MN State Fairgrounds

Name: MN State Fairgrounds
Address: Hoyt Ave W, Falcon Heights, MN 55108, USA, Minneapolis, MN, US
Telephone: (651) 288-4400
Rating: 4.7

4.7(4,791) Minneapolis, MN

Directions Website

About MN State Fairgrounds

A massive, highly engaging venue offering an endless variety of activities from educational exhibits like crop art to specialty flea markets, paired with legendary food options and excellent heat-relief infrastructure.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Families seeking a full day of diverse entertainment and unique foodsCollectible and craft enthusiastsParents looking for budget-friendly transit optionsToddlers and Preschoolers who enjoy the sights, misters, and sweet treatsSchool-age children who love the carnival games and interactive energy exhibits

Why families love it

Beautiful horticulture center featuring unique crop art displays
Endless food options including Sweet Martha's cookies and pickle cheese curd tacos
Specialty events like the Gem & Mineral show and flea markets
Misting stations and indoor cooling buildings for hot days
Express bus transit that simplifies transportation
Free water filling stations and cooling zones

Insider tips

Arrive early between 8:00 AM and 8:15 AM to beat the breakfast lines
Take the $5 express bus from locations like Bloomington 30th St or Maple Grove instead of parking on-site
Mark your must-try food spots on a paper map using the fair's website before arriving
Bring refillable water bottles to use at the public filling stations

Good to know before you go

Attempting to park directly at the fairgrounds
Arriving late morning if you want to avoid long breakfast queues
Can get extremely hot with limited active ventilation in some areas
Long lines at popular breakfast spots like Blue Barn and Nordic Waffles
On-site parking is difficult and frustrating to navigate

Crowds: Crowds and lines peak around popular food stands later in the morning; early arrival by 8:00 AM is best
Value: Excellent value with highly affordable, high-quality food options and a very cheap $5 per person round-trip express bus option.
Food: Countless food stands and sit-down restaurants available; planning ahead with an online map is highly recommended
Accessibility: Cooling buildings and active misters to assist those sensitive to extreme heat
Safety: Misters and designated indoor cooling areas to prevent heat-related issues

What parents say

Pat Goff

5.0

"Went to the flea market & Gem & Mineral show - both happened simultaneously on the same day. Both shows were amazing to see with almost an endless selection of items to see/buy. Loved both and these are both must-see/visit events if you’re into cool, vintage collectibles of many genres/eras - or gems, minerals of almost an unlimited selection - simply incredible!"

6 months ago

Tammy Campy

5.0

"Another amazing experience! So much interesting information and beautiful displays in the horticulture center! And crop art! The energy center had fascinating information as well! And a great friend won a huge stuffed animal on his 1st try at the games! Food was fabulous!"

7 months ago

Marcus Corbin

5.0

"Had a blast at the fair this year! We even went on one of the hottest days and still had fun. Maybe would have been nice to have a fan or something! Anyway, staples here are the corn on a cob, sweet Martha's cookies, or anything that is on a stick or deep fried. We didn't have any food that was bad and it was all very affordable. I would recommend getting to the fair by bus as it's only $5 / person and a 15-20 minute ride. I usually try to avoid parking at the fair. Bloomington 30th Street was a good place to park near MOA. We also go to County Road 73 or Maple Grove which have pretty good siz"

8 months ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.