The countdown to the end of summer is officially on — and for us Northerners, that can only mean one thing: the Minnesota State Fair is here! Equal parts cultural institution, culinary adventure and love letter to all things Minnesota, the legendary gathering’s grounds become the state’s third-largest city each year, welcoming nearly two million ticket holders through its blue and green gates over 12 days. Whether you’re an excited first-timer or a seasoned fair pro plotting multiple trips, we’ve rounded up the most iconic, can’t-miss attractions to add to your itinerary for this year’s Great Minnesota Get-Together. Arrive hungry and prepare to satisfy your inner Minnesotan.
Photography provided by Minnesota State Fair
Princess Kay of the Milky Way Butter Sculptures
A title selected in a Department of Agriculture contest almost 60 years ago, Princess Kay of the Milky Way serves as Minnesota’’s official goodwill ambassador for dairy farmers across the state. 10 final candidates are selected to participate in the Minnesota State Fair competition annually, each having their likenesses carved into a 90-pound block of butter by sculptor Gerry Kulzer in a 40-degree rotating display cooler. This amazing tradition dates back to 1965 and each contestant is given their sculpture as the ultimate take-home prize to enjoy for years to come.
Fine Arts Center
Minnesota’s largest juried art exhibition takes place every year at the fair, showcasing more than 300 pieces selected from thousands of entries by artists across the entire state. The building was established in 1907 and is a sight to behold in all its singular historic glory. Guests have the opportunity to view a wide array of mediums throughout the gallery, including ceramics, paintings, photography, sculptures, textiles and more. The center also hosts live demonstrations each day where artists present an up-close look at their unique creation process.
The Great Big Wheel
There’s literally no missing the Great Big Wheel at the fair. Even if you find yourself not taking a spin on the legendary staple, the ride can be seen from nearly every vantage point at the fair, especially when it lights up each evening. This year, the brand-new America Wheel will rise an awe-inspiring 230 feet above the north end of the fairgrounds, boasting the title of the world’s largest traveling observation wheel — a full 75 feet larger than the usual Great Big Wheel enjoyed at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
CHS Miracle of Birth Center
The CHS Miracle of Birth Center is a one-of-a-kind agricultural education exhibit that serves as a home to baby animals during the first days of their lives. Staffed by volunteers with FFA, Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association and the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, the amazing barn is one of the most popular free exhibits at the fair, offering a close-up look at calves, lambs, goats and piglets as they say hello to the world for the first time. Education sits at the forefront of the birth center’s mission and offers hands-on activities led by FFA members daily.
Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar
Martha Rossini Olson is the first to tell that she’s been called “sweet” her entire life. The St. Paul native has been selling her fresh-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies for more than 40 years. And according to her, it’s all because of luck. Rossini’s cookie empire started as a small humble booth in 1979 and now produces nearly 3 million cookies per day at the Minnesota State Fair, cementing her as one of the most famed vendors of all time. GOAT status has never looked (or tasted) so good.
Crop Art Exhibit
Entirely unique to the Minnesota State Fair, crop art originated in 1965 and has been a beloved annual tradition ever since. Each detailed piece is made from Minnesota-grown seeds, stems and other plant parts on supporting backgrounds with or without the use of paints and dyes. Works submitted by both local and renowned crop artists are on display in the Agriculture Horticulture Building throughout the entire run of the fair, ushering a long line that is absolutely worth the wait.
Llama and Alpaca Costume Contest
Each year, the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum seats are filled to the brim for the insanely popular 4-H Llama and Alpaca Costume Contest. The cult classic showcase returns on September 2, with students and their four-legged friends decked out head-to-toe in complementary themed garb, strutting their stuff in a parade style around the arena. It’s creative, fun and truly the most wholesome moment you’ll have throughout your entire annual fair fete. The kids are alright!
Space Tower
If you seek a higher vantage point than those provided by the legendary Skyride gondolas or the Great Big Wheel, the 340-foot Space Tower takes guests up into the clouds for amazing views of the fairgrounds and beyond. A fair mainstay since 1965, the tower slowly circulates all the way to the top and provides a 360-degree look at both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Taking a turn on the tower also serves as a reprieve from the heat and a moment of quiet from the crowds.
