Accessibility Guide

Welcome to the 2024 Great Minnesota Get-Together! We offer a variety of services so that our guests can make the most of their visit to the 12 best days of summer – Aug. 22 through Labor Day, Sept. 2. (All information subject to change.)

Download a printable version of the Accessibility Guide here.

Electric Mobility Scooters, Strollers, Wagons and Wheelchairs

HomeTown Mobility, an independent vendor, provides electric mobility scooters, strollers, wagons and wheelchairs for rent at five locations inside the main gates of the fairgrounds. Hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (9 p.m. Labor Day) daily. Advance reservations are recommended; scroll down for details on how to make a reservation.

If renting on-site, equipment is available on a first-come basis and subject to availability. Cash, credit and debit cards are accepted.

Guests are welcome to bring their own electric scooters and wheelchairs. Please note that battery charging of personal mobility equipment is not available at HomeTown Mobility; please scroll down for alternate locations.

Note: Guests arriving via group charter buses will enter the fairgrounds at Gate #18 on Randall Avenue.

Check out a State Fair Map for rental locations.

How to Reserve

HomeTown Mobility is now accepting reservations for rental of wheelchairs and electric mobility scooters.

Reserve online, or call HomeTown Mobility’s home office at 1-712-938-2029 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. (During the 2024 fair, Aug. 22-Sept. 2, HomeTown’s office is also open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.)

Note: The deadline for reserving a scooter or wheelchair is 5 p.m. the day prior to when you need the scooter/wheelchair. For example, if you want a scooter on Friday, you have until 5 p.m. Thursday to make a reservation online or by phone. Cancellation must be made 48 hours in advance to receive a refund, less a $5 cancellation fee per rental unit. Reservations made by phone are subject to a $5 call-in fee; this fee does not apply to reservations made online. If you make a reservation, your wheelchair or scooter will be held until you arrive. If you rent from HomeTown Mobility, you may leave walkers, manual wheelchairs or other mobility equipment at the rental tent while using the HomeTown wheelchair or scooter.

Rental Fees

• Electric mobility scooters: $75 per day (partial-day rental fee is not available)
• Wheelchairs: $30 per day
• Wagons: $20 per day
• Single strollers: $20 per day
• Double strollers: $25 per day

Note: A limited number of wheelchairs and scooters are available for guests without reservations on a first-come basis; however, reservations are highly recommended to ensure a wheelchair or scooter is available for your visit. Reservations made by phone are subject to a $5 call-in fee. Strollers and wagons are available on a walk-in basis only.

Make Online Reservation

Where to Rent on the Fairgrounds

• North side of Como Avenue (inside the Loop Gate #9, 1741 Como Ave.): The Oscar Johnson Park & Ride bus and Metro Mobility drop off and pick up here; accessibility parking, subject to availability, is provided in the West and East Como lots
• West side of Cosgrove Street between Wright and Dan Patch avenues (near Gate #5): Some Park & Ride buses pick up and drop off at Snelling Avenue and Midway Parkway
• North End (inside Gate #2, 1807 Hoyt Ave.): Metro Mobility, Uber and Lyft drop off and pick up here; accessibility parking, subject to availability, is provided in the Camel Lot
• West End (inside Gate #16): Most Park & Ride and Express Buses pick up and drop off here; accessibility parking, subject to availability, is provided in the Robin Lot
• On the southwest corner of Randall Avenue and Underwood Street (inside Gate #18): Charter buses pick up and drop off near this gate

Check out a State Fair Map.

Electrical Outlets for Recharging Electric Mobility Scooters

If you need a regular electrical outlet plug-in for charging an electric mobility scooter battery, there are two options on the fairgrounds: Care & Assistance south of West End Market is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (8 p.m. on Labor Day). Also, on the south side of the Grandstand outside between the entrance doors, outlets are designated with disability signs.

Check out a State Fair Map.

Transportation & Parking

On-Site Parking

Parking spaces designated for vehicles with a valid disability parking certificate are available in the Camel, Robin and West and East Como lots on the State Fairgrounds on a first-come basis. Please note that these lots often fill up early each day, and there is no guarantee that space will be available. The cost is $20 per day (cash or credit).

Learn more about parking in fairgrounds lots.

