Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair is a 12-day event held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. It features livestock competitions, arts and crafts, live music, carnival rides and games, and classic fair foods. This end-of-summer celebration is perfect for traveling families, and on-site RV camping can enhance the experience. If you don’t own an RV, browse our RV rentals in St. Paul. If you’ve never RV camped, consider reading our first-time RVing guide to learn what to expect.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
Check out the many educational opportunities, such as the Alphabet Forest and Moo Booth. At the Thank-a-Farmer Magic Show, young and old can learn about agriculture and nature in Minnesota. Numerous live shows take place across the fairgrounds every day. More than 900 free shows are available to visitors, so be sure to check the daily calendar of events to avoid missing a thing! Check out the giant sandbox for little ones or the thrill rides for more excitement for the more mature crowd. The Minnesota State Fair features rides and excitement for people of all ages. The fair also features a full list of animals, including cattle, horses, sheep, and llamas, for visitors to get to know. Many fairgoers enter competitions showing off their prized livestock, and you can catch many of them in the show ring daily. If you don't make it to the show, check the furry critters in the barns.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
The State Fair has everything you need, so you can spend the entire day at the fairgrounds without needing to leave. Food and beverages are plentiful at the many vendors throughout the grounds. Water fountains are spread across the area as well. Restrooms, baby-changing stations, and breastfeeding facilities are plentiful. The fair also has ATMs and cellphone charging stations for convenience. Rent a wheelchair, scooter, stroller, or wagon to make getting around a little easier. Complimentary sunscreen helps visitors protect against the sun's rays. and a lost-and-found center helps guests reconnect with lost items.
LOCATION
The Minnesota State Fair is held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The address is 1265 Snelling Avenue North, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. Since the event is mostly outdoors, you should bring a poncho, an umbrella, and rainboots if rain is predicted.
FAQs About RVing to the Minnesota State Fair
Can you bring an RV to the Minnesota State Fair?
Yes, you can bring an RV to the Minnesota State Fair, but you must apply in advance to get a camping spot. Camping spots are limited, and sometimes, there is a waiting list. RVs are only allowed at the campground.
Where can you park an RV for the Minnesota State Fair?
Currently, you can only park an RV at the campground. There aren’t any RV-specific parking spaces.
Are there RV hookups at the Minnesota State Fair?
Yes, there are electric and water hookups for approved RV campers. Other campgrounds in the area offer full hookups.
Is the Minnesota State Fair family-friendly?
Yes, the Minnesota State Fair is family-friendly, and you will find educational and entertainment opportunities specifically for kids. You’ll find the Little Farm Hands, Math-On-A Stick, and Alphabet Forest. You can take them to the sandbox, petting zoo, or on the kiddie rides.
LINEUP
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair lineup includes Bonnie Raitt, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Sierra Ferrell, Rod Stewart, Tommy James & The Shondells, AJR, Brad Paisley, HARDY, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue. Tickets for these Grandstand shows are sold separately. For more information, visit the event’s official page.
RVING AT THE EVENT
RVing at the Minnesota State Fair is possible, as the campground is open during the fair. However, space is limited, and you must reserve a spot well in advance. The on-site campground offers 20-amp electric and water hookups. It also offers dump stations, showers, and laundry facilities. You can bring your pets, but they must remain on a leash when outdoors. Staying on-site offers immediate access to the fair and its on-site amenities.
Where to Camp Near the Minnesota State Fair
You'll find many great RV campgrounds near the fairgrounds. Your options begin with Minneapolis Northwest KOA Journey, which is 20 miles from the venue. It offers pull-thru RV sites with full hookups, a swimming pool, and scenic views. Dakotah Meadows RV Park is about 30 miles from the fairgrounds. It offers paved RV sites with full hookups. You can choose a back-in or pull-thru site. If you need advice about RVs, read our travel trailer and Class C RV guides.
RV Rental Tips for the Minnesota State Fair
Whether you're staying on-site or at a luxury campground, reserve your RV camping spot in advance as they fill up quickly. You must apply online in May to camp in an RV at the fairgrounds. Arrive at the campground early to get a great spot. Read our packing checklist if you need advice about what to bring with you.
WHERE TO STAY
There are endless hotel options within a reasonable distance of the Minnesota State Fair. Among these options is the Hampton Inn Minnesota-Roseville. The hotel offers cozy rooms, free breakfast, and convenient parking. The DoubleTree by Hilton Roseville Minneapolis is just 3.4 miles from the fair. It offers well-appointed rooms and an on-site restaurant.
HOW TO GET THERE
Whether coming from across town or across the country, it's easy to get to the Minnesota State Fair. From the North: Take I-35W south. Merge onto Highway 36 East via Exit 23B on the left. Exit onto Snelling Avenue South and continue south until you reach the fairgrounds on the right. From the South: Take I-35W north to I-94 East. Exit on Snelling Avenue. Turn right and head north to the fairgrounds, located on the left. From the East: Take I-94 west to Snelling Avenue. Turn right and head north, finding the fairgrounds on the left. From the West: Take I-94 east to Snelling Avenue. Turn left and head north. You'll find the fairgrounds on the left.
PARKING
Parking on-site is available on a first-come basis for a fee. Fairground parking lots fill each day. Accessible spots are available. To beat the congestion, there is a free Park & Ride option for guests. This service features more than 30 locations for travelers to choose from, all of which allow you to park for free and ride the shuttle to the fairgrounds for free.
TICKETS & PRICING
Online pre-fair tickets cost $17 for adults and children ages 5 and up. Gate admission costs $20 for adults and children ages 5 and up. Purchasing tickets online in advance can help reduce wait times at the entrance gates.
WRAP UP
The Minnesota State Fair combines live entertainment, livestock exhibits, carnival rides, games, and local food vendors during its 12-day run in St. Paul each summer. RV travel is a convenient way to experience the fair, as it allows visitors to stay near the fairgrounds while also exploring Minneapolis and nearby attractions throughout the Twin Cities. Whether you spend your time attending concerts, visiting exhibits, or relaxing at your campground, the fair offers a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages. For more information and updates, visit the event’s Facebook page.
3-Day RV Itinerary for the Minnesota State Fair
● Day 1: Arrival and Kickoff: Arrive at your campground and set up your RV. Head to the fairgrounds and visit the animal barns. You’ll see many attractions, including the Miracle of Birth Center. In the afternoon, go to the Creative Arts and Agriculture building. You’ll find the butter sculptures in the Dairy Building. Afterward, grab a quick bite to eat. In the evening, attend a concert at the Grandstand Stage. ● Day 2: Sleep in and enjoy a slow morning at the campground. Later on, you can drive to Minnehaha Falls and enjoy the 53-foot waterfall. Around noon, you can stop by Sea Salt Eatery for lunch. In the afternoon, venture over to the Mall of America and enjoy the local shopping opportunities. In the evening, visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and take pictures with your friends. ● Day 3: Foodie Adventures and the Grand Finale: Arrive at the fair early and go to the All You Can Drink Milk Stand. You’ll find it at the Dairy Goodness Bar. In the afternoon, take a tour of Alphabet Forest and spend time with your family. Afterward, stroll over to the Bazaar to buy crafts and other goods. In the late afternoon, attend the daily parade, featuring marching bands and floats. By the end of the night, finish your trip by getting some sweet treats at Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar.
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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