Minnesota State Fair

33 photos · 2017–2026

33 photographs tagged Minnesota State Fair, 2017–2026.

The Grandstand at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, Minnesota, is illuminated at night, serving as a venue for concerts and the annual state fair. — The Grandstand at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, Minnesota, is illuminated at night. This structure has served as the primary venue for concerts, events, and the annual Minnesota State Fair since its construction. The fair itself is one of the largest and oldest state fairs in the United States, dating back to 1854. The Grandstand hosts a variety of performances and is a central gathering point for fairgoers.

DNR fire tower with metal staircase at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights. — The fire tower stands on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights, built to represent the fire lookout towers once used by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources across the state's forested regions. The DNR maintains the structure as an exhibit tied to its ongoing wildfire prevention and forestry education programs. Visitors can climb its stairways to an observation deck, a feature standard to fire towers historically staffed by lookouts watching for smoke during dry seasons. Fire towers like this one were largely phased out of active use once aerial patrols and satellite monitoring took over detection duties.

Super Dog stand at Minnesota State Fair — A brightly lit “Super Dog” food stand sign glows with yellow bulbs at a carnival or fairground. Surrounded by flags and festive colors, the concession stand evokes the classic atmosphere of American fairs where hot dogs and snacks are a staple of the midway.

Three white llamas wearing colored halters stand together at the Minnesota State Fair. — Llamas at the Minnesota State Fair compete each year in the fairgrounds' livestock barns, part of a schedule that includes 4-H and open-class camelid judging alongside cattle, sheep, and poultry shows. The fair, held annually in Falcon Heights since 1859, draws more than two million visitors over its twelve-day run, making it one of the largest state fairs in the country. Llama classes are judged on conformation, fiber quality, and handling, with owners leading their animals through obstacle courses and showmanship rounds.

Slushies and Cotton Candy concession booth with candy apples and popcorn at the Minnesota State Fair. — The Minnesota State Fair takes place each year in Falcon Heights, drawing crowds of more than a million visitors over its twelve-day run. Food vendors line the fairgrounds' concourses, selling fair staples like slushies, cotton candy, candy apples, and popcorn alongside novelty treats. ICEE frozen drinks and hand-dipped caramel apples are among the standard offerings at these concession stands. The fair, first held in 1859, is one of the largest state fairs in the country by average daily attendance.

White llama wearing a red halter and lead line at the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul. — Llamas appear each year in the Minnesota State Fair's livestock and fiber competitions, judged alongside sheep, alpacas and goats in the fair's Animal Barns. The fair itself dates to 1859 and now draws more than two million visitors to St. Paul over its 12-day run in late August and early September. Show llamas like this one are typically fitted with a halter and lead line, standard equipment for handlers in showmanship and fiber-quality judging.

Illuminated vintage swing carousel with ornate red panels and golden lights at Minnesota State Fair. — The "Wellenflug" chair swing ride is a recurring attraction at the Minnesota State Fair, its name German for "wave flight." Rides of this type, known as chair swings or wave swings, first appeared at European fairs in the early 20th century and remain a staple of traveling carnivals across the United States. The canopy on this model is decorated with painted alpine s, a common design choice among German- and Dutch-built swing rides imported for the American fair circuit. The Minnesota State Fair, held annually in Falcon Heights, draws more than two million visitors each August and September and ranks among the largest state fairs in the country by daily attendance.

Sweet Martha Cookie Jar at MN State Fair — A brightly painted cookie shop features bold signage advertising chocolate chip cookies, ice cold milk, and hot coffee. The storefront, with its yellow siding, red-and-white awnings, and whimsical design, captures the festive atmosphere typical of fairgrounds and boardwalk-style concessions.