Wheelchair-Accessible Park & Ride

The State Fair provides a free Park & Ride lot with free wheelchair-accessible bus service exclusively for people with disabilities and their companions. The lot, open to those with disability parking certificates or disability license plates, is located south of the State Fairgrounds at Oscar Johnson Arena, 1039 De Courcy Circle, St. Paul, MN 55108. From Snelling Avenue, exit at Energy Park Drive; travel east past the Accord office building to the first left turn, and head to the north side of Oscar Johnson Arena. Parking is available on a first-come basis.

Buses run continuously 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily (9:30 p.m. on Labor Day). Passengers are dropped off and picked up at the Loop Gate #9 (1741 Como Ave.).

Other Park & Ride Lots

The State Fair’s free Park & Ride service includes approximately 30 lots in the metro area located closer to the fairgrounds. A select number of lots are serviced by buses that are mostly wheelchair accessible. All other lots are serviced by a limited number of wheelchair-accessible buses. The lots offering accessible buses are noted at the link above.

Other Express Bus Service

Metro Transit, along with Southwest Transit and Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, offers State Fair Express Bus service for a small fee from numerous locations with free parking throughout the metro area. All Express Bus service is wheelchair accessible. Learn more.

Metro Mobility

Metro Mobility drops off and picks up passengers at two locations at the fairgrounds (check out a State Fair map):

• Outside the North End Gate #2 (1807 Hoyt Ave.), northwest of Snelling and Hoyt avenues, near the Uber and Lyft drop-off and pick-up spot
• At the Loop Gate #9 (1741 Como Ave.), north side of Como Avenue east of the Coliseum

Rideshare Apps and Taxi Service

Learn more about designated drop-off and pick-up points.

Regular Route Buses and Light Rail Transit

Metro Transit regular routes METRO A Line and Route 3 and 61 serve the fairgrounds. All regular route service is wheelchair accessible. Learn more.

Passenger Drop-Off Areas

Drivers wishing to drop off passengers and then leave the fairgrounds or continue to a parking area should do so either at the Loop Gate #9 (1741 Como Ave.) or outside the North End Gate #2 (1807 Hoyt Ave.). Charter buses drop off passengers at Gate #18. HomeTown Mobility booths that rent wheelchairs and electric scooters are located just inside each of these gates. Check out a State Fair map.

ASL Interpreting Services

During the fair, ASL interpreters are available to assist guests 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. If you would like ASL interpretation during your visit, please contact us by email at accessibility@mnstatefair.org, by phone at 651-288-4448, or stop by Guest Relations at Visitors Plaza. (Advance arrangements are recommended. Requests for interpreter services will be accommodated based on interpreter availability.)

2024 Schedule

ASL interpretation is offered at these free shows, no reservations required.

State Fair History Snapshot
Located in front of Ramberg Center
Daily at 10:30 a.m.

Pet Surgery
Located in the Pet Surgery Suite, next to the Pet Pavilions
Daily at noon

Thank A Farmer Magic Show
Located at the Christensen Farms Stage
Daily at 1 p.m.

Minnesota State Fair Parade
Located in front of the Administration Building
Daily at 2 p.m.

All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash
Located at The North Woods Stage
Daily at 2 p.m.

Looking Inside the Hive
Located at the Bee & Honey display in the Agriculture-Horticulture Building
Daily at 4:30 p.m.

The Chipper Experience! Where Comedy & Magic Collide!
Located at the Family Fair Stage at Baldwin Park
Thursday, Aug. 22 – Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 3:30 p.m.

Alléz-OOPS! Circus. Comedy. Spectacle.
Located at the Family Fair Stage at Baldwin Park
Wednesday, Aug. 28 – Monday, Sept. 2, at 3:30 p.m.

DNR Programs
Located at DNR Park

• Aug. 22-23 at noon: Eagle Bluff (located at the DNR Garden Stage)
• Aug. 24 and Aug. 31 at noon: Minnesota Zoo (located at the DNR Garden Stage)
• Aug. 25 and Sept. 2 at noon: Minnesota Herpetological Society (located at the DNR Garden Stage)
• Aug. 26 at 11:45 a.m.: Fish Pond Talks (located at the DNR Fish Pond)
• Aug. 27 and Aug. 30 at noon: Animals of the Mississippi (located at the DNR Garden Stage)
• Aug. 28-29 at 11 a.m.: Raptor Center (located at the DNR Garden Stage)
• Sept. 1 at noon: In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (located at the DNR Garden Stage)

Energy Information Center
Located at Eco Experience
ASL interpretation offered for speakers from the following organizations:

• Aug 22, 11am-3pm: The Center for Energy and Environment will feature their workforce development and jobs program and home energy audit services with the Home Energy Squad.
• Aug 24, 11am-3pm: MN GreenStep Cities, Tribal Nations, Schools will share ways that cities, Tribal nations and schools across Minnesota are improving the environment and communities.
• Aug 25, 11am-3pm: The Citizens Utility Board will discuss energy saving tips for renters and homeowners and help people better understand their utility bill.

