{"id":2504,"date":"2017-08-16T09:00:28","date_gmt":"2017-08-16T14:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/?p=2504"},"modified":"2024-02-29T06:04:38","modified_gmt":"2024-02-29T12:04:38","slug":"top-5-reasons-to-visit-the-mn-state-fair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/top-5-reasons-to-visit-the-mn-state-fair\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Things to Do at the Minnesota State Fair 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s almost time for the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Can you smell the cheese curds yet? I know some that don\u2019t understand the love, or the need to go every single year. I am not one of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s like saying I’m never going to a Target again because you\u2019ve seen it all. Trust me, there is always something new to discover. Here are some of my favorite things to do at the Minnesota State Fair, in case you’re hesitant to go again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Things to Do at the Minnesota State Fair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 4H Animals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A day at the fair needs to start at the See the largest and the smallest animals in one place. Begin your visit at the CHS Miracle of Birth Center. This place gets insanely busy so get there early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am partial to sticking to the side with all the new babies. They have cows, sheep, goats, pigs, chicks and my personal favorite, the ducks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many times volunteers will hold them so you can get a closer look and sometimes get a pet in. You can watch animals giving birth in a viewing area with video screens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After seeing the smallest animal, head over to the different animal booths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Onsite you will see the prize-winning varieties of the different categories. The biggest pig is always everyone’s favorite. The Piglets and the Largest Boar now have their own section of the Pig Booth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch your step as you navigate through this part of the fair. They are good at cleaning up after animals, but you never know what is fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Piglets<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
\"Cows<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Music<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The best entertainment is found at Lennie Lodge. They have good acts running all day long with a bigger act at the end of the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the best parts is the bands will stick around after sometimes to sign their merchandise. The venue seats up to 3,000 people with room for another 2,000 visitors to stand behind. It\u2019s very intimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to see a headliner, the grandstand is where to go. They always have amazing acts each night. My family got so into it one year we went to 7 shows. It was a crazy time. After the show, sit back in your chair and watch the fireworks.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Bandshell
Photo Courtesy of the Minnesota State Fair<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Entertainment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is tons of great entertainment and I’m not talking about people watching. You can watch the All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash Show, or the Timberworks Lumberjack Show, both at the North Woods Complex. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can take a peek at the latest cars, or watch the butter carver of the Princess Kay of the Milky way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also partake in the competitions. Did you know they host an ice cream eating competition and cottage cheese eating. All great reasons to visit the Minnesota State Fair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pink<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Corvette<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Learn something new<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The MN State Fairgrounds has some great exhibits. It’s all about learning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For history, check out the: Historic Streetcar Arch, History & Heritage Center, History Walking Tour, Minnesota Newspaper Museum<\/a> and Old Iron Show<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kids favorites are: Agriculture Horticulture & Bee, Aisle of Breeds, Alphabet Forest, CHS Miracle of Birth Center, The Common Table: Minnesota Eats, The DIRT Demo Stage, EquiMania!\u2122, Goat Booth, Kemps Little Farm Hands, Ag-Vestigator Education Station, Math On-A-Stick, Moo Booth, Baa Booth, Oink Booth, Thank A Farmer Magic Show<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Minnesota<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Shopping \u2013 Great Deals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In most of the merchandise area, you\u2019ll find salespeople pitching their As Seen On TV wears. This can be a lot of fun watching the demonstrations and seeing what kind of additional deals you can get. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My husband and I have a rule on this one. If you see something you like, tell the other person. Next year, if you can find it again and still want it, go for it. If you can\u2019t find it, it\u2019s not meant to be. It helps us with impulse buys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now if you are looking for something unique or custom-made, there are a few places to check out. I always start at the International Bazar. It is located on the south side of Judson Ave between Underwood and Cooper Street. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll find international-themed merchandise, food, and music. The newest shopping location is West End Market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They recently re-did the venue and have a bunch of one-of-a-kinds. Like upcycled, candles and home d\u00e9cor made from factory parts.<\/p>\n\n\n