Matt Birk speaks into a microphone during an interview at the Minnesota State Fair. — Matt Birk, a former NFL center for the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens, campaigned for Minnesota Lieutenant Governor in 2022 alongside gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen. Birk won the Super Bowl XLVII championship with the Ravens in 2013 and made six Pro Bowl appearances during his career. The Minnesota State Fair, held annually in Falcon Heights, draws over one million visitors each year and is a traditional stop for statewide candidates during election season.

Crowds fill a tree-lined avenue at the Minnesota State Fair, with a pizza vendor stand visible among the fairground attractions. — The Minnesota State Fair takes place each year at the fairgrounds in Falcon Heights, straddling the border between St. Paul and the surrounding suburbs. First held in 1859, it now runs for twelve days, ending on Labor Day, and draws crowds that regularly top 1.9 million visitors, making it one of the largest state fairs in the country by attendance. The fairgrounds cover 322 acres and include permanent food stands, like Spaghetti Eddie's, that return year after year alongside seasonal vendors. Food is a major draw here; the fair is famous for introducing dozens of new foods on sticks each season, a tradition that dates back decades.

Yellow perforated sign at Minnesota State Fair directs visitors to the Giant Slide. — The Giant Slide has been a fixture of the Minnesota State Fair since 1965, making it one of the fairgrounds' longest-running attractions. Riders climb a set of stairs to a platform before descending on burlap sacks along one of several parallel lanes. The Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights host the ride each year during the fair's 12-day run in late August and early September, drawing crowds that rank among the largest state fair attendances in the country.

Large ferris wheel at the Minnesota State Fair — The Minnesota State Fair features a Sky Ride and a Ferris wheel, offering visitors aerial views of the fairgrounds. The Sky Ride, a gondola lift system, transports fairgoers across the expansive grounds, providing a unique perspective on the event's scale and activities. The Ferris wheel, a classic amusement park attraction, has been a staple at fairs and carnivals for generations, symbolizing the celebratory atmosphere of such gatherings. Both attractions contribute to the fair's enduring appeal as a major annual event in Minnesota.

Mike Lindell MyPillow Klobuchar MN State Fair — At the Minnesota State Fair, booths for U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Mike Lindell's MyPillow company were situated adjacent to each other. Senator Klobuchar's booth, a small blue structure, featured information about her legislative efforts, including a sign detailing her work on lowering prescription drug costs. The MyPillow booth, a larger blue tent, advertised its products, highlighting them as "Most Comfortable Pillows You'll Ever Own."

Dump Walz Booth at the Minnesota State Fair — A booth at the Minnesota State Fair displays a political protest against Governor Tim Walz. The booth, labeled "Dump Walz," features a caricature of the governor holding a bag of money and surrounded by dollar bills, with text referencing "Biden-Walz Inflation." Signs around the booth list grievances such as "Businesses Crushed," "Mask Mandate," "Lockdowns," and "Vaccine Mandates." A spinning wheel with various political slogans further emphasizes the critical message directed at the governor's policies.

Skyride at the MInnesota State Fair — The popular Sky Ride at the Minnesota State Fair, seen in September 2022.

Scott Jensen at the Minnesota State fair — Scott Jensen, Republican candidate for Minnesota Governor, speaks to a supporter at the Minnesota State Fair.

Items dropped from the Sky Ride at the Minnesota State Fair — items on the roof of a state fair building that were dropped from the Sky Ride.

True CBD booth outside the Minnesota State Fair — A True CBD booth selling "Legal THC Gummies" outside the Minnesota State Fair in 2022.

Fireworks explode over the Grandstand at the Minnesota State Fair on September 4, 2023. The fair is a major annual event held since 1854. — Fireworks illuminate the night sky above the Grandstand at the Minnesota State Fair on September 4, 2023. The Minnesota State Fair, one of the largest state fairs in the United States, has been held annually since 1854. The Grandstand serves as the fair's primary venue for concerts and other major events, including its traditional closing night fireworks display. This event marks the culmination of the fair's 12-day run, drawing large crowds to witness the pyrotechnic spectacle.