STEM Day at Dan Patch Park
Located at Dan Patch Park
Thursday, Aug. 22 (ASL interpretation provided for select programs on stage including: University of Minnesota Raptor Center at 12:15 p.m., University of Minnesota Physics Force at 2:15 p.m., and Concordia Science Academy at 3:15 p.m.

Naturalization Ceremonies & Oaths of Allegiance
Located at International Bazaar 
Monday, Aug. 26, at 9 a.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 9 a.m.

Llama-Alpaca Costume Contest
Located in the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, section 24
Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 6 p.m.

Bandshell Tonight! Shows

ASL interpreting is also available upon request for evening Bandshell Tonight! shows at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell. Requests should be made at least 14 days prior to the concert. Contact accessibility@mnstatefair.org or 651-288-4448. Bandshell Tonight! shows are free with fair admission.

Grandstand Shows

ASL interpreting is available upon request for the Grandstand Concert Series. To purchase Grandstand tickets in the ASL interpretation section, please call Etix (800-514-3849) or the State Fair Ticket Office (651-288-4427), or purchase in-person at the State Fair Ticket Office beginning July 8. Ticket purchases in the ASL interpretation section (near Riser) must be made at least 14 days prior to the concert.

Captioning Services

Captioning for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing will be offered at these free shows and competitions, no reservations required. A monitor displaying the captioning will be positioned near the stage or in a designated seating area.

MNHS Presents History On-A-Schtick
Located at the Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater
Saturday, Aug. 24, Sunday, Aug. 25, Wednesday, Aug. 28, and Thursday, Aug. 29, at 10 a.m.

Draft Horse Supreme Six Horse Hitch Classic Series
Located at the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, section 24
Monday, Aug. 26, at 2 p.m.

Blind and Low Vision Services

Aira Visual Assistance App (NEW!)

Guests who are blind or have low vision will be provided with free access to Aira, a mobile app that provides on-demand visual assistance within the digital perimeter of the fairgrounds. Visitors download the Aira Explorer app and use their smartphone camera to show their surroundings or images to a professional visual interpreter. Visual interpreters can help guests with anything from navigating the fairgrounds to reading aloud menus and signs.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Download Aira Explorer in either the Google Play Store or App Store.
2. Open the app and click “Call Aira for free with Five Minutes Free” to get your first five-minute call free each day.
3. After your free five-minute call has been used that day, click “Browse Access Offers” to make another free call using Aira at the fair.
4. Select “Minnesota State Fair” in the “Search” bar or in “Locations.”
5. Select “Call an Aira agent” to request free assistance while at the State Fair.

Minnesota State Fair visitors can also leverage Aira’s Access AI feature to take or upload an image, receive a description of it, and then use their phone to magnify the image or have it read audibly. This could be used, for example, to take a picture of a menu at a food vendor or sign at an exhibit.

For questions on using Aira, contact support@aira.io or call 1-800-835-1934. Free assistance at the Minnesota State Fair beyond the first five-minute call each day is only available within the designated digital perimeter of the fairgrounds Aug. 22 through Sept. 2, 2024. Beyond the fairgrounds, Aira is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and no advance reservations are needed; rates may apply. Learn more about Aira here.

Audio Description Services

Audio description for guests who are blind or have low vision will be offered at these free shows, no reservations required. Headsets for audio description can be picked up from the audio describer, who will be located near the stage prior to the show.

MNHS Presents History On-A-Schtick
Located at the Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater
Saturday, Aug. 24, Sunday, Aug. 25, Wednesday, Aug. 28, and Thursday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m.

NEW! Audio description services for additional, select free entertainment shows will be available by request. Requests must be made at least 14 days prior to the show. Contact accessibility@mnstatefair.org or 651-288-4448 for more information.

Prerecorded Audio Description (NEW!)

