RV Rentals at Iowa State Fair
One of the greatest traditions in the Midwest, the Iowa State Fair highlights agriculture and industry and offers plenty of family fun. The celebration gives more than a million annual visitors a little bit of everything when they walk through the gates. Find out why the heartland is so charming, and be sure to come with an empty stomach. Get your fill of foods on sticks, take a few rides in the thrill zone, and make friends with the furry critters being presented as the best in the land. With something for everyone, you can spend several days at the fair and never spend a dull moment!
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
There's always something to do at the fair! Check out many talented acts on the numerous free stages spread throughout the fairgrounds. These include musical entertainment, talent shows, and other fun and family-friendly acts. Be sure to take a stroll through the livestock barns and get a glimpse of the industry that makes Iowa stand out in agriculture. Don't forget to stop by and see the famous butter cow as well (yes, that's right — it's a cow sculpted entirely of butter)! The Varied Industry Building features an array of companies with many marketing freebies available to stock up on. And don't forget the Thrill Zones for amusement rides and the giant slide that has people young and old squealing in delight!
ON-SITE AMENITIES
Dozens of food and beverage vendors are on-site at the fair and ready to serve you up novelty creations and Iowa staples alike! Water filling stations are available throughout the fairgrounds. Restrooms, including accessible ones, are located throughout the fairgrounds. First-aid stations and lost and found are also available.
LOCATION
Iowa State Fairgrounds 3000 East Grand Ave Des Moines, Iowa 50317 The fairgrounds are at the heart of the east side of the city, and entrances are accessible from nearby city streets. Keep an eye on special traffic signaling for easy movement in and out.
LINEUP
Check out the amazing Grandstand lineup for 2025! Artists booked so far include iconic rockers Def Leppard; Forrest Frank, who had the best-selling Christian album of 2024; and Country stars Parker McCollum and Megan Moroney. The Grandstand website continues to be updated with the newest acts being booked, so be sure to check back often.
RVING AT THE EVENT
The Iowa State Fair Campground features 160 rolling acres of lush camping space. With the campground sitting adjacent to the fairgrounds, you can enjoy a full day of fun within walking distance of your RV. Be aware, though — the Iowa State Fair Campground has a long waiting list that could leave you in line for years awaiting a chance at one of the coveted 2,300 sites. Unable to move up the list but still want to explore the fair while traveling by RV? RV camping during the fair is an excellent adventure for solo travelers and families alike. With a short distance between you and the fairgrounds, you can fill your entire day with fair-time fun and head back to the RV for a good night's sleep. Check out some of these great camping spaces nearby:
Adventureland Resort - a full-service campground next to the Adventureland theme park and hotel in nearby suburb Altoona
Walnut Woods - a shady campground with full and electric-only hookups and dump station
Griff's Valley View RV Park & Campground - features full-hookup pull-through sites with free Wi-Fi
And if you don't have your own RV, consider renting one!
WHERE TO STAY
Dozens of reasonably priced hotels sit in close proximity to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Homewood Suites Des Moines Airport has a fitness center and an indoor pool. Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton provides a fitness center, restaurant, bar, room service, and family rooms. Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport features a heated indoor pool, hot tub, and dry sauna, and rooms start at less than $100 a night. All these accommodations include free Wi-Fi. RVers will need to check directly with the hotels for details about RV parking. Check out the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce website for leads on more top home-away-from-home spots nearby. Some are pet-friendly.
HOW TO GET THERE
From the north: Take I-35 to I-235, and take exit 10A. Head east on East University Avenue for approximately 4 miles to the fairgrounds. From the south: From I-35, take IA 5/US65 to exit 79. Head west on East University Avenue for approximately 4 miles to the fairgrounds. From the east: Take I-80 to exit 141. Travel south on Highway 65 to Exit 79. Head west on East University Avenue for approximately 3 miles to the fairgrounds. From the west: Take I-235 to exit 10A. Head east on East University for approximately 4 miles to the fairgrounds.
PARKING
Official state fair parking is available on-site for a fee. These lots fill quickly most days. Many nearby residents open up their driveways and yards for paid parking within walking distance of the fairgrounds. Additionally, the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) offers a Park & Ride program where you can park your vehicle at an area school or other public place and purchase a round-trip bus ticket to and from the gates.
TICKETS & PRICING
Advance admission: Adults: $11 Children: $7 At the gate: Adults: $16 Children: $10
WRAP UP
Whether this is your first time, or you're a seasoned visitor, the Iowa State Fair always has something new for you to experience. Learn more about the culture and heritage of the Hawkeye state, enjoy family fun in the park, and try out new foods every year. Check out the Fair on Facebook and 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.
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