Midwest - Best State Fair in the Midwest

I don't know why (perhaps he's been listening to Garrison Keillor too much ;)) - but my husband has expressed a desire to go to the Iowa State Fair next summer - even though he's never eaten a fried thing on a stick in his whole life. Took a look - and there are other state fairs in that area about that time of year too (Wisconsin - Illinois - Minnesota - may be others as well). Are there any midwest state fair fans out there? And - if so - which do you think is the best? FWIW - I don't mind if you root for your "home team" :).

Pleasant somewhat rural location would be a big