Michigan State Fair
The Michigan State Fair is an annual event that dates back to 1849. Typically held over Labor Day weekend, the fair provides a final hurrah for Michigan's summer season. As such, it offers RVers in the Midwest with a good reason to head toward the Collection Suburban Showplace in Novi, MI. There is truly something for everyone at the fair, including carnival rides, livestock shows and the demolition derby. For both experienced and first-time RVers, Labor Day Weekend and the Michigan State Fair give them one last chance to take their RV on the road before fall hits.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
You can share in the excitement of the midway and cheer on your favorite piggy at the pig races. Marvel at the giant pumpkins. Attend classes on making things with wool. Ride the rides and go to concerts. Perhaps best of all, sample all the delicious fair food! Check out the state fair attractions page for more details.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
The guest services page on the fair's website gives information on some of the amenities available. There are restrooms, information booths and automated teller machines scattered throughout the fairgrounds. Wheelchair rentals are available through Liberty Medical or Mobility Plus.
LOCATION
The fair takes place at the Suburban Collection Showplace at 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi, Michigan, 48374. That's a built-up urban area, so it's probably best if you leave your RV at the campground and take public transportation to get there.
FAQs About RVing to the Michigan State Fair
Can you bring an RV to the Michigan State Fair?
If you're not camping on-site, then no. Be aware that on-site camping is very limited and mostly reserved for exhibitors.
Where can you park an RV for the Michigan State Fair?
You can park in the venue's standard lots, but space may be limited.
Are there RV hookups at the Michigan State Fair?
If you are able to secure on-site camping for your RV, you can find 20-amp electricity available. Water and sewage hookups are not available, though.
Is the Michigan State Fair family-friendly?
Yes! In fact, it's designed to be a family-friendly event. There are multiple activities for kids, including Tiny Totville and the Shrine Circus. Please note that any guest under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
LINEUP
The State Fair Superstar and main stage will feature a number of Michigan-based acts. More information will be released closer to the event.
RVING AT THE EVENT
The fair offers limited on-site RV campsites. They don't include sewer hookups and only have limited electric hookups. Furthermore, they offer 20-amp electrical hookups only. The cost is $165 for the event, and spots are first-come, first-served. RVing on-site is the easiest way to access the Michigan State Fair.
Where to Camp Near the Michigan State Fair
If you choose not to stay on-site, there are many options. One popular choice is the Detroit / Ann Arbor KOA Holiday. Located approximately 25 minutes from the fair, this spot offers full hookups. It also has plenty of amenities, including hayrides, a basketball court and a nature trail. Another option is the Wayne County Fairgrounds & RV Park. It is also approximately 25 minutes from the fair and features full hookups. RVing at the Wayne County Fairgrounds & RV Park also provides easy access to the annual Wicked Bizarre event a few days after the Michigan State Fair. Finally, William C. Sterling State Park features 256 modern campsites and is about a 45-minute drive to the fair. Full hookups are available, along with pull-thru spots. Amenities include a toilet and shower building, a sanitation station and paddleboat rentals.
RV Rental Tips for the Michigan State Fair
Unless you stay on-site, you'll be driving a minimum of 25 minutes to the fair. Experienced RVers are likely used to this and may even enjoy having some distance from the fair. After all, the fair itself has limited spots. Staying elsewhere offers larger spots with full hookups that can accommodate Class A through Class C RVs. If you don't own an RV, there are also plenty of RV rentals in the Novi area. Remember to bring extra water and a variety of clothing. Michigan in September is notoriously difficult to pin down, with temperatures typically ranging from 45 to 75 degrees. Wearing layers in the evening helps.
WHERE TO STAY
If you won't be camping at the Michigan State Fair, then you can try one of the many hotels in the area. • Staybridge Suites Detroit - Novi offers everything from a single night to a long-term rental. Hotel amenities include on-site parking, a pool, a fitness center and pet-friendly rentals. • The Baronette Renaissance Detroit-Novi Hotel is a 4-star rated hotel located near the Michigan State Fair. Hotel amenities include a fitness center, free Wi-Fi and a special focus on sustainability. • Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel allows dogs and offers parking on-site. Amenities at this hotel include an on-site restaurant, a fitness center and an indoor swimming pool.
HOW TO GET THERE
• From Toledo, OH: Take Route 75 N to the interchange with Route 696. Take that west and look for signs for Route 96 W. Follow Route 96 W to the Beck Road exit and proceed south to Grand River Avenue. • From Detroit: Take Route 96 W until the Beck Avenue exit. Go south on Beck Road until you reach Grand River Avenue. • From Canada: Take either of the bridges or the tunnel from Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, and then proceed as already shown from Detroit. • From all points north: Proceed to Detroit and then follow the directions as if you had started from Detroit.
PARKING
Enhanced parking options are available on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge. Upon entering the parking lot, you will be directed by the parking attendants to the nearest spot.
TICKETS & PRICING
Ticket information is available on the website, including the pricing structure, which starts at $10. Keep in mind that no minors are allowed to attend the Michigan State Fair without an adult present.
WRAP UP
At the Michigan State Fair, you can enjoy great music, eat scrumptious food, take part in community events, and even perform. From Full Throttle Monster Trucks to a giant-sized cow made of butter, there is plenty to see and do. Setting up in a nearby RV camp also enables you to explore the wider Metro Detroit area. Be sure to book an RV campsite early as they fill up quickly. For the latest updates, visit the event’s Facebook page.
5-Day RV Itinerary for the Michigan State Fair
• Day 1 (Thursday) Arrive at your chosen campground and set up your RV. Depending on where you've decided to stay, you may want to either head to the Michigan State Fair or turn the rest of the first day into a relaxing time at the campsite. • Day 2 (Friday) Now that the Michigan State Fair is in full swing, you will definitely want to head to Novi. Participate in the Friday Night Flights Beer Festival (extra admission fee: $20). You can also watch 10,000-pound+ Monster Trucks in action. Afterward, head to the Sedona Taphouse at 27466 Novi Rd, Novi, MI 48377. • Day 3 (Saturday) Day three is another full day spent at the fair. Visit the main stage for musical entertainment. You can also arrive early to take part in Moovin' Thru the Midway 5K. If you've got more energy, go to BATL Grounds in Novi to play with axes. • Day 4 (Sunday) On Sunday, it's time to slow down a bit and enjoy a giant pumpkin carver. Next, enjoy Rock-N-Roll K9s and take a look at the LEGO display. After that, head to Ann Arbor for a fun evening at Pinball Pete's. Alternatively, go to your campsite early to relax and unwind. • Day 5 (Monday) It's time to pack up your RV. Then, head back to the fair or begin the trip home. Areas to check out on the way home include Ann Arbor and Detroit. Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan. Detroit features Central Market, which is an urban food hall.
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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