State Fair Tips and Tricks

Serving as many people's last hurrah for the summer season, the Minnesota State Fair is perhaps one of the most magical, glorious places known to man. That is, at least, if the sea of fairgoers, obnoxious heat and humidity and "exotic" food options aren't enough to drive visitors away. Though it can seem like an overstimulating and overwhelming experience, some tricks and pointers can help make your next visit a little easier.

DO Plan Your Day in Advance

To avoid aimless wandering and wasting precious, limited time, it's best to determine what your party wants to hit before arriving at the grounds. Planning ahead and hitting the ground running can be a game changer, as this leads to better time management, so it's definitely worth prioritizing your goals for your visit. The fair's website is a great resource to refer to for maps and locations, which allow time to be spent waiting in line for Sweet Martha's cookies instead of trying to find the nearest restroom.

DON'T Rely on Credit or Debit Cards

Though most businesses readily accept and encourage card usage for transactions, the State Fair is an exception. Most of the vendors are only set up for two weeks, so getting card readers installed in stands isn't a guarantee because of the short operating window. Always bring a healthy amount of physical cash, not checks, as a backup!

DO Stay Hydrated and Cool

Temperatures are more likely to be hot than cool during the fair, and humidity and mugginess are also things to expect during your visit. Thankfully, the State Fair has a few ways of counteracting the heat. The fair allows visitors to bring their own non-alcoholic beverages through the fair gates, including water bottles, which can be refilled for free at various pavilions throughout the grounds. Sipping on water throughout the day will greatly decrease your chances of dehydration. Misting fans can also be found at various locations in the fair, and walking through them will give you a bit of a refreshing feeling. If your party is looking for a way out of the sun, try exploring some of the pavilions. These buildings are likely to have some air conditioning (ceiling fans to be expected), and you may find some cool exhibits, booths or purchasable goods.

DON'T Expect to Park in the Grounds' Parking Lots

These spaces fill up extremely fast, and you will likely not be able to secure a spot. Instead, what most visitors will end up doing is parking off-site. Within the surrounding neighborhood, most residents will be selling lots in their front yards for day parking. Though these may be a bit pricey, they are a short distance from the main gates and are a quick solution (if you can find an open lawn). Additionally, there are official State Fair off-site parking lots and shuttle rides that are free, so this is another option.

DO Wear Sneakers or Athletic Shoes

As cute as some sandals may be, your party will be on their feet for most of the day. It's important to set yourself up for success with the right type of shoe. With that, a supportive shoe can only do so much. You alone know how much your feet can take, so plan accordingly, and don't be afraid to sit for a little bit too.

DON'T Miss Out on the Food!

As strange as some of the items may be, the food is a big draw for most visitors. However, the edible offerings can get to be a bit pricey, so it may be wise to split the costs with friends and family. Additionally, the fair publishes an annual bargain book full of coupons to use for food and select attractions, so consider picking up a copy beforehand.

I hope that with these tidbits in mind, your next — or first trip — to the Minnesota State Fair will be a great one! No visit or game plan will play out exactly as you may want, but part of the fun is the chaos of it all, and that's what can make a trip memorable.