Aug. 26 – Labor Day, Sept. 6, 2021
213 Days 18 Hours 20 Mins
There are so many ways to get to the fair – so we made a video about it! Check it out.
During the fair, please enter one of the gates marked on the State Fair map.
The Minnesota State Fair’s security program includes walk-through metal detectors and bag checks at all entry gates. Bags, purses, coolers and packages will be subject to search at each of the State Fair’s 11 entrances. Prohibited items include weapons, fireworks, alcoholic beverages, drones and bikes/skateboards/skates/hover boards. Other items may be refused at the discretion of State Fair management or police.
During the fair, guests can be picked up and dropped off at the Loop Gate on Como Avenue (#9). See a State Fair map. Cars cannot wait here for more than a few minutes to pick up passengers.
App-based ride services, such as Lyft and Uber, have two designated drop-off and pick-up points on the fairgrounds.
The State Fair has three free bike parking areas.
During the State Fair, motorcycle and motorized bike parking is available daily from 6 a.m. to midnight for $9 in a lot on the south side of Como Avenue across from Gate #7. Motorcycles parked in other State Fair lots will be charged the regular $15 parking fee. Motorcycles are not permitted on the fairgrounds during the fair.
Nope. There is no overnight parking in the State Fair public lots.
Yes, charter buses can park free of charge in a designated parking lot.
MSP Airport is located in Bloomington, Minn., which is approximately 11 miles from the fairgrounds. You have a number of transportation options from or near the airport:
Lyft, Uber and other app-based ride services and taxis have designated pick-up locations at the airport. The State Fair also has designated drop-off and pick-up locations for these services. Depending on traffic, this is approximately a 25-minute trip.
Light rail serves MSP airport and can be an excellent, affordable way to get to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Board the METRO Blue Line from Terminal 1 or 2 headed toward Mpls-Target Field (learn more about where to board the light rail at the airport) and take the train to the 46th St. Station. Exit the train, and walk a short distance NW to 46th St. Station Gate A. Board the METRO A Line bus headed toward Roseville/Snelling/46th St. Get off the bus at the Snelling & Como Station. Depending on traffic, this is approximately a 45-minute trip.
The Minnesota State Fair operates a free Park & Ride bus service from approximately 30 locations around the Twin Cities. The closest location to the airport is the Ford Plant, which is located ½ mile south of Ford Parkway on South Mississippi Boulevard in St. Paul, 55116. You can either park here for free or get dropped off and take a free bus ride to the fairgrounds. Depending on traffic, this is approximately a 20-minute trip.
Metro Transit operates a State Fair Express Bus service from many locations around the Twin Cities. The closest location to the airport is located in Bloomington across from the Mall of America East parking ramp at 82nd St. & 24th Ave. S. You can either park here for free or get dropped off and take a non-stop bus ride to the fairgrounds for a nominal fee. The lot is also a short walk from the METRO 28th Ave. and Mall of America stations or a number of hotels near the mall. Depending on traffic, this is approximately a 25-minute trip.