Crop Art Display
Located in the Agriculture Horticulture Building
Scan the QR codes located throughout the crop art display to hear detailed audio descriptions of select works using your mobile device.

• Introduction
• Crop Art is for Everybody
• Chessboard
• Maya Angelou
• Honey Bear
• Kaleidoscope

Large-print Daily Schedules and Maps

Large-print daily schedules and fairgrounds maps are available at any information booth.  Here are links to downloadable daily schedules and fairgrounds map.

Braille Books at Alphabet Forest

Take a book break at Alphabet Forest, an oasis of fun games and activities to inspire young readers to build vocabulary, learn about letters and explore the wonderful world of reading and writing. As part of our mini on-site library of children’s books to enjoy, several selections also contain Braille. Stop by!

Location Addresses

Find your way to various buildings across the fairgrounds using these location addresses and links to Google Maps. Click here to view addresses.

Grandstand Shows

Please note: As of Aug. 27 at noon, the elevator at the east end of the Grandstand is currently not working. Enter the Grandstand via the elevator on the west end of the building.

• Grandstand Concert Series
• Buying Grandstand Tickets
• Grandstand Info Guide

Please note: State Fair admission is not included in the purchase of Grandstand Concert Series tickets. Customers must purchase admission into the fairgrounds in addition to the Grandstand ticket.

Wheelchair-Accessible Seating

There are several wheelchair seating locations in the Grandstand, including the plaza and elevated mainstand sections. These are available for purchase online, over the phone or in-person (see the “Buying Grandstand Tickets” link above). Ticket buyers who require wheelchair-accessible locations may purchase up to three companion seats for each wheelchair location, subject to availability.

Guests using wheelchairs may enter by way of the elevators at the west end of the Grandstand, the ramp at the west end of the Grandstand near the elevator, or the Grandstand Ramp from Carnes Avenue. If you’d like to use an elevator, we recommend the larger elevator on the west end. For more information, call 651-288-4427.

Grandstand Accessibility Map showing elevators, ramps, seating areas, restrooms, food & drink locations and more

ASL Interpretation

ASL interpreting is available upon request for the Grandstand Concert Series. To purchase Grandstand tickets in the ASL interpretation section, please call Etix (800-514-3849) or the State Fair Ticket Office (651-288-4427), or purchase in-person at the State Fair Ticket Office beginning July 8. Ticket purchases in the ASL interpretation section (near Riser) must be made at least 14 days prior to the concert.

Assistive Listening Devices

Assistive listening devices are available free for use during Grandstand shows. Receivers and headsets are available from the guest services desk on the east side of the Grandstand Plaza. A valid driver’s license or state ID and a credit card are required for check-out. (The credit card will only be charged if the receiver and headset are not returned or are damaged.)

Accessible Entertainment & Exhibition Seating

All entertainment venues, indoor and outdoor, have access for entry, exit and viewing. Special seating areas are available for guests with disabilities on a first-come basis.

Sensory-Friendly Visits

Joy Mobile (NEW!)

Take a break from the sights and sounds of the fair in the Joy Mobile, a one-stop sensory experience designed to help guests reset and re-engage. Its calming environment provides a range of supportive sensory experiences to reset acoustic, visual, tactile and olfactory senses. Learn more.

Located north of Loop Gate #9, just south of Judson Avenue.

Open daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day)

Fraser Sensory Building

This take-a-break oasis is specially created for fair guests of all ages with sensory-processing challenges who may find the sights, sounds, smells and crowds of the fair overwhelming.

The sensory space in the Fraser Sensory Building is staffed by Fraser-trained sensory support volunteers who can help individuals regulate with tools and techniques such as weighted blankets and shoulder wraps, calming music, floor cushions, an exercise ball and fidget toys. People with sensory difficulties are welcome to use the space to regulate.

The Fraser Sensory Building features interactive sensory activities, giveaways, educational resources and information about employment opportunities. The nonprofit welcomes individuals and families to join us for fun activities and to explore their resources. Fraser, a Minnesota nonprofit, is a nationally recognized expert in treating early childhood autism and mental health, and in providing overall wellness programs for those who have intellectual or developmental disabilities with co-occurring autism or mental health issues.

Located on the west side of Cosgrove Street, south of the Home Improvement Building.

