Minnesota State Fair Reviews

Etix system is awful. We bought our tickets online before going to the grounds. Tried to load the tickets when we got to the fair gate and the website wouldn't load. The employee at the gate said that everyone was having that problem and it could take up to 20 minutes for the tickets to load. Of course, it takes your money with no delay. Same problem in 2017, and now in 2018. It was a waste of time and money. The State Fair shouldn't be giving business to such an unreliable company.

fried olives are soo good!! I also love the Veggie Fries!!! Havnt had them until this year and they were delicious

Spent eight hours here. Amazing time with amazing friends. Definitely check out the animal shows and the Miracle of Birth. Very cool to see sheep walking through the streets. Great place to get you steps in and people watch.

Food I would recommend: SCOTCH EGG, cheese on a stick, cheese curds, deep fried Reese's cup, poutine, O'Gara's has an Orange Creme beer from Castle Danger that was good to try.

I go mostly when there's going to be a concert later that night. I like grandstands. The food is always interesting and pretty good. My biggest complaint is parking, they need to figure out a better procedure so you're not driving around constantly looking for something since thousands of people are attending.

This is one of the biggest fair in the United States by average daily attendance. I went there on a weekend. It was super crowded. The fairground is adjoining the Saint Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota.

The fair runs for twelve days beginning on the last week of August and ending on US Labor Day.

Major attractions include livestock, food, art shows, rides,

I tried variety of foods available at the fair. Corn dogs, hot dogs, cotton candy, french fries are the Classic Fair Foods.
Milk shakes, cheese curds from the agriculture of Minnesota should not be missed.

There are a variety of permanent and temporary rides at the venue

There is so much to see and do at the state fair, you can eat on a budget if you need to, they have great free entertainment for all ages! The rides are great and exciting or so they look like it, I can't ride anymore. Going through the buildings are so much fun you get free stuff, plus some good information on products. Oh and the food is so wonderful tasting, you can't beat the food at the State Fair! If you didn't go this year, I highly suggest that you go next year!

I love going to the state fair. There is so much to do for all ages. There are always some shows going on. It is a great place to go.

Fun for the whole family... even during a pandemic.

Great food and plenty to see. Good fun for the family.

Next year I'll avoid the holiday weekend! It was a lot of fun even with the rain shower.

Everyone needs to go at least once! So you can decide for yourself because I know I will be going back, if not for just the fried chicken and buckets of cookies.

Went to the fair for the first time in years and the new park and ride/transit hub is an excellent experience. Very little wait time, wish the buses newer and cleaner, but the favs are still as great as ever. The newer 150ft tall Ferris wheel is awesome and worth the wait.

Always great food...some interesting and fun stuff for adults...but LOADS of fun for kiddos! Some of the rides seem sketchy and the souvenirs are overpriced and break right away, so be aware. But the animal barns are fun, DNR setup was way cool for kids, Sweet Martha's always delicious and some awesome vendor food that changes year to year. I would recommend skipping the butterfly house which seems like a fun idea but is fairly small and most of them are too full to eat the nectar, and sadly wings tattered and they all seem to be lifeless.

It was a perfect day for the fair! The pork chop on a stick and corn were the highlights!

I could go EVERY SINGLE DAY! Going again Friday. When it's over I'll be excited for next year. Take the park and ride to get there.

Came for SoundSet. It was an awesome time! Probably be back next year!

WIFE AND I TOOK THE BUS ON A SATURDAY, THE BUS WAS FINE.
WHEN WE GOT THERE IT WAS REALLY HOT THAT WAS ALRIGHT, THERE WERE SO MANY PEOPLE IT WAS HARD TO GET ANYWHERE, ALL OF THE VENDORS AND FOOD STANDS HAD SUCH LONG LINES THAT IT WAS ABOUT A 45 MINUTE WAIT TO GET ANY FOOD OR DRINK.
THE ONLY WAY THAT MY WIFE AND I WOULD EVER GO BACK, IT WOULD HAVE TO BE EARLY MORNING WHEN THE GATES OPENED UP. NOT A VERY GOOD EXPERIENCE.
IT WILL MAYBE ANOTHER 2 OR 3 YEARS BEFORE WE WOULD EVER GO BACK!!!!.

