MAIN Travel USA Minnesota Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair is an annual fair that takes place in St. Paul every year, a traditional fun fest that has been taking place since its inaugural year in 1859.

Like many state fairs, the Minnesota State Fair moved around a fair bit in its early years to better include the various parts of the state, which had trouble transporting livestock over long distances.

The transient nature of the fair was actually in part what led to a competing fair opening up in Minneapolis. The two fairs were both quite popular, and in the end they were joined together and held roughly half way between the two areas at what is now the modern Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul.

Today, the fair runs for twelve days in late August until Labor Day. attracting upwards of 1,600,000 people during an almost two-week run. This makes the Minnesota State Fair the largest fair in the US by daily attendance, but not by total attendance (the Texas State Fair holds that honor, although that fair runs for almost twice as long.)

Watch for the 2012 concert lineup to be announced in June ... and act fast! Tickets usually sell out in minutes. Past headliners at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand concert series have included Carrie Underwood, Gnarls Barkley, Tim McGraw, the Black Crowes, Toby Keith and many, many others.

Perhaps one of the oldest traditions at the fair is the election of the Princess Kay of the Milky Way, who has the pleasure of having her likeness carved in to a block of butter, among other official duties!

There is also livestock - such as cattle, horses, sheep, and llamas, which are all on show and in various competitions as well. The Minnesota State Fair is also home to many amusement rides, along with art displays and other exhibitors with, of course, a wide selection of calorie-laden fried foods and regional specialties.

Along with major headliners, the Minnesota State Fair also hosts a varied and talented array of live entertainment featuring 70 bands on 5 stages. Styles of music range from blues, rock and country to bluegrass, R&B, and polka, along with stand-up comedy and even talent shows.

There is so much to do and see that it would be impossible not to find something to enjoy at the Minnesota State Fair.

Have fun!

More about the Minnesota State Fair around the Web:

Minnesota State Fair - The official site with information on admission and ticket prices, fair highlights and events including rides, concert lineup, entertainment, food finder, directions, map, photos.

Minnesota State Fair - Wikipedia - History and fun facts, including an overview of the modern fair's most popular events & attractions, photo gallery, attendance records, with related references and resources.

The Minnesota State Fair - About.com guide with schedule, concert lineup, highlights, money saving tips and transportation resources.

also see -> Christmas in Minnesota | Minnesota Lakes & Beaches

Minnesota Wineries | Minnesota Fall Foliage | Moving to Minnesota