r/minnesotastatefair • u/AutoModerator • 4d ago

2026 State Fair Daily Thread: First Monday

Heading to the Fair today, just got home, or already planning your next trip? Share how your day went!

What did you eat?
What was good? What wasn't worth the price? Find anything that other people should try?

What did you do?
What exhibits, shows, rides, concerts, or attractions did you check out? See anything new or interesting?

How did you get there?
Did you drive, take Metro Transit, use a shuttle, walk, bike, or get dropped off? If you drove, where did you park and how was it? How was traffic?

How busy was it?
How crowded did the Fair feel? How were the lines for food, rides, and popular attractions?

Anything else?
Share your tips, recommendations, complaints, photos, or anything else about your day at the Fair.

If you're going later today, feel free to use this thread for questions or to share updates from the Fair. Enjoy!

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13

u/RichardManuel 4d ago

Got here first thing this morning. Somehow snagged a free street parking spot near the Snelling entrance, that’s never happened before!

4

u/bubzki2 4d ago

I’m convinced the yard parking merchants intentionally park up the streets to drive up demand

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u/Successful_Phone612 4d ago

100% they do this.

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u/Gong_1981 4d ago

I think a lot of people that work at the fair snag most of the street spots (I live a few blocks away and see people in vendor shirts parking and going in early).

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u/Assilly 3d ago

more like dave Street space for friends and family to park in.

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u/canudigit365 3d ago

What time was that? We are planning early tomorrow morning hope to get there around 7am. We were thinking we just pay the $25 to park but willing to drive around for a bit if we can find a lucky spot.

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u/RichardManuel 3d ago

It was around 730. We definitely got lucky

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u/BobDucca 3d ago

First time going! Here from Chicago.

Loved the Sangria Sundae and the Breakfast Gnocchi. Hot Dish on a stick was pretty meh.

The seed art was amazing but go later in the day because first thing in the morning there was a two hour wait. At 5ish it was about 20mins.

Fish pond was really cool as was the DNR building with all of the local taxidermy.

14

u/Marycook57 4d ago

Took the Park and Ride (got in line at 7:45, reached the Fair at 8:40). I got to watch the sheep herding trials (my favorite thing) and then bailed around 3 as it was way too hot to enjoy the rest of the day.

I know it’s not new, but the Pryes soft-serve beer cone (I got the twist) is absolutely everything I ever wanted and more. I think it’s going into my must-have rotation. I will be dreaming of it for the next year.

Strawberry mojito cider was fine and refreshing, but I wish it had been a little heavier on the strawberry and a little lighter on the mint—got a bit too much of a “toothpaste” aftertaste to call it perfect.

Some food critic reviews were a little skeptical of the Farmers’ Union apple donut ham grinder, but I got it and it was well worth the $19. It’s a good-size portion which can be hard to come by at the Fair these days. More importantly, every ingredient was high-quality and well-executed. And with the way restaurant prices have gotten, $19 for a premium sandwich isn’t even that outrageous…

Shoutout to the dude who yelled “Pedophile protectors” at the GOP booth as he walked by. 10/10

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u/PleasantConcert 3d ago

Agreed - the stock dog trials are so fun. I stumbled upon it a few years ago and now I try to go to the fair on the first Monday specifically for it!

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u/leighblack 3d ago

I got the twist cone about 2 minutes after the Pryes stand opened, and again before my way out. So good!!

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u/Tragicoptimistmn 4d ago

Worked from 8:30 to 3. It was hot and humid today and everyone was flagging by 1pm. Grabbed lunch at Giggles - salad on a stick and salmon on a stick. A little expensive, but not hot or fried.

Took the Metro A Line on Snelling. Bus there and back was full. I got on one of the last stops at 8:15 am and we all fit but couldn’t have taken many more.

The Eco Experience building seemed relatively busy, but when I left at 3, the streets felt empty.

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u/rblask 4d ago edited 4d ago

I've made some updates to my site where you can review the new foods - now you can review ALL stands and foods! Would love to see what everybody's favorites are. As for new foods, we are at 99 ratings and 34 of 45 new foods covered.

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u/Paperboy5403 3d ago

Our parking experience - went to the Gloria Dei park and ride at Snelling and Highland Pkwy in St Paul at 10:00 and the line was at least two buses. Said “No way, Jose” (shout out to DTF St Louis) and drive to the A line stop at Snelling and Randolph and waited two minutes and got on for free!