Minnesota State Fair travel guide

Minnesota State Fair travel guide

National Airports

The nearest international airport to the Minnesota State Fair is Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), which is about 13 miles away. There are several other smaller regional airports in the area, but MSP is the main airport that serves the Twin Cities region.

Trains in Minnesota State Fair

There are several Amtrak train stations in the Twin Cities region, but none of them are located very close to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The closest Amtrak station is the St. Paul Union Depot, which is about 5 miles away from the fairgrounds. From there, you would need to take a taxi or public transportation to get to the fairgrounds. However, there are no direct public transportation options from the Union Depot to the fairgrounds, so a taxi or rideshare service may be your best bet.

Buses in Minnesota State Fair

There are several public transportation options available to get to the Minnesota State Fair:

Metro Transit: Metro Transit operates bus routes to the fairgrounds during the State Fair. Several bus routes serve the fairgrounds, including express service from several park-and-ride locations. You can check the Metro Transit website for schedules and fares.

Shuttle Services: Many private companies offer shuttle services to and from the State Fair. These services often operate from local businesses or hotels, and may offer a more direct and convenient option for getting to the fairgrounds.

Ride Share Services: You can also use popular ride share services like Uber or Lyft to get to the State Fair. The ride share drop-off and pick-up area is located near the West End Market.

Charter Buses: If you are part of a large group, you may want to consider chartering a bus to the fairgrounds. Many charter bus companies offer services to the Minnesota State Fair, and can provide a convenient and cost-effective way to get there.

How to get to Minnesota State Fair

There are several ways to get to the Minnesota State Fair, including:

Driving: If you have access to a car, you can drive to the fairgrounds. There are several entrances to the fairgrounds and parking lots available. However, traffic can be heavy and parking can be limited, so plan accordingly.

Public transportation: As mentioned earlier, Metro Transit operates bus routes to the fairgrounds during the State Fair. You can check the Metro Transit website for schedules and fares. Private shuttle services and ride share services are also available.

Biking: The fairgrounds are accessible by bike, and there are several bike racks available on site. However, bike parking can also be limited, so plan accordingly.

Walking: If you live nearby or are staying at a nearby hotel, you can walk to the fairgrounds. However, keep in mind that the fairgrounds are quite large, so wear comfortable shoes and plan for a lot of walking.

Overall, the best way to get to the Minnesota State Fair will depend on your individual circumstances, such as where you are coming from and where you are staying. Consider your options and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at the fair.

What is the best time to travel to Minnesota State Fair

The best time to travel to the Minnesota State Fair is during the annual event itself, which takes place for 12 days from late August to early September. The fair is a popular event in Minnesota, attracting visitors from all over the state and beyond, so it is recommended to plan ahead and book accommodations and transportation well in advance. Additionally, the weather in Minnesota during this time is typically pleasant, with temperatures in the 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit and lower humidity.

How to get around Minnesota State Fair

Getting around the Minnesota State Fair can be done on foot, but the fairgrounds are quite large, so it can be helpful to use other modes of transportation as well. Here are some options:

Shuttle buses: The fair provides free shuttle buses to transport visitors around the fairgrounds. These buses have several stops throughout the fair and are wheelchair accessible.

Trams: Trams are available to transport visitors from the parking lots to the fairgrounds. There is a fee for using the trams.

SkyGlider: The SkyGlider is a chairlift ride that provides an aerial view of the fairgrounds. It runs from one end of the fair to the other and can be a fun way to get around while taking in the sights.

Bike parking: There is a bike parking area at the fairgrounds, so visitors can bike to the fair and park their bikes for free.

Personal vehicles: Visitors can drive to the fair and park their cars in one of the fair’s parking lots. There is a fee for parking, and parking can fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to arrive early.

Ride-sharing services: Visitors can use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft to get to and from the fairgrounds.

Overall, there are many options for getting around the Minnesota State Fair, so visitors can choose the mode of transportation that works best for them.

Accommodations in Minnesota State Fair

Since the Minnesota State Fair is located in St. Paul, Minnesota, there are many accommodation options available in the city. Visitors can choose from hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and camping options, depending on their budget and preferences.

Some popular hotels near the fairgrounds include the Best Western Plus Como Park Hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton St. Paul Downtown, and the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown St. Paul. There are also many vacation rental options available through websites such as Airbnb and VRBO.

For those who prefer camping, the State Fairgrounds offers RV and tent camping options during the fair. Additionally, there are several campgrounds located within a short drive of the fairgrounds, including the St. Paul East RV Park and the Town & Country Campground.