Governor Tim Walz eats a pork chop at the Minnesota State Fair on September 1, 2024. — Governor Tim Walz engages with attendees while holding a pork chop at the Minnesota State Fair on September 1, 2024. The Minnesota State Fair, held annually in Falcon Heights, is one of the largest state fairs in the United States. It serves as a significant cultural and agricultural event for the state, showcasing livestock, agricultural products, and entertainment. The fair's history dates back to 1854, and it continues to be a major gathering place for Minnesotans.

Tim Walz greets a fairgoer wearing a Minnesota Grown cap at the Minnesota State Fair. — Tim Walz, Minnesota's governor and the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, appeared at the Minnesota State Fair on September 1, 2024. The fair, held annually in Falcon Heights, draws more than a million visitors over its twelve-day run and is one of the largest state fairs in the country. Minnesota governors have long made appearances there, a tradition tied to the fair's role as a stop for statewide and national candidates during election years.

Governor Tim Walz at the Minnesota State Fair on Sept 1, 2024, wearing a "Minnesota Grown" cap and holding tickets. — Governor Tim Walz, wearing a "Minnesota Grown" cap, interacts with fairgoers at the Minnesota State Fair on September 1, 2024. He is holding tickets or receipts in his hand. The Minnesota State Fair is a major annual event held in Falcon Heights, showcasing agriculture and entertainment. This image was taken during the 2024 Minnesota State Fair, a significant cultural and economic event for the state. Governor Walz's presence highlights the fair's role as a platform for public engagement and a reflection of Minnesota's agricultural heritage. The fair is a key fixture in the state's calendar, drawing large crowds and featuring a wide array of exhibits and activities.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz waves to crowds at the Minnesota State Fair during his 2024 Vice Presidential campaign. — Tim Walz, then Governor of Minnesota, waves to a crowd at the Minnesota State Fair. Walz was campaigning during the 2024 presidential election cycle as a candidate for Vice President.

Homeland Security officer stands guard at a food stand during Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz's appearance at the Minnesota State Fair. — A Homeland Security officer stands guard outside a food stand at the Minnesota State Fair prior to the anticipated appearance of Vice Presidential Candidate and then-Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

A crowd of people attends the Minnesota State Fair, with a woman in the center wearing a Harris-Walz campaign hat. — A woman wears a "Harris Walz" hat while looking at her phone at the Minnesota State Fair in September 2024 as Vice Presidential candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz makes an appearance.

Protester holds a "Never Walz" sign at the Minnesota State Fair during the 2024 election campaign. — A man holds a "Never Walz" sign near an Amy Klobuchar campaign banner at the Minnesota State Fair. Tim Walz, Minnesota's governor, was serving his second term and running as the Democratic vice presidential nominee alongside Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.

Creative Church yard sign advertising free Minnesota State Fair tickets in Maple Grove, Minnesota. — Creative Church in Maple Grove, Minnesota, advertises free Minnesota State Fair tickets with yard signs along a street median. According to the offer, recipients must attend a church service to receive the tickets.

Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar booth at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. — Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. The longtime cookie stand is one of the fair’s best-known food vendors, serving chocolate chip cookies and drinks.

Old Minnesota flag at the Minnesota State Fair in 2026. — With a huge flag, flag handouts and shirts that read "BRING IT BACK.", Tad Jude who's now running for Secretary of State, makes it clear his #1 concern is a flag.

Drew Arietta at the Minnesota State Fair — People at the Minnesota State Fair looking at photographs by Drew Arietta.

Minnesota State Fair Crop Art, ICE OUT — Crop art at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair, with many artists depicting memories from the early 2026 deadly political operation in Minnesota.

“Agent Down!” Seed Art by Annie Russell-Pribnow at the State Fair — Crop art at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair, with many artists depicting memories from the early 2026 deadly political operation in Minnesota.

No Hate No Fear Crop Art at Minnesota State Fair — Crop art at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair, with many artists depicting memories from the early 2026 deadly political operation in Minnesota.

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