Fair FAQ

Amenities

Where can I find an ATM?

During the State Fair, ATMs are located throughout the fairgrounds and noted with a “$” on the State Fair map. A $3.50 service fee applies to all transactions, and you may be subject to additional surcharges depending on your banking provider.

Bremer Bank is located in Visitors Plaza and is open from 7:30 a.m to 4 p.m. daily during the fair.

Can I use a credit card at the fair?

The Minnesota State Fair Ticket Office, all admission gates, on-site parking lots and the ticket booths for Mighty Midway and Kidway rides & games accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Select merchandise and food vendors and ticketed attractions also accept debit/credit cards.

Where are the designated smoking areas on the fairgrounds?

For the comfort and safety of all, designated smoking areas have been established at convenient locations throughout the fairgrounds. Smoking (including the use of e-cigarettes and vape pens) is permitted only in these areas. Each designated smoking area consists of a bench and receptacle to safely deposit spent cigarettes. Designated smoking areas are identified on State Fair maps, which are available at all information booths.

Where can I find a baby changing station?

Most restrooms on the fairgrounds have baby changing stations. Check out a State Fair map for restroom locations, or stop by a State Fair Information Booth to ask for the location of the nearest baby changing station.

Where can I find breast-feeding facilities on the fairgrounds?

• Care & Assistance, located on West Dan Patch Avenue south of West End Market and north of Mighty Midway. Private and semi-private rooms are available on a first-come basis. Care & Assistance is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (8 p.m. Labor Day).
• myTalk 107.1, located on the west side of Underwood Street between Randall and Wright avenues.
• TPT | Twin Cities PBS, located on the west side of Underwood Street at the intersection of Lee Avenue.

All nursing facilities provide electricity.

Can I rent a stroller or wagon?

HomeTown Mobility rents wheelchairs, electric mobility scooters, strollers and wagons.

Where can I pick up a free identification wristband for my child or vulnerable adult?

During the State Fair, identification wristbands to help reunite found children or vulnerable adults with their families or groups are available free of charge at all information booths (check out a State Fair map for locations) and in Care & Assistance.

Where can I charge my cell phone?

Cell phones can be charged at the following cell phone charging locations:

• Renewal by Andersen, on the west side of Cosgrove Street between Wright and Dan Patch avenue
• Bobby & Steve’s Auto World, On the east side of Cooper street, between Wright and Dan Patch avenues

Where are hand wash stations located on the fairgrounds?

Hand wash stations are available at many entrances to buildings in the livestock areas, including Compeer Arena, Cattle Barn, Cattle Annex, Sheep & Poultry Barn, Robert A. Christensen Pavilion (formerly Swine Barn) and the CHS Miracle of Birth Center. Hand wash stations are also located in the Food Building.

We invite guests to enjoy time with the animals, but highly recommend washing or sanitizing hands before and after visits and especially prior to eating.

How can I stay hydrated during my time at the fair?

Fair guests are welcome to bring their own water bottles, as well as outside food and drinks to the fair. No alcoholic beverages may be brought into the fair. PLEASE NOTE: Coolers are not permitted in the Grandstand concert venue.

Drinking foundations & water bottle refill stations are located throughout the fairgrounds and noted on our map. Misters are located throughout the fairgrounds, stop by an info booth for locations.

Also offering complimentary water for fair guests:

• Culligan Water
• KARE 11 TV

Where can I find an information booth? And what can I get there?

During the State Fair, information booths are located throughout the fairgrounds. Search for the “?” on the State Fair map. All booths are open at least 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pick up free daily schedules, maps, a variety of brochures, hand sanitizer, identification wristbands and more.

Does the State Fair have storage lockers?

The State Fair does not have lockers or a place to check a bag. If you would like to leave the grounds to access your vehicle, just get your hand stamped when you exit. You can then re-enter the fairgrounds that same day during the hours the outside gates are open without purchasing another admission ticket.

How can I catch a trolley on the fairgrounds?

Two free trolleys service the area from Dan Patch Avenue to Cooper Street to Randall Ave to Underwood Street to Murphy Avenue to Cooper Street to Randall Avenue to Cosgrove Street and back to Dan Patch Avenue from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. No service from 2-3 p.m. daily due to the parade. One of the two trolleys is ADA accessible. In addition, an ADA accessible trolley will service Randall Avenue from Buford Avenue to Gate #18, with stops at Buford Avenue and Dan Elmer Way. Check out a State Fair map for the trolley routes. Trolley stops are marked by signs at each stop along the route.

Where can I find a meditation tent?

For those whose religious beliefs may require meditation during a day at the fair, a tent is available between the 4-H and Education buildings, W20 on the State Fair map. (Note: The parade passes by between 2 & 3 p.m. daily.)

How can I contact Lost & Found?

Contact Lost & Found at lostandfound@mnstatefair.org or 651-288-4555.

Where is the post office located on the fairgrounds?

During the State Fair, The UPS Store will be open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Labor Day) in Visitors Plaza. Services include: UPS shipping; U.S. Postal Service stamps, mail and shipping; postcards and greeting cards; packaging and mailing supplies; posters; office supplies; and copying, printing, scanning and email service. Contact the UPS Store at 651-635-0636.

Where are the best spots to snap a photo during the State Fair?

We’ve picked five iconic fairgrounds spots and marked them with a Selfie Spot badge on the ground, proudly sponsored by AARP. Use the badges as a guide to snap fabulous State Fair photo memories. Check out the Selfie Spots map, or stop at an information booth, for exact locations. No matter where you snap your photo, make sure you share them on social media with #mnstatefair!

Where can I purchase State Fair merchandise?

During the Fair, Minnesota State FairWear Gift Shops are open:

• Lower Grandstand: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day)
• Visitors Plaza: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day)
• West End Gate: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day)

A selection of State Fair items is also available at the online State FairWear Gift Shop.

Is there Wi-Fi on the fairgrounds?

During the fair, free Wi-Fi service is available in a hotspot located at the west Grandstand plaza. This service is provided by DragNFly Wireless. Look for the bright green umbrellas! In addition, free Wi-Fi service also is available at the Xfinity booth located outside the FAN Central exhibit on Underwood Street, south of Dan Patch Avenue, R24 on a State Fair map.

Where can I purchase a Blue Ribbon Bargain Book?

Blue Ribbon Bargain Books, sponsored by Minnesota Lottery, can be purchased at Bargain Book & State Fair Poster Carts – open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – or at State FairWear Gift Shops.

What services are offered at Care & Assistance?

Care & Assistance is located south of West End Market and is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day). Please note: Face coverings are required in Care & Assistance.

What are the hours of Guest Relations?

During the fair, Guest Relations is located at Visitors Plaza and is open from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (9 p.m. on Labor Day) You can also email any feedback or comments to guestservices@mnstatefair.org.