Top 25 Must-Do Experiences at the Minnesota State Fair

Every summer, nearly 2 million people visit the Minnesota State Fair. The Fair is an #OnlyinMN tradition for many Minnesotans and visitors alike.

With nearly 500 food items, 30 carnival rides and more than 900 free performances, there's plenty to keep you busy throughout the Fair's 12-day run.

Get ready for the “Great Minnesota Get-Back-Together” with these 25 must-dos. Before your visit, review the Minnesota State Fair's 2021 health and safety guidance. 

1. Ride the Giant Slide Ride the Giant Slide

   Grab a mat and ride the iconic Giant Slide at the Minnesota State Fair.

   No trip to the State Fair is complete until you grab a mat and take a ride down the iconic Giant Slide. Challenge a friend and the loser has to buy an ice cold lemonade for the winner.

2. Float Through 'Ye Old Mill' Float Through 'Ye Old Mill'

   For an old-school good time, board a boat and float through Ye Old Mill. This State Fair staple has been in operation for more than 100 years.

3. Chill Out on a Relaxing Ride Chill Out on a Relaxing Ride

   Summer days at the State Fair can get pretty busy, so take a break and relax on the Great Wheel, one of the tallest traveling Ferris wheels in North America.

4. Experience a new attraction or exhibit Experience a new attraction or exhibit

   From new shops to support to thrilling attractions, you will find something different to experience year after year. This year, take a ride on the new Riptide rollercoaster or watch artists create new murals at the Joyful World Mural Park. Find the full list of new attractions and exhibits for 2021.

5. Rise Above The Crowds Rise Above The Crowds

   Get a bird’s-eye view of the fair by taking a ride on the SkyGlider or Skyride. It’s a great way to get around the fairgrounds when you get tired of walking.

6. Go Into Space Go Into Space

   See new heights and great views of the fairgrounds and the Twin Cities by going up in the iconic Space Tower.

7. Watch the Parade Watch the Parade

   Watch the daily parade at 2 p.m. featuring the high school band competition, floats, animals, visiting royalty and more.  

8. Enjoy Fine Art Enjoy Fine Art

   Stroll through the Fine Arts building to see unique pieces by Minnesota artists.

9. Attend a Free Concert Attend a Free Concert

   Catch some live music at the Leine Lodge Bandshell, International Bazaar or Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater.

10. See the Butter Sculptures See the Butter Sculptures

    Watch Princess Kay of the Milky Way and the court have their likenesses carved into a 90-pound block of butter in the Dairy Building.

11. See Huge Shows at the Grandstand See Huge Shows at the Grandstand

    See a popular show at the Grandstand. Past artists include The Doobie Brothers, Weird Al, Darci Lynne Farmer of America's Got Talent and many more.

12. Laugh While You Learn Laugh While You Learn

    Discover Minnesota’s history with the hilarious History-On-A-Schtick show at the Schell’s Stage.

13. Try All the New Foods Try All the New Foods

    Every year, State Fair food vendors try to one-up each other with a mix of over-the-top new foods meant to impress and delight your palate. Come with a group and try to taste them all! This year will feature bison bites, cucumber jalapeño limeade, Cajun cheese curds, caramelized banana pudding and more. See the full list of funky foods for 2021. 

14. Eat a Bucket of Cookies Eat a Bucket of Cookies

    Dunk a warm Sweet Martha’s Cookie (or 12) into a cup of ice cold milk from the All You Can Drink Milk booth.  

15. Sip Minnesota-Made Drinks Sip Minnesota-Made Drinks

    There are more than 300 Minnesota beers, wines and ciders on the fairgrounds for you to try. Some Fair favorites are Lift Bridge Brewery’s Mini Donut Beer and the flight of Minnesota wines at Minnesota Wine Country.

16. Take in the Scenery Take in the Scenery

    Watch a variety of Minnesota fish swimming in the pond or climb to the top of the fire tower at the DNR Building.

17. Appreciate Agriculture Appreciate Agriculture

    Celebrate Minnesota's agricultural significance by seeing the prize-winning and giant vegetables in the Agriculture Horticulture Building or learn about a variety of topics in the 4-H building.

18. Seek Out Seed Art Seek Out Seed Art

    Gaze at the incredible crop art in the Agriculture-Horticulture building. Art and crops collide to create unique pieces made of seeds, corn husks and more. This state fair tradition has been going on since 1965.  

19. Watch Lumberjacks at Work Watch Lumberjacks at Work

    Channel the spirit of Paul Bunyan at the Timberworks Lumberjack Show with daily shows at the North Woods area.

20. Eat Curds Eat Curds

    Share some piping hot cheese curds with your friends or family.

21. See the Stunt Dogs See the Stunt Dogs

    See former rescue dogs perform new tricks at the All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash at the North Woods.

22. Watch Llamas Dress to Impress Watch Llamas Dress to Impress

    Watch the popular Llama Costume Contest to see 4-H kids and their llamas in coordinating costumes.

23. Appreciate the Gift of Life Appreciate the Gift of Life

    Walk through the CHS Miracle of Birth Center to see and pet adorable baby pigs, cows, goats and chicks.

24. Go Upscale Go Upscale

    Shop ‘til you drop at the West End Market, Veranda and more. The new Veranda area in the Grandstand features boutique-style shopping showcasing vintage, upcycled, handmade and made-in-Minnesota goods.

25. Eat Food On a Stick Eat Food On a Stick

    A State Fair staple, you can find more than 60 items on a stick including Cajun-seasoned alligator sausage, bacon, deep-fried olives, key lime pie and more.