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As the million-plus people who attend each year can attest, summer isn’t officially over without a trip — or three — to the Minnesota State Fair. The highly anticipated event takes over the State Fairgrounds in St. Paul for 12 days every August through Labor Day.
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how many of these iconic state fair things have you done?
With nearly 500 food items, 30 carnival rides, and more than 900 free performances, there's plenty to keep you busy throughout the Minnesota State Fair. We’ve got 25 must-dos for your fair trip!
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the more the merrier
From the Kidway to the Cattle Barn to Sweet Martha’s Cookies, we’ve collected many of the fair's family-friendliest attractions, activities and foods. Start a cherished end-of-summer tradition (without the stress).
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BY RACHEL UNDERBAKKE, STATE FAIR SUPER FAN
My earliest memory of the Great Minnesota Get-Together was eating a Pronto Pup with my dad and hitting the Midway around the age of 5. Fast forward, and moving out of state after college hasn't stopped me from flying home every August for the past 11 years to attend the Minnesota State Fair.
The foods on a stick, lumberjack shows, and endless “opes!” bring me back to my roots every year. In anticipation of the Fair's Opening Day, I'm sharing what I think are its best-kept secrets.
grand stand demonstrations
Have you ever wanted to buy a hot tub and a blender in the same shopping trip? The Grand Stand has you covered! While the Grand Stand is most known for the nightly concerts, inside the 2-story building are rows and rows of vendors and State Fair sales. Don't miss out on the time-honored demos for cookware, food processors, and the rug cleaner that can get out even the toughest messes (allegedly).
international bazaar
While the fair is most known for its deep-fried food on a stick, the International Bazaar is a wonderful way to experience a vast range of food from many different cultures. Shop the wide selection of vendors, listen to some live music and shop unique goods.
radio stations
Every local radio station attends the fair and most, if not all of them, live broadcast from there. KDWB, KS95, MPR, the list goes on and on. Hit up some of the radio stations to enter into Fair-only drawings, get some free giveaways and meet your favorite radio DJs.
the hangar
Home to unique drinks and live music. The hangar has changed a few times over the past decade but it has become one of my favorite spots for an adult beverage in the evening. It has rows and rows of open seating, a rarity at the fair, and is fully covered so it is great if you need to get out of the heat and enjoy a drink and some music.
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follow in the footsteps of two food fanatics and their minnesota dream trip |
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FOR THE MINNESOTA TRIVIA FANATIC
ye old mill, which began operating in 1915, is the oldest amusement at the fairgrounds.
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from top to bottom: Midway at the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul, photo by Paul Vincent | Ferris wheel at the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul, photo by Lane Pelovsky | Parade at the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul, photo by Andrew Parks | Grand Stand building, photo by the Minnesota State Fair | International Bazaar, photo by the Minnesota State Fair | KDWB radio booth, photo by the Minnesota State Fair | Hangar building, photo by Hangar MN | Food stands at the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul, photo by Paul Vincent |
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