Illinois State Fair
The Illinois State Fair is really a special way to get to know the state better. There’s no better way to learn more about an area than to see what people want to show off about their livestock, agriculture, arts and crafts, and entertainment. Of course, along with showcasing the state’s bounty and the talents of its people, the fair is also home to rides, carnival games, and concerts. The Illinois State Fair boasts one more important feature, the Butter Cow. The unofficial mascot of the fair since the 1920s, the Butter Cow is made from 500 pounds of unsalted butter and sculpted into a life-sized cow by hand over the course of two days.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
From the Happy Hollow to the global cuisine of the Ethnic Village to the Kids Korner, there’s something for everyone at the Illinois State Fair! Enjoy big arena events such as tractor pulls, rodeos, and motocross races. Help kids learn about agriculture with Farmer’s Little Helpers or let them visit the Kids Korner for face painting, crafts, and more. See fluffy lambs and goats or watch a karaoke contest, all at the fair.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
There are plenty of amenities on-site at the fair, such as multiple air-conditioned buildings for cooling off. A First Aid station is on-site to help visitors too. Police, a lost & found children’s center, and a U.S. Post Office are all also available on the grounds. There is also a tram that operates full tours of the fairgrounds during the day, and wheelchair and stroller rentals are available.
LOCATION
The Illinois State Fair is at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, found on the north end of the state’s capital, Springfield.
801 E. Sangamon Ave. Springfield, IL 62794-9427
LINEUP
The Illinois State Fair features multiple big-name performers in concert each year, and 2025 will see entertainers like Megan Moroney and Def Leppard. Extra tickets will need to be purchased to see these performers at the grandstand.
RVING AT THE EVENT
Camping is available right on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, and the campground is open from April through October 31st annually. There are 300 campsites available, most with electric and water hookups. Sewer hookups are available but are limited. Information about camping is available on the fair’s website.
Here are some tips for camping at the Illinois State Fair:
• The fairgrounds and their campground are monitored by security 24/7, and camp supervisors are on-site during daytime hours to help campers with parking, campground information, and fair information.
• Camping discounts may be available for seniors over the age of 60 and veterans with a valid ID.
• Campsites are on grass, so your space may have uneven ground. Be sure to level your RV right after parking by using stabilizers or leveling blocks.
WHERE TO STAY
During the Illinois State Fair, the fairgrounds campgrounds may fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to know where other campgrounds in Springfield are. You may also want to check out a nearby hotel in Springfield.
• The Springfield KOA has a pool, bike rentals, and mini golf. It also offers up to 50-amp service, propane, Wi-Fi, and cable TV, all within a short distance of the fairgrounds.
• The Double J Campground is a family-owned campground with full hookups, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV. All short-term sites are in pull-through sites with a fire ring, picnic table, 30- and 50-amp service, sewer, and water.
• The Ramada by Wyndham Springfield North is one of the closest hotels to the Illinois State Fair, and it has free breakfast plus an indoor pool. It also offers airport shuttles and free parking for guests.
HOW TO GET THERE
The fairgrounds are located about 2 miles from Interstate I-55′s Sangamon Avenue exit (exit 100 B).
Directions from the airport: Head east on Hackmore Dr. toward IL-29 S. Turn right onto IL-29 S/J David Jones Parkway. Turn left onto West Browning Road. Turn right onto North 5th Street. Turn left onto East Sangamon Avenue. Follow the signs to the entrance.
PARKING
There are two parking lots that are open for visitors of the state fair to use, including a seasonal lot located at Gate 6. Parking fees will apply for visitors during the fair days.
TICKETS & PRICING
Daily admission rates start at $3 for seniors. General admission is $5 Sunday through Thursday and $10 on Fridays and Saturdays. Children ages 12 and under can enter the fair for free, and Mega Passes and Jumbo Passes are available to purchase for unlimited rides on all 11 fair days. However, these ride passes do not include the daily price of gate admission.
WRAP UP
The Illinois State Fair is a must-see event for those who enjoy concerts, rides, fair food, and petting zoos. When you take your RV to the fair, you can easily get into the fair each day that it’s open, and you can always cook a homemade meal when the lines for food are too long. For more updates about the Illinois State Fair, check out the fair’s official Facebook page.
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page .
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