Dairy Building Minnesota State Fair

How do you review something so timeless. As a little one I came here frequently with my family and I would get so excited I would make myself sick! (Or so they say, I probably have issues with crowds or something). Anyway, I started volunteering in the vet med area in 2023 and I am so glad to be back I actually kind of preferred walking around by myself! I am glad they've been getting more vegan options. I was there in 2019 to see Brandi Carlile and that was my first time Grand Standing it. Always so much to do and so little time!

We attended this years Kick off to the summer at the State Fair grounds. It was a lovely day. The crowds weren't bad, due to a limit of people entering. This is a great event to go to if you think the fair is too large and has too many people try this one. You get your taste of fair goodies without the huge crowds and the heat!

Opening Day! Wow that was a big crowd! Would recommend the MN state fair to anyone! I'm already planning my return trip next year. I loved the vibe, everyone seemed so happy . Prepare yourself for some serious walking as there's so much to explore and discover! Lots of agricultural sights, I loved the award winning vegetable displays with their winning ribbons. Since moving to MN I've become quite the farmer ‍ I feel pretty confident I can display some of my monster sized zucchini and I'd win. Not gonna lie, I'm killing it out here on the farm. Lol who knew!? Lots of fabulous foods, cookies and milk had one of the longest lines, so many fried choices ,lots of yummy drinks, beer gardens and wine to choose from. I rode the tram from one side to another to get a better layout of the place. Lots of stuff for kids to do. Ohhh and Bingo on the grounds. You play for fair tickets the choice of current year or for next year we're offered. I almost won to, needed 1 number!! The parking situation... hahaha! Good luck. . Fantastic choices for headlining at the Grandstands. Capacity is 13.000 plus? Makes for a great end to the fair. I'm going back and I can't wait

This is the second largest state fair in the nation (Texas is first). I have lots of pictures and many fond memories of fairs past. The thing is, they cannot expand the grounds. The entry prices keep going up along with everything else. It is getting to be less about state and community and more about just packing people in and making money. So sad. Still, you can explore, meet new people and whoop it up, if you know where to go and what to do. Bring a good water bottle, some snacks, refill water wherever possible, find the restrooms, and keep an eye out for the bargains--they are there to find. My favorites are the cows, pigs, horses, and the Eco-building. Lots to explore. Get there early and make a day of it. Set a budget and stick to it. It is still a great experience, it just needs a little refining.

I'm in a food coma after all the good eats. GET THE AMISH DONUTS. I waited 40 minutes and it was worth it. It dissolved as soon as I bit into it. Think Krispy Kreme on crack. $5 The sirloin tips were better then I expected and honestly a good value. $14 for a whole sirloin, mashed potatoes, mushrooms and sautéed onions and peppers. The potatoes were a bit soggy and red skin on if that matters to anyone. You can ask for a sample if undecided. The food long hot dog with grilled onions a classic. $8 Peterson's pork chop. So juicy and flavorful. $11 Danielson's onion rings. So cute to have my onion rings handed to me by grandpa. Family owed and the onions rings were hot and fresh...delicious. $5.50 with a coupon Nitro ice cream: So good I forgot to snap a pic. Only available in vanilla but the silkiest ice cream I've had. I recently discovered making ice cream sandwiches with Sweet Martha's cookies and it's game changer!!!$6 Pro tips: If your not a drinker invest in a refillable sipper and keep it for years. Refills are cheaper usually less then $3. Mine attaches to my bag. Park and ride lots fill up quickly. Check before going to the lot to see availability on social media Bring a insulated cup filled with just ice for water. I used my Stanley and it was a lifesaver on the really hot days. Plus at refill stations your water is always ice cold. Bring ziplock bags: I bring 2 gallon, 2 quart and 2 sandwich size got leftovers. Don't bring a backpack. There are so many bag giveaways that you can get one there. Come to people watch, eat and have fun