Minnesota State Fair

Fairground · Falcon Heights

3

@eater

"Since its inception in 1859, the Minnesota State Fair has only been canceled six times, due to wars, national health crises, and one scheduling conflict. Most years, Great Minnesota Get Together is second to none in daily attendance numbers. In 2019, more than 2 million visitors gorged themselves on five dollar strips of fat bacon and overflowing buckets of cookies. The nonprofit fair, which does not receive any state funding, relies on tickets sales, non-fair events, licensing of commercial exhibit spaces and funding from the Minnesota State Fair Foundation to cover operating costs and keep the beloved fair going. According to State Fair General Manager Jerry Hammer, the cancelation in 2020 due to COVID 19 resulted in an operating loss of $16.2 million. While two State Fair Food Parades held on the fairgrounds last summer helped financially and allowed fair fanatics to get a truncated fried food fix, the 2021 season, nicknamed the Great Minnesota Get-Back Together, will be crucial to the fair’s survival. To get everyone psyched for this year’s fair, a preview was held on Memorial Day Weekend, aptly named Kickoff to Summer at the Fair. The event featured food, entertainment, and shopping. Over the five-day, sold-out event 70,000 fair fans happy-danced their way through the center of the grounds. It wasn’t two million visitors, but every little bit helps vendors who have suffered great losses from last year’s cancellation." - Alex Lodner

The Minnesota State Fair organizers look ahead to 2021 - Eater Twin Cities

1265 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN 55108 Get directions

mnstatefair.org
@mnstatefair

3 Postcards

See full details

More Places For You

LuLu's Public House

New American restaurant · Falcon Heights

Lulu's Public House is a lively spot at the Minnesota State Fair serving eclectic breakfast bites and creative beer options, perfect for foodies.

3 Postcards

French Meadow Bakery And Cafe at the MN State Fair

Cafe · Falcon Heights

At the Minnesota State Fair, this casual bakery delights with gluten-free and vegan treats like scrumptious sconuts and tasty cauliflower wings.

1 Postcard

Hamline Church Dining Hall

Family restaurant · Falcon Heights

Step into this historic dining hall at the fair for a comforting spread of pancakes, hearty sandwiches, and friendly service, perfect for families.

3 Postcards

Bell Museum

Museum · Falcon Heights

Explore the immersive Bell Museum, packed with stunning animal dioramas, engaging exhibits on Minnesota's natural history, and a planetarium offering captivating shows.

2 Postcards

O'Gara's at the Fair

Bar & grill · Falcon Heights

O'Gara's at the Minnesota State Fair offers a decent selection of fun foods like shepherd's pie and Reuben bites, plus great beer and live music vibes.

4 Postcards

Giggles' Campfire Grill

Restaurant · Falcon Heights

During the Minnesota State Fair, this lively spot dishes up from-scratch fish and game favorites, like walleye cakes and duck bacon wontons, paired with local craft brews.

2 Postcards

Minnesota State Fair Food Building

Restaurant · Falcon Heights

Spend your fair time indulging in the best hot cheese curds and falafel, while mingling with a crowd savoring a global smorgasbord of bites.

1 Postcard

Fresh French Fries

Fast food restaurant · Falcon Heights

At the Minnesota State Fair's Ligget and Patch, indulge in ridiculously crispy, salty fries that are a deliciously guilty pleasure—perfectly fresh and always fun!

1 Postcard

Sweet Martha's Cookie Jar

Cookie shop · Falcon Heights

Sweet Martha's Cookie Jar at the Minnesota State Fair is a vibrant pit stop for warm, overflowing buckets of cookies that'll make your tastebuds dance.

2 Postcards

The Lynhall No. 2640 Private Events

Event venue · Lowry Hill East

The Lynhall is a charming spot for light bites and cocktails, featuring stunning decor and outdoor seating, perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner.

13 Postcards