RV Rentals at 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, 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. And the Illinois State Fair is home to 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 motor cross races. Help kids learn about the agriculture with Farmer’s Little Helpers, or have them visit the Kids Korner for face painting, crafts, and more. See fluffy lambs and goats, or watch a karaoke contest. Start to finish, the Illinois State Fair is packed with fun for everyone.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
There are plenty of amenities on-site at the fair. You can find a list of air-conditioned buildings here where you can cool off for a bit. A First Aid station is on-site to help visitors. 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 also available.
LOCATION
801 E. Sangamon Ave.
Springfield, IL 62794-9427
LINEUP
Finally, don’t forget the concerts! Check back for the Grandstand lineup for 2024! Past artist includes Sam Hunt with Sean Stemaly and Shelby Darrall, Demi Lovato with TBD, Brooks & Dunn with Kendell Marvel, The Ides of March featuring Jim Peterik, Willie Nelson & Family with Elle King, Shaggy & TLC, Jon Pardi with Lainey Wilson and Chapel Hart, Disturbed with Nita Strauss, and Sammy Hagar & The Circle with Ann Wilson of Heart!
Stage Side Pre-show Party: For $TBA, in addition to a concert ticket purchase, concert-goers are given access to an exclusive Pre-Show party which includes a food bar, entertainment and giveaways (drinks available for purchase). Party attendees will be allowed early entry to the concert** and will enter the venue from the party tent area.
Plus, be sure to check out the many free entertainment stages throughout the fair featuring a wide variety of shows and talents.
RVING AT THE EVENT
You can camp right at the fairgrounds! Enjoy a full day of fun at the fair, then head back to a quiet space and comfortable bed just steps away. Renting an RV with RVshare means even if you don’t own a motorhome, you can enjoy the ease of a home near where you’re having fun all day. The campground has a dump station, showers, and restrooms available. Reservations need to be made online here.
There are also places to camp nearby, including:
Springfield KOA - has a pool, bike rentals, and mini golf. It also offers up to 50 amp service, propane, WiFi, and cable TV.
Riverside Campground - a natural, beautiful environment with an on-site campground host, a dump station and a shower house.
Double J Campground - a family-owned campground with full hookups, free WiFi, and cable TV. All short-term sites are pull through, with a fire ring, picnic table, 30 and 50 amp service, sewer and water.
Crazy Horse Campground - offers full hookups, and has a lodge with a pool table, arcade games, and board game. There’s also a snack shop on-site, and firewood and ice are available.
WHERE TO STAY
RV Camping
Whether you own your RV or use a rental from RVshare, RVing is a great way to travel to the fair! You can take your time getting ready in the morning, make your own food to bring along, and know that you have your own shower and comfy bed waiting for you at the end of the day!
Hotels
Springfield is a big enough city that you have a wide variety of hotels to choose from. You’ll find many major chains there, as well as local motels where you can stay. Check travel sites like Expedia, or the city’s Chamber of Commerce website for ideas.
HOW TO GET THERE
The fairgrounds is located 2 miles from Interstate I-55′s Sangamon Ave 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 Pkwy. Turn left onto W. Browning Rd. Turn right onto N. 5th St. Turn left onto E. Sangamon Ave. Follow signs to the entrance.
PARKING
Parking Rates:
Daily $TBA
Seasonal $TBA (Gate 6, Lot 18 infield)
TICKETS & PRICING
Daily Admission Rates TBA
Children (0-12) FREE
Adults (13-59) $TBA (Fridays & Saturdays)
Adults (13-59) $TBA (All other days)Seniors (60+) $TBA
FREE Admission Days:
Sunday, August 14 (Veterans & immediate families free with proper ID)
Monday, August 15 (Seniors & Scouts with proper ID or uniform)
Friday, August 19 (First Responders with proper ID)
WRAP UP
At RVshare we love to help people try new things and explore new places. Whether this is your first trip to Springfield, or you know the area well, attending the state fair is sure to bring you some great experiences! You’ll learn more about Illinois and its offerings, play carnival games and ride midway rides, and enjoy some top bands and entertainment.
RV camping at the fair is a wonderful way to make your trip stress-free. You’ll have your own things nearby and your own food to make and eat. Whether you head to the fair in an RV rental from us or make other arrangements, we want to see pictures of your adventures! Be sure to send us photos at [email protected] and tag us on social media to share your visit! Your trip could be featured on our blog or social accounts.
Check out @ILStateFair on Facebook and Twitter, and @MyILStateFair on Instagram for event updates!
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 .
Do you manage this event?
Work with RVshare to provide housing for staff, vendors, artists and executives. Earn additional revenue by creating unique VIP/GA turn-key packages for your attendees.
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