Lots of things too and great food but way too busy with 4 kids. Would go to this with older kids or just adults.

First time going and had a awesome time and ate so much food and had alot of fun on the rides.

If you want to avoid the lines, rainy/overcast days are the way to go. Highly recommend the pork chop on a stick if you get a chance. Pets aren't allowed during the 2 weeks that the fair is open, but you can bring them to explore the fairgrounds the rest of the year.

Every year too pack. Can't do everything crowded. Cost too much.

What more is there to say about the fair. If you have not been or are from outside mn you don't know what your missing. From the food,. Yes the best part. To the fun music, family fun events, all the animals. And who can forget the people watching. Lol. It's the best thing to do in the end of summer

Always a great experience at the MN state fair. Love what the fair is doing with new venues on the west and north sides of the fair grounds. Gives everyone a reason to venture out past the grandstand area and makes the fair feel a little less crowded.

I don t enjoy crowded places so the fair is not my favorite. We do try to go every so often as I always think it ll be fun, then I get there and remember why I don t like it. Most of the food is ok, but it s SO expensive. It s fun to go if you ve never been and then decide for yourself whether it s good for you or not.

Great food and great concert by Lionel Richie just a great experience looking forward to the next fair

The Minnesota State Fair is always so fun with the rides, food, family, and fun!

I typically spend the entire day at the Fair, getting there early, and staying until after dark; I always go for a roast turkey leg, and a bucket of Sweet Martha s cookies, which I take home whatever I don t eat, and freeze them for snacking on later. (If you don t freeze them, they get crunchy and stale...) I usually wear my MOST comfortable shoes, as I typically don t sit down for hours at a time, if at all... Last year I made the mistake of going late in the day, and eating before I went, so I wasn t even hungry for anything, the entire time I was there... I ll never do THAT again! The food is half the reason I go to the Fair in the first place!
The takeaway is this: It s a fun place to go for the day; plan on walking more if you have small children, and go with an empty stomach, cuz there s food galore at the State Fair!

The state fair is a well-loved tradition for many people, myself included. There is always something to do, some show to watch, something to learn, and something amazing to eat. It's been over for a week now, and I'm already daydreaming about going back next year.

Not being from Minnesota I decided, on a whim, to fly from Texas to see the Minnesota State Fair. The fairgrounds are massive and filled with friendly Minnesotans, fried foods, and fuzzy friends. I particularly liked the beer garden area and tried over 12 different kinds of local beers. Will go back next year.

Transportation was tricky due to the extreme amount of people. Patience is your friend.

It's the best celebration of the year in Minnesota!! Something for everyone!!

Why not spend your 90 degree summer day with 110,000 of your closest friends? Take a fat wad of cash and blow it all on overpriced food that is going to make you feel like drinking flat beer. I can only think of a few thousand better things to do. But, my kids love to go, so I love to go also.

We went on rainy day and dressed for the weather. The lines were not as bad. All concessions people were great especially the motorized scooter rentals were great. Be prepared to spend$$$ but food is worth it.

It was very exciting I met some really cool people the pork chop on the stick was sooooo good the turkey leg was off the chain my first I'll be back on labor day

A great experience for children. We found the staff, and those who dealt with the rides to be very responsible.They were concerned with safety issues and securing children.They truly went out of their way to assure parents regarding safety whilst encouraging children to enjoy themselves. The only issue was that food stands and vendors did not accept credit cards.

Great place to stuff yourself with great fried food.

It's the Minnesota State Fair what else is there to say "Awesome"

Fun environment, so much to do and even more to eat.
I enjoyed seeing cattle judging baby farm animals, arts and crafts by 4H kids...
Definitely worth a visit to Minnesota

My favorite State Fair in the states. My friend sent a Frontier round trip ticket for $41. So, off I went for a couple days to visit friends and spend a day at the state fair.

Far better than my state fair in Indiana, I'm sorry to say... frwe parking available in so many places around the city (churches, schools, etc. with someone watching the parking lot) with free shuttle to and back. Where you get off is where you line up to get back on. Super safe.

Bags are checked before entering, but you are allowed to bring your own water bottles. There is even a water station to fill your bottles. You can bring in a bookbag to carry anything you may buy in the craft sections. I bring Ziploc bags to store my bucket of chocolate chip cookies to take them back home to Indy!

I saw lots of toddlers in wagons that you can bring in as well!

Food, food food!
Best to go with at least 3 or more people to share in the cost of food tasting... and to be able to try at least 10 or more things!

My must-eats include the corn with the husk, pronto pups (not your ordinary corn dogs), cheesecurds, fried pickles, and a bucket of fresh Mrs. Fields chocolate chip cookies.

This trip we really enjoyed deep fried Oreo cookies, Nordic waffles in Pebbles and bam bam, Nordic waffles with smoked salmon and cream cheese...

They have the coolest Birthing center where you can see cows, pigs, sheep ready to give birth or their offspings they gave birth to and a chick hatching area.

Of course we play some carnival games and go home with some stuffed animals!

Overall great food and a great time and lots of things to see and do! Cleanest and safest state fair I've seen!

Gonna buy my ticket and get on a plane just to go! I love this! Great concerts, great food- can't beat it!

It's THE FAIR!! What' not to like. If you're a snooty hipster foody good for you, you don't need to go. It's just fun.

Always an event going on. Great place to ride bikes with young families when the fair is not in session. Not a lot of traffic going through.

Enjoyed the Zztop Cheap Tick concert for the price was excellent.

Fair is always a blast. Soo much to do and see ... and eat ...Yummy!! Fantastic poeple watching.

I have been to several State Fair's, and no one beats this one!!

Such a great place to attend every year. Great food, smells, people, attractions and constant improvements are always being made.

Probably the best state Fair in the Midwest. If you have the money to spend you could make a weekend of visiting it and not run out of things to do. Used to go every year but realized I was spending too much money. You could probably save money if you brought your own lunches and visited the animals and other educational exhibits. However food is a large part of the experience you'd be missing. Exotic meat and Sweet Martha's cookies is as much of the experience as the rides, the music acts, or the stables of animals.

Even though there were more people than I've ever seen at the fair, we still had a whole lot of fun!

Food, rides, games, and entertainment was plentiful at the fair but it was extremely crowded.

The Minnesota State Fair is the best. Went to the Iowa State Fair in 2016, it does not compare to Minnesota's. The Pronto Pup is a must. Shopping is always interesting, never know what we might carry home on the State Fair bus. Rode the largest traveling Ferris wheel, good view. Bands playing at many locations & its free. Best food & drink deals at the Midway Men's Club.

Quintessential Minnesota. Signifies the end of summer. To see all the Fair has to offer you need 2-3 days

We've since moved away from Minnesota, but we went to the State Fair every year. I'm going to miss it a lot, one of the best parts of my year (food, drinks, people!).

This is my favorite part of living in MN: great fun, ambiance, food, people.

What's not to love? Food , fun, food, frolic, food and great people watching. Don't forget those Little Donuts right in front of the grandstand.

Dukes Poutine and the roasted Corn on the cob stand mmmmhmmm favorites! You won't regret the poutine!

I lived in Texas for many years and the Texas Fair cannot even begin to compare to the MN State Fair. If you get a chance you need to go. Plan to spend some money while you are there and hunt around for unique beers and food. It's a blast.

Great time! Family friendly and tons of stuff to see and do!

If you love people, food, rides, and live farm animals then YOU BETCHA get yourself to the great Minnesota get together!

No need to bring food (although you can!) as there is an absurdity of gluttony going on here! Bring comfortable shoes, sun glasses, backpack, and a refillable water bottle to get the most out of the fair!

Check attendance figures for previous years when considering what day you will go and obviously check the weather because sweating is in the forecast!

The fair was awesome! Tons of good food and drinks, they had kombucha on tap this year and lots of beers to choose from. Plan ahead to do park and ride saves some money, but plan extra time for waiting for the bus.

Best State Fair on the planet! Anyone who says otherwise wouldn't know a corndog from prontopup. But that's fine. Ufdah.

The best State Fair in the United States bar none. The craziest food with the craziest people in the country... Minnesotans!!!

I love going to the state fairgrounds during winter carnival! Each year they have the snow sculptures at the fairgrounds as well as a giant slide to go sledding down! Very organized and safe and super fun!

This is a 10 day festival for the people of MN. Security arrangements at the event are good. lots of foods , games , rides and events. Must visit place.

Waste of time and money in my opinion but I love the animals an music only other thing I hear is the cookies but I don't really see their significance

Love the Minnesota State Fair! There are permanent restrooms so you're able to have a more sanitary environment than a portable unit. There's rides, games, food, entertainment, etc. Plenty of things to spend money on. Prepare yourself to spend the day and you still won't get to everything.

This is great for the whole family is your Aunt Karen

Lots of fun for the kiddos. Great food to try as well. A little pricey to get in just for food and rides you have to pay for.

Love it. Foods are pricey but the atmosphere is great.

Love the MN State Fair! Biggest state fair around!! Can't see it all even in 3 days time!

The fairgrounds themselves are quite nice during the summertime. The only reason why I gove 4 instead of 5 stars is because during the fair there never seems to be enough seating or enough rain cover.

I go there all year round. I f you like to play Pokemon Go, this is the Pokemon Mecca in Minnesota. You can park your vehicle and walk around for hours. They have soooo many Gyms and Poke Stops that you will have a wonderful time.

It was my first time at the state fair grounds for soundset and I had a blast would definitely come back!

They really screwed up Heritage Village when they decided to Raze the place. It always had such a laid-back atmosphere. Now it's a Concrete Jungle with no ambience. I assume revenue is more important to the fair board members.

Amazing attractions, food, and vendors. Dog show and music were all entertaining. Would definitely go again!

Love this fair every year. Great food choices, something for everyone. Parking is tough tho, why 4/5 stars. And parking is expensive.

I literally have to cap off my summer with the MN State Fair and I am a frequent fair-goer! You just cannot see it all in on day. I don't suggest you go too late if it is your 1st time you will miss free-give-aways, parades & events!

I've been going to the fairgrounds for years now and I got to say it is a ton of fun. Reasonable prices and crazy good food all for about $15 to get in! If you are looking for something fun to do in the summer, this is one of the most fun things you can do!

Does it get any better than this? All the greasy, fried food you could possibly want, all served on a stick for your convenience. Highlights certainly include the deep fried cheese curds, fresh French fries, and malts from the dairy building. And don t forget about sweet Martha s fresh chocolate chip cookies. With all the shopping and amazing fattening food, everyone can find something.