Open daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day)

Sensory-Friendly Morning at Mighty Midway & Kidway

Monday, Aug. 26: 9-11 a.m. at Kidway; 10 a.m. to noon at Mighty Midway

For guests who would like to experience the fun of rides & games at Mighty Midway & Kidway with reduced light brightness and sound volume, on Monday, Aug. 26, at the times noted above, lights, sounds and non-safety-related announcements will be minimized.

Please note: The sensory-friendly hours apply only to Mighty Midway & Kidway; there may be areas in other parts of the fairgrounds that contain loud music and lights during these hours. Also, in the Mighty Midway & Kidway, some lights and sound may still occur, as not all attractions can completely eliminate all sound and light.

Tips for Visiting the Minnesota State Fair With Sensory Sensitivities

To help you make the most of your day at the fair, below are tips from Fraser and the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota.

Download a printable version of the sensory friendly visit tips here.

When to Visit

• Come early in the day. Arriving by 8 a.m. will enable you to enjoy much of the fairgrounds before it gets crowded and the noise gets louder. Flashing and bright lights are less intense during daylight. Lines for activities and food are often shorter earlier in the day.
• Many people come as early as 7 a.m. when we open, walk through the barns and livestock area to see the animals, eat breakfast and stroll the grounds. The Pet Pavilions and Kemps Little Farm Hands areas open at 8 a.m.; the other buildings and exhibits open at 9 a.m. and are rarely crowded right when they open. The rides and games at Kidway open at 9 a.m., and Mighty Midway opens at 10 a.m., and are not usually busy in the morning.
• We also recommend coming on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. The attendance on these days (especially Wednesday) is much less than on the weekends. Lines for activities and food tend to be shorter on these days.
• Sensory-Friendly Morning at Mighty Midway & Kidway on Monday, Aug. 26, is offered to better accommodate those with sensory sensitivities. Lights, sounds and non-safety-related announcements will be minimized on Aug. 26, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Kidway, and from 10 a.m. to noon at Mighty Midway.
• Please be aware that a fireworks show follows the Grandstand concert each night; the time will vary depending on when the concert ends and is usually between 9 and 10:30 p.m. On Labor Day, the fireworks show is at 9 p.m. If you’d like the specific time scheduled for the evening you are at the fair, ask at an information booth when you arrive.

Things to Do

• The Fraser Sensory Building and Joy Mobile are specially created for fair guests with sensory-processing challenges who may find the sights, sounds, smells and crowds of the fair overwhelming. See above for more information about the services and resources offered. The Fraser Sensory Building is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (8 p.m. on Labor Day) and is located on the west side of Cosgrove Street just south of the Home Improvement Building. The Joy Mobile is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (8 p.m. on Labor Day) and is located north of Loop Gate #9, just before Judson Avenue.
• Two interactive outdoor exhibit areas in Family Fair at Baldwin Park – Alphabet Forest and Math On-A-Stick – are geared toward children and provide fun, hands-on activities in a relaxing, shaded environment; these areas tend to be less crowded and less hectic. Guests can come and go, do some or all the activities, and stay as long or as short as they’d like. These two areas are right across the street from the 4-H Building.
• On the outdoor Family Fair Stage at Baldwin Park, we have a variety of entertainment designed for the whole family – jugglers, music & dance, magic and more. The seating area is less crowded than other parts of the fair, and there’s easy in and out access in case guests come late or want to leave early.
• The Thank A Farmer Magic Show is an engaging, educational program that weaves together magic tricks and fun facts about agriculture, farmers and where our food comes from. The seating area is usually less crowded, so there’s room to move around. This program is presented three times a day at the Christensen Farms Stage outdoors in front of the CHS Miracle of Birth Center. (The 1 p.m. show is ASL-interpreted.)
• The FFA Leadership Center and Chapter House is right next door to the Christensen Farms Stage and the CHS Miracle of Birth Center. Venture inside for hands-on activities exploring aspects of farming and agriculture. Activities are led by youth involved in the statewide FFA program. The exhibit area is typically not as crowded and is more quiet than other places on the fairgrounds. The building is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (3 p.m. on Labor Day).
• Many of the animal competitions are held in the Warner Coliseum. While some shows are very popular (such as the draft horse show, Western horse speed races and the llama-alpaca costume contest), many of the exhibitions are held throughout the day, and the Coliseum is not very full. The Coliseum air tends to be cooler too, so it’s a nice place to sit and rest and watch cattle, other livestock and horses being judged.

