UPDATED AUGUST 2026! The end of August brings one of the best events of the year: the Minnesota State Fair! Although most states in the US have their own state fair every year, Minnesota’s is one of the biggest and best in the nation (although I might be slightly biased). The Great Minnesota Get-Together has the largest daily attendance in the country, trailing only behind Texas in terms of total attendance (although the Texas State Fair runs nearly twice as long).

With a lifetime of knowledge and years upon years of experience at the Minnesota State Fair, it is one thing you simply can’t miss if you find yourself in Minnesota and St. Paul during the last week of August until Labor Day (in September). Exciting, overwhelming, gluttonous, and with everything you could ever imagine served deep fried and on a stick – here are 12 tips, tried and tested, to make the most of your visit to the Minnesota State Fair!

1) Look up the new food list in advance

Every year, about two months before the start of the State Fair, they release the details for all the new food items. Not only should you look up the list, but research what new foods you’ll want to try and where they are. There are always new wild and interesting additions to the list, and trying something wacky is part of the State Fair experience!

2) Buy discount tickets beforehand

You can buy slightly cheaper tickets in the run-up to the State Fair – usually online, at ticket offices, or from certain Cub locations around the Twin Cities. You’ll save a couple of bucks which you can put towards more food! If you’re a serious State Fair enthusiast, look into buying a Blue Ribbon Bargain Book – you’ll get 100 coupons for savings across all types of vendors at the Fair, and it’s about $5!

3) Go earlier for fewer crowds

The State Fair usually opens early in the morning, and there will always be significantly less crowds in the morning (before noon) than in the afternoon and evening. If you can prepare your stomach for an earlier start, it’s a good way to miss out on long lines! You’ll always encounter far fewer crowds if you can go on a weekday than on a weekend.

4) Don’t go solo: divide and conquer

While I’m a huge advocate for solo travel and love exploring places on my own, the Minnesota State Fair is really best when you go with at least one person. This way, you can sample the most foods and spend the least money with the divide and conquer theory. Split everything straight down the middle (both price-wise and food-wise), and it’ll be an even better experience!

5) Park & Ride is your best friend

Seriously, don’t bother trying to park at the Fair. Driving is horrendous and parking is expensive. It is much easier to get yourself to any of the convenient Park & Ride stations across the Metro area, and take public transportation to the Fairgrounds. I have always gotten to the State Fair from a Park & Ride location, where it’s free to park and free to take the bus. Don’t stress yourself out with driving and parking! Buses run regularly throughout the Fair’s opening hours. If you’re staying late, the last bus is usually at 11:30pm – check in advance though!

6) Pace yourself

Perhaps the most important tip of all: the Minnesota State Fair is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s not a race to the finish line – the end should be viewed as a triumphant final step as you roll yourself across the finish line, stuffed to the brim after feasting on fair food. Don’t rush, but instead savor every bite and take your time. This counts for alcoholic drinks too!

7) Alternate between sweet and savory

I have always had the best days at the Fair when I alternate my dishes between sweet and savory. Cheese curds then malts, foot-long corn dogs then cookies. Your stomach will last longer and you will find that you’re capable of eating far more than your wallet can afford when you alternate foods like this!

8) It’s still helpful to bring some cash

Over the last 10 years, many vendors at the State Fair have switched to accepting card payments. But even now, you might find it helpful to have a little bit of cash (maybe $20). There are ATMs located across the Fairgrounds, but it’s best to get cash out ahead of time. ATMs at the State Fair usually have a service charge, plus your bank might charge you a fee.

9) Pack the essentials

As with any day when you plan to spend the majority of the time outside, pack the essentials for a State Fair trip. I always bring sunscreen, hand sanitizer, a hat, a water bottle, a rain jacket, and good walking shoes. The weather in Minnesota can change quickly, especially from morning to evening, so be prepared and bring the essentials.

10) Go on the Ferris Wheel for a great view

While the open-air SkyGlider and the Skyride are nice, I personally think the Ferris Wheel has the best view. They’ve since changed the location of the Midway from the above picture, so it won’t look quite the same. But if you want to see the State Fair from above, especially lit up at night, head to the Ferris Wheel.

11) Don’t miss classic State Fair attractions

If you need a break from eating, there are a few things that you absolutely can’t miss at the Minnesota State Fair. The Biggest Pig in the state is in the Swine Barn (you also get your own Oink Booth hat). The Butter Sculptures of Princess Kay of the Milky Way are in the Dairy Barn (in their rotating case, refrigerated at 40F). The Crop Art contest is housed in the Agriculture and Horticulture building and always has a range of brilliant (and beautifully artistic!) submissions. The “Greetings from Minnesota” mural, located on Cooper Street, between Dan Patch Avenue and Carnes Avenue, is a must-see. I also always like seeing the DNR Fish Pond and seeing the History & Heritage Center (in West End Market).

12) Guard Sweet Martha’s Cookies with your life

Sweet Martha’s is a Minnesotan institution. They sell millions of cookies each year – in less than two weeks at the Fair! The chocolate chip cookies are incredible, and are available in different sizes: a cone or a bucket. If you’re by yourself, get a cone – but if you’re sharing with a friend, you might want to go for a bucket. They fill the bucket nearly half over the actual bucket size, but guard those extra cookies with your life as you walk out of line – you don’t want to drop them! I’ve seen so many heartbreaking spills, and the cookies aren’t cheap. Buy these towards the end of your time at the Fair, so you don’t have to carry them around all day. If you’re a real pro, bring a Ziploc bag for the overflow cookies.

Planning Your Trip to Minnesota

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport – which is consistently rated one of the best airports in the country – is the best airport for visiting the Minnesota State Fair. I use Skyscanner to find the best flight prices. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Looking for tours in St. Paul? Check out options below!

Wondering where to stay on your trip to the Twin Cities? Here are a few options:

• St. Paul: Celeste of St. Paul – elegant rooms with a period flair and lots of character in downtown St. Paul
• St. Paul: Courtyard by Marriott St. Paul Downtown – comfortable rooms and friendly staff in a great location
• Minneapolis: Moxy Minneapolis Downtown – a modern hotel in a prime downtown location, with a fun on-site bar
• Minneapolis: Hewing Hotel – a top Minnesota luxury hotel, relax in chic rooms or at the rooftop pool
• Minneapolis: Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis University Area – clean rooms and an indoor pool plus hot tub await at this property near the University of Minnesota campus

The Minnesota State Fair makes for an exceptionally unique experience in the Twin Cities. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Minnesota, and I love going whenever I’m back. I hope this post helps planning your trip to the Great Minnesota Get-Together!

Have you ever been to the Minnesota State Fair or another State Fair?

You might also like my posts:

16 Incredible Places to Visit in Minnesota

The Top 20 Things to Do in St. Paul, Minnesota

The Top 25 Things to Do in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Amazing Places to Visit Up North in Minnesota

6 Reasons to Visit Minnesota in Winter

Planning Your Trip to the Boundary Waters: What to Know & Top Packing Tips

A Superb Five-Day Itinerary for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (Moose River)

Like this post? Pin it for later!