Minnesota State Fair: Best Food & Rides Guide

The Minnesota State Fair, also known as the "Great Minnesota Get-Together," is one of the largest and most iconic state fairs in the United States. Held annually in St. Paul, Minnesota, the fair attracts millions of visitors from all over the world, showcasing the state's rich agriculture, art, and culture. One of the main attractions of the fair is its incredible food and thrilling rides. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best food and rides that the Minnesota State Fair has to offer.
Best Food at the Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair is renowned for its diverse and mouth-watering food options. From classic corndogs and cotton candy to unique and exotic dishes, the fair has something for every palate and preference. Some of the must-try foods at the fair include the famous Pronto Pup, a corn dog dipped in a secret batter recipe, and the all-you-can-drink milk stand, which offers a variety of flavors and is a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Other notable food vendors include the Turkey To Go stand, which serves up delicious roasted turkey sandwiches, and the Sweet Martha's Cookie Jar stand, which offers a wide variety of warm, chewy cookies. For those looking to try something new and unique, the Spam Curds stand is a must-visit, offering crispy fried cheese curds filled with Spam.
Top 5 Food Recommendations
Here are the top 5 food recommendations to try at the Minnesota State Fair:
- Pronto Pup: A classic corndog dipped in a secret batter recipe
- Turkey To Go: Delicious roasted turkey sandwiches
- Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar: Warm, chewy cookies in a variety of flavors
- Spam Curds: Crispy fried cheese curds filled with Spam
- Foot Long Hot Dog: A giant hot dog served on a stick
Food Vendor | Location |
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Pronto Pup | West End Market |
Turkey To Go | Food Building |
Sweet Martha's Cookie Jar | West End Market |
Spam Curds | Food Building |
Foot Long Hot Dog | Midway |

Best Rides at the Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair features a wide variety of thrilling rides and attractions, from classic carnival games to heart-pumping roller coasters. Some of the must-ride attractions include the Space Tower, which offers breathtaking views of the fairgrounds, and the Double Decker Carousel, a beautiful and historic merry-go-round.
Other notable rides include the Scrambler, a high-speed spinning ride, and the Tilt-A-Whirl, a classic carnival ride that is sure to leave you screaming. For those looking for something a bit more relaxing, the Ferris Wheel offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the fair.
Top 5 Ride Recommendations
Here are the top 5 ride recommendations to try at the Minnesota State Fair:
- Space Tower: Breathtaking views of the fairgrounds from high above
- Double Decker Carousel: A beautiful and historic merry-go-round
- Scrambler: A high-speed spinning ride that is sure to leave you screaming
- Tilt-A-Whirl: A classic carnival ride that is a must-try
- Ferris Wheel: Stunning views of the surrounding area from high above
Ride | Location |
---|---|
Space Tower | Midway |
Double Decker Carousel | East End |
Scrambler | Midway |
Tilt-A-Whirl | Midway |
Ferris Wheel | East End |
What are the dates of the Minnesota State Fair?
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The Minnesota State Fair typically takes place over a 12-day period in late August and early September, with the exact dates varying from year to year.
What are the hours of operation for the Minnesota State Fair?
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The Minnesota State Fair is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with the Midway and other attractions opening at 9:00 AM.
How much does it cost to attend the Minnesota State Fair?
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Admission prices for the Minnesota State Fair vary depending on the day and time of visit, with adult tickets ranging from 13 to 15 and child tickets ranging from 10 to 12.