State Fair map

What to Bring

• Guests are welcome to bring their own sensory tools such as fidgets and noise-reducing earmuffs/earplugs/headphones. If you forget your sensory tools, you can purchase a sensory kit at the Fraser Sensory Building. (Please note that guests will enter the fairgrounds through metal detectors, and bags may be subject to search.)
• Wear sunglasses to reduce bright lights.
• Guests may bring in water bottles and outside food and beverages (except alcohol). Having a supply of snacks, food and drinks may come in handy if the lines at food vendors are long. (Please note that bags and coolers may be subject to search at the entrance, and coolers are not permitted in the Grandstand concert seating area.)
• Water will help you stay hydrated. Water bottle refill stations and drinking fountains are located throughout the fair. State Fair map
• If you have epilepsy, wear a seizure ID bracelet.
• Bring seizure emergency medication as needed.
• Visit the fair with a companion or caregiver to assist as needed.
• At the present time, face coverings are not required at the fair.

Other Tips

• Make sure to stay hydrated! Water bottle refill stations and drinking fountains are noted on the State Fair map.
• Plan for breaks throughout the day, especially from the heat, physical exertion, loud and/or abrupt noises and bright and/or flashing lights.
• Areas and events at the fair that can be louder and have more bright/flashing lights include: Mighty Midway, Kidway, the daily parade at 2 p.m., and some vendors. State Fair map
• There are two First Aid locations during the fair, sponsored by Regions Hospital.
  • First Aid West: 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (10:30 p.m. Labor Day), across from West End Market.
  • First Aid East: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day), on the outside of the north end of the 4-H Building on Cosgrove Street.
• If you need assistance, please call 911.

Pre-Visit Story

Pre-visit stories, also called social narratives, provide a blueprint to explain new experiences and decrease the anxiety around unfamiliar or potentially overwhelming events.

This narrative, developed by Fraser, highlights in general the parts of the fair that might be the most challenging and explains that if individuals feel overwhelmed, they can take a break in the Fraser Sensory Building (more info above).

Read Fraser’s Minnesota State Fair pre-visit story to help you and your family or group prepare for the fair.

More Info

Before you come to the fair, please visit the Updates page of our website for the latest information on the 2024 State Fair.

Information subject to change.

Services Animals

Service dogs are permitted on the fairgrounds. Service dogs are those that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please note: During the 12 days of the Minnesota State Fair, pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds, with the exception of service dogs or animals approved as part of an exhibition.

Mighty Midway & Kidway

The Minnesota State Fair’s Mighty Midway and Kidway welcome you! Our first responsibility is to ensure that guests have a safe and enjoyable experience each time they visit. We encourage guests to take responsibility for choosing which amusement attractions are appropriate for them. Here is some helpful information:

Sensory-Friendly Morning at Mighty Midway & Kidway

For fair guests who would like to experience the fun of rides & games at Mighty Midway & Kidway with reduced light brightness and sound volume, on Monday, Aug. 26, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Kidway, and from 10 a.m. to noon at Mighty Midway, lights, sounds and non-safety-related announcements will be minimized.

Please note: The sensory-friendly hours apply only to Mighty Midway & Kidway; there may be areas in other parts of the fairgrounds that contain loud music and lights during these hours. Also, in the Mighty Midway & Kidway, some lights and sound may still occur, as not all attractions can completely eliminate all sound and light.

Attraction Access

• Access and safety guide instructions are posted at the entrance to each attraction.
• Anyone who meets the stated requirements for access to an attraction may ride. Access will be restricted only if the owner-operator of a particular attraction determines that an individual’s safety or the safety of others will be compromised.
• Guests must be able to enter and exit the attraction independently or with the aid of a responsible companion.
• Click here for more information about specific ride access.

Responsible Companion

Whenever a guest is required to be accompanied by a responsible companion, the accompanying person must be able to safely ride the ride and assist the guest. This includes helping the guest in boarding, de-boarding and passing through the attraction; assisting the guest to maintain postural control while riding; and assisting the guest down stairs, catwalks or ladders in case evacuation is necessary. Attraction operators are neither trained nor permitted to physically assist guests.

Getting to Know the Ride/Attraction

Guests should observe an attraction through at least one cycle of operation to become familiar with the motion and dynamic actions before choosing to ride.

