We don’t take the Minnesota State Fair lightly. We’re talking favorite foods, parking tips, must-see stops, and a few strongly held opinions from people who really know their way around the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Here are 15 hot takes to help you eat, explore, and experience the Fair like a true enthusiast!
1. Download the MN On A Stick App
Ditch the official MN State Fair app and download the MN On A Stick App instead! An interactive map that lets you create a wish list, favorite booths, and even alerts you when you’re nearby. Really a 10/10!
2. Skip the Parking Hassles – Take the Bus or Bike
Take advantage of Metro Transit’s special MN State Fair service or hop on your bike and enter the bike valet lot on Como Ave. It’s free, staffed all day, and so convenient! Plus, you’ll skip the notorious parking lot traffic jams.
3. Budget Burgers + Beer: Midway Men’s Club
For a delicious $5 burger AND the most affordable beer at the MN State Fair, make a beeline for the Midway Men’s Club. Bonus points: all proceeds go to charity!
4. Free Chapstick at the Star Tribune Booth
Snag this cult-favorite Star Tribune souvenir, famous for out-of-the-box flavors like pickle, bacon, and cheese curd. This year’s flavor? “Minnesota Nice” – a floral scent inspired by our state flower, the lady slipper.
5. The Grandstand lineup goes HARD
We’re talkin’ world class acts. This year’s lineup includes Bonnie Raitt, Sierra Ferrell + Tanya Tucker, and TLC + Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue. We rest our case.
6. Must-See MN State Fair Attractions
Come for the food, stay for…the llama costume contest? A few musts:
- Seed art displays
- Annual scarecrow contest
- Famous butter sculptures
- And yes, the Llama costume contest (trust us on this one!)
7. Don’t Skip the Fine Arts Building
This hidden gem showcases incredible local Minnesota artwork. It’s a peaceful respite from the crowds and a great way to support local artists. The quality and variety will surprise you.
8. The World’s BEST Seasoning Mix
The world’s BEST seasoning mix is given away for free at the Pork table in the Dairy Building. Take one home and keep the Fair flavor going all year long!
9. The BINGO Hack You Need to Know
Want a free ticket to next year’s Fair? Play BINGO at the Ramberg Center for a chance to win! Hot tip: Go early – the competition is lighter and your odds are better.
10. Must-Try MN State Fair Beers
- Chocolate chip cookie beer at Andy’s Grille
- Grain Belt Blu Beer with frozen Blu topper at Pryes Brewing Pavilion
- Mini Donut beer at Ball Park Cafe
11. Cheese Curd Champions: The Mouth Trap
For the absolute best cheese curds at the MN State Fair, there’s only one answer: the Mouth Trap in the Food Building. These aren’t just good – they’re the best.
12. Don’t You Dare Sleep On Getting an Ice cream Sundae or Malt in the Dairy Building
More Fair food faves:
- Blue Barn
- MN Farmer’s Union
- LuLu’s Public House
- Blue Moon Dine-In Theater
- Sweet Martha’s Cookies (head to the booth near the Grandstand – located on the North side of West Dan Patch Avenue, between Liggett and Chambers streets – it’s next to the All-You-Can-Drink-Milk booth!)
- The Produce Exchange
- Corn Roast
- Baba’s
- Que Viet (pssst, you can get their eggrolls year round at their two brick-and-mortar locations in the Twin Cities! They are legitimately the best egg rolls you will ever eat!)
- Pronto Pup
- Peachey’s Baking Co
13. Go with a Group for Maximum Food Sampling
More people = more bites. A group of 4–6 just might be the sweet spot for splitting costs and sampling way more of the Fair.
14. Beat the Weekend Rush
For fewer crowds, weekdays are the move. The MN State Fair is significantly less crowded on weekdays, especially Monday through Thursday. You’ll have shorter lines, easier navigation, and a more relaxed experience overall. Hot tip: opening day and the Thursday before the last weekend tend to have the lowest attendance.
15. Love It or Hate It: Ye Old Mill
Hear us out: Ye Old Mill is dark, cool, usually not crowded, and the perfect little Fair reset. Think of it less as a ride and more as a wonderfully weird, air-conditioned-ish escape from the crowds.
Hot tip: Save this list to your phone so you can reference it while wandering the fairgrounds. Happy fair-going!