Could have a few more stars..who misses other playgrounds...the Minnesota Fair HAS IT ALL...FUN..HAPPY PEOPLE OF ALL KINDS COMING TOGETHER WITH A COMMON IDEA..."FUN LAUGHTER..SHARING.."...saw it all there.....

Great fun. The day went it wasn't as crowded beautiful weather nice breeze didn't have to wait in line long for anything.
They have great free music . My friends played there was wonderful time. Look forward to it every August the only thing is then summer is at its end.

Fun for both adults and families, you can find a plethora of shows to watch, activities to do, and stuff to eat. Unique, annual experience, the Minnesota state fair is a must do for everyone living near it

Always pretty fun. Be prepared to spend a lot of money

Amazing delicious food, bring lots of money to spend because the food is slightly pricey. Tons of people so if you are claustrophobic this place is not a place to go. The Martha cookies is number one thing to get!
They also have an arcade area plus game booths. The state fair is outside so be prepared for the weather and have loads of fun.

Very well done on cleanliness. We were there during some rain and there were fans in the proper places to keep it some what dried.

Fairgrounds are fun to visit both off season and during the fair.

Of u don't mind 100k plus people shoulder to shoulder then yes it's fun. Was first year going and I probably won't go back to crowded for the family with small children

Had a good time here. I must say I do feel discriminated against since I'm a smoker. I could not believe the small smoking area and no benches for people to sit on in the smoking area. Just because I smoke I don't feel that I should be penalized. I also feel that we should be able to bring a cooler in. I'm sorry I have children and it's too expensive to buy 8.00 drinks every hour. Air show was great. Thank you to all the men and women that serve in out military.

The great Minnesota Get Together!! You would think all the money they make they could lower the prices just a little bit 15$ a person to get in is a little pricey especially because hardly anything is free! 9$ for the porkchop this year and it wasn't particularly moist this year. Had fun never the less, spent 150$ but that's how it happens. Hey hey we're gonna get together Minnesota State Fair!

Had a great time with my daughter and her friend. Sweet Martha cookies starts off fresh on top and not so good when you get to the end of the bucket. Food price are pricey some of the food is worth it and some not. The Turkey leg NEVER disappoint. Family tried new food that was delicious like duck wings, lamb chops, grilled cheese brisket.

Maybe I got them from the wrong vendor, but the turkey legs were not as I remember them. They were great in the past. Cheese curds from Mouth Trap good as ever! Too many liberal politicians advertising, but, well, it is Minnesota, after all.

Crowded and expensive. It's been 40+ years since I've been to the fair and it will probably be another 40 before I go again. Every booth and food stand I visited, the vendor/staff was rude.

What is there to say about the MN State Fair that hasn't been said before?

An amazing place to have a beer, people watch, browse stuff you will never buy. It can get very crowded and some of the prices will make your eyes widen but we still go once or twice a year.

I totally understand the people that haven't been here in years also. The places can get sweltering hot and the crowds are endless. Still, it wouldn't be the end of a Minnesota summer without the State Fair.

A great place to be as summer comes to an end in the great state of Minnesota. State Fair has always been a place to try out new foods, see new things, and experiment what all the events going on at the fair has to offer. You can be here all day and still haven't seen enough. There are varieties of food everywhere you go. Corn on the cob is the best I've tried. The veggie fries were good too. I walked through the games area and it was interesting enough to kept me there for awhile. All in all, if you want to catch the last outdoor activities for the season don't forget to head out to the Minnesota State Fair. It's worth the trip.

There is something for everyone at the great Minnesota get together! I would recommend getting there via shuttle at one of the many park and rides throughout the cities. Parking can be a catastrophe, especially on the weekends. I just downloaded the MN State Fair app this year and it definitely helped with figuring out where things were located. This is a must-do for locals and visitors alike!

Everyone knows it's the best state fair. Fries, shakes, curds, and summit beer are your starting points.

The great MN get together- what hasn't already been written?
I'm just going to share a couple photos to hopefully brighten your day. Give it a chance, and you can't wait until next year:-)

Really is one of the best state fairs around. There is a large variety of activities for your whole family. Some of the best food as well. Everything on a stick! I would strongly recommend planning your day out with a map. As well as going to the information booths to see if people are running specials or sometimes there are food specials.

Over 30 yrs of going to fair LOVE what doesn't change and always New

I went with my neice and her friend, my sister and neice. The atmosphere was kid friendly and entertaining. There was many different things to see a snow maze for the kids and even mini golf!

First time visiting the state fair. It s a must. The day we went their were 222.000 plus people that day. A sea of people! Lots to eat and see! A real people watching extravaganza!!!

Kinda pricey, big lines, lots of fried food!
Not so bad!

What can you say about the great Minnesota get-together

Even with the fair being canceled, they were able to provide a good alternative. Much fun was had 2020, despite the Covid19 issue.

First time hitting up the concerts. Bus ride from UofM was a breeze, a bite at the blue barn was good, and Hall & Oates were amazing

Minnesota state fair has a whole bunch of foods to pick from. Games are fun and so are the rides

Fun place to go and lots to do but smells really gross near some places. I'm not taking about the barns those are relatively clean.

Bring $200 and ride ALL the rides and eat awesome food!

The State Fair is one of the best in the country. It has lots of places to eat and shop within it's grounds, but it's not the easiest to navigate through..... Especially when there are hundreds of thousands of people there with you.
Otherwise, it's usually quite clean and pleasant enough.

Best fair in America. Literally. Such good food, good people, great booths. How could anyone skip out on this? Get your corn. Get your cookies. Enjoy yourself!

It was ok.
The snow sculptures that were finished were awesome. Not really much going on there.a few more food trucks which w nice.

Lots of fun. Packed full of people though. We went on the all time high attendance day.

The big get together, Minnesota State Fair. was fantastic! The star of the fair was the food. If they could fry it, they did. If they could put it on a stick, they did! And it was delicious. The live music was good. Be ready for some dancing. The crowd was ready for some fun, and there was no noticeable trouble. A little hard to be rowdy when you're stuffed with Turkey legs! I will be back next year. Until then, its granola bars and salads!

Absolute culinary feast. My favorites, Martha's cookies, mini doughnuts and my favorite favorite, the fresh French fries.

Amazing (although expensive) and very different kinds (ones that you may have not heard of) of food. Entertaining stage shows. Mesmerising animal births. All in all, it's a whole day event and one should not miss even a single piece of it.

The great Minnesota get together. Couldn't be a better tag line. Best to go during the week to avoid the crowds, and better yet to go the first day to avoid the smells. Check the fair website for maps, event schedules, and new foods and attractions. Have fun!

I go every labor day and this was by far the best fair experience yet. Great new food and beverages. Also, all patrons seemed in an exceptionally good mood. Kudos Minnesota we really are still Minnesota Nice!! See you next year.

Too crowded on second Friday, too many booths of unhealthy food, could escape them on any street. Enjoyed Agriculture building and Creativity displays.

I love coming to the state fairgrounds for any event, but they need to find a better way to crowd control.
They do not have an efficient way of moving hundreds of people.

Huge, huge state fair. Can't take it all in with just a one day visit. Tons of exhibits, livestock, amusements and machinery More food than you can imagine or even have ever heard of. Lots of activities, crafts, exhibits, bands, parades, rides and demonstrations and more. Wear comfortable walking shoes. If you don't have a good time you must be a grouch..

I love the fair so much. Hoping for an annual pass for 2020. And better music.

We went two days, and had a fabulous time. The best thing is all the free musical groups on the different stages. Also went to a grandstand show. The Righteous Bros. were great!! And all the food stands ...something for everyone. Use a park and ride for easy free access.

Fantastic experience. Went back the next night. Go! Have fun! Loved it! Butter head sculptures, amazing fresh baked cookies and farm fresh milk. I ate a fried Twinkie (who really eats fried Twinkies??) and it was gooood! Ride the lift, see a show, check out the seed art, watch a live farm birth. Hold your date's hand and have a romantic stroll. Go!

Who doesn't love the state fair. Great people watching, shows, and the food is amazing. There is something there for everyone.

Great fair, good music, many foods on a stick (all tasty), many shopping options (cash only), bucket hats, and fun rides.

So awesome! Take some allergy meds before you go, dust and animal hay everywhere!

5 stars would highly recommend but bring your patient, people loving, extrovert self

Too many people and stuff is super expensive. It's to be expected at a fair but it's not for me

Simply the best state fair. There is nothing else like it.

I visit annually for Soundset. The grounds always seem well-managed.. clean facilities, well thought-out layout of the permanent fixtures for vendor retail sales, and the landscaping is very pleasing to the eye & maintained well. Definitely enjoy coming here!

Always Find SO Many NEW Thing's TO Do, See, And Eat....Been Going To The World's Best State Fair,(MINNESOTA) , FOR The Past 55 Year's, I Hope To Make It At Least Another 55 Years....Lol ... ...I MAY HAVE MISSED A FEW EMOJIS...

There's nothing quite like the Minnesota State Fair. But if you don't like crowds, stay far away.
There's good food and crazy food. Tons of free entertainment every day and night.
Live farm animals for the kids, and big name performers in the grandstand every night.
Minnesota, contrary to outsiders' opinions, is a very diverse state; and that is displayed in all its glory at the Fair.

Awesome experience . Very easy to get there and back using the special bus locations. The food is stellar and there's something for everyone, old favorites and many new choices every year. Whether you live here or are just visiting, get out there and see, experience, and enjoy all there is to offer! The BEST place to people watch. I've been enjoying it for years and will continue to go every year.

The fair is such a fun place, I go occasionally and always enjoy the food, butterfly garden, chairlift, and of coarse people watching!!

THE BEST FAIR! I travel from afar every year to attend the MN State Fair!!! I LOVE IT!!!!! Pronto pups, corn on the cob, cheese curds, sweet Martha's cookies, mini donuts, big fat bacon, pickle dog on a stick, strawberry shortcake.... just to name a few! Then there's the midway and kidway, and miracle birthing center, the grand stand, and the little stadium with the horse shows and things! This was my first year going in the little stadium area, I'm so glad I was curious! Those horses were AMAZING! Definitely a permanent mark on my calendar every year for FOREVER!!

Visited here for the Back to the 50's car show event. I really enjoyed this type of venue for this. It was really fun to walk through, parking was easy.

It's great but Jesus Christ it's a zoo. Be prepared for lines, people getting in your way constantly while looking at their phones, and spending $100+ for a family of 4. Worth it one time and maybe the occasional time in the future

48th year at the Minnesota State Fair.
My favorite part about the Fair is that it's always the same and always different.
I can feel like I did with memories of my Grandma, then as a teenager with friends, then with my kids as babies then teenagers. Many years I've had to go two times to get it all in.

Love going to the fair. Seems to get better every year.

I just attended my 3rd year for the annual "Back To The Fifties Car Show"... event itself seems same ole, same ole but still a pleasant outting & always fun. The grounds are easy to navigate, security and ground medics are always present. Of course, numerous comfort food vendors available on every block.
Finding parking outside the grounds is difficult.

Park & Ride is available at no additional cost and I highly recommend using it.

Wow! But after 2 years in Minneapolis I had heard about the state fair and never visited, but WOW! HERE I am campaigning in the Democratic tent with the State Comptroller. I saw, but didn't taste all the food on a stick, but the variety of options was wide & International! Mn NICE!

This was an incredible experience. There is so many food and craft places. The displays were amazing. The cattle and animals were beautiful. I would highly recommend using a park and ride to get there. We went on a rainy day and got in pretty quick but we were told that sometimes it is over an hour to get on a bus and they run constantly. There is a large midway. Many shows are playing throughout the day and everyday there is different things happening. We enjoyed it thoroughly, highly recommend checking this event out.

Was a great experience to visit. I get the hype. Just WAY too many people for me

It was a great show the best one that I've ever seen

Went on a Friday night. The energy was amazing. The temperature was great. The people watching was incredible. It is totally the great Minnesota get together.
The ferris while is pretty. I didn't ride it.

Always a fun tradition with the kids! They had a blast this year and even got to try new foods!

The Ozam Shiner Circus was fun for kids of All ages !