Before entering a ride/attraction, all guests must:

1. Meet height, weight, age and other requirements. These are posted at the entrance to each attraction. Basic information is also available on the Mighty Midway and Kidway pages of our website.
2. Follow posted attraction access rules and verbal operator instructions.
3. Sit or stand in an appropriate riding position; remain in the ride until it comes to a complete stop and you are instructed to exit.
4. Keep hands, arms, feet and legs inside the ride unit.
5. Behave in a civil and respectful manner.
6. Wear shoes and secure loose clothing, hair and other objects.
7. Not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
8. Properly use all safety equipment provided (e.g., seat belts, lap bars, harnesses, etc.) and not release safety devices until the attraction comes to a complete stop or instructed to do so by the ride operator.

Service Animals

Guests with service animals must have a companion stay with their animal while they are riding. Attraction operators cannot be responsible for the care and safety of service animals and still maintain proper control of their attraction.

Health Conditions

Persons with conditions that could be aggravated by an attraction’s dynamic actions, such as bumping or jarring, are cautioned not to ride. Guests should use caution in choosing attractions if they are pregnant or have head, back, neck, stomach, heart, cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, degenerative bone disease, or other health issues.

Safety Tips for Parents & Care Givers

Parents and care givers are responsible for deciding if an attraction is appropriate before placing a child on an amusement ride.

• Never force a child to go on an amusement ride, especially those that leave the ground; a frightened child on the ground becomes a terrified child in the air.
• Explain appropriate ride behavior to children: Keep hands and feet inside; do not stand up; remain seated until the ride stops; hold on; and obey the attraction operator’s instructions.
• Adults should supervise their children at all times, particularly while they are on amusement attractions.
• Parents should not ride with a child on their lap or assume that holding on to them is an adequate safety measure.
• Encourage children to respect amusement rides as moving machinery, just as they would automobiles at street crossings.
• Do not sit or stand on fences surrounding attractions. This applies to adults as well as children.
• Always pick an easy-to-find place to meet your children when they are done riding. Also arrange a place to meet in case you get separated.

Rides and Attractions at the Minnesota State Fair

Dining Guide

Dozens of food and beverage locations throughout the fairgrounds offer seating areas that are accessible by curb cuts and have hard, sturdy floor surfaces and tables that a guest can pull up to in a wheelchair or scooter or move a chair to make room for a wheelchair or scooter. Here is the list published in August 2024 by Access Press, a statewide news source for people with disabilities. More information about 2024 vendors coming soon.

NOTE: Not all vendors provide cups with lids and straws.

Accessible Changing Rooms

Universally Designed Changing Restroom with Hoist by Momentum Refresh

Momentum Refresh is the nation’s first fully accessible, universally designed, mobile restroom equipped with a full-size adjustable changing table, a ceiling hoist (sling not provided) and other amenities.

By offering a safe and comfortable personal care space for those with mobility limitations and their caregivers, Momentum Refresh reduces barriers and promotes inclusivity, equity and understanding. In addition to a toilet, this groundbreaking vehicle is equipped with a height-adjustable universal changing table, an overhead ceiling hoist (sling not provided) to facilitate easier transfer from wheelchair to changing table or toilet, a height-adjustable sink, enough room for an individual and caregiver, and a team of trained professionals available to inform guests about the amenities and to maintain and clean the space. (Note: Slings for the ceiling hoist are specific to the individual and are therefore not provided. Please make sure to bring your own sling. Any sling with a loop attachment is compatible with the lift in the vehicle. Check out this link with more info.)

Located on east side of Cosgrove Street, north of Lee Avenue (U11 on fairgrounds map)

Open daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day)

KaiBi Mobile Family Care Center (NEW!)

Find an adult-size changing station at KaiBi Mobile Family Care Center located on the west side of Underwood St., between Carnes & Judson avenues. KaiBi also provides facilities for diaper changing, nursing, pumping, feeding and sensory comfort in a climate controlled environment.

Open daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day)

Adult-Size Changing Table (NEW!)

A height adjustable, adult-size changing table is available in Care & Assistance located south of West End Market, open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (8 p.m. on Labor Day).

Other Services

Bariatric Seating

Bariatric chairs may be available upon request with at least 24 hours advance notice at some seating areas throughout the fairgrounds (including the Grandstand), based on availability. To inquire about bariatric seating, contact accessibility@mnstatefair.org or 651-288-4448.

Questions & Feedback

accessibility@mnstatefair.org
651-288-4448

 

All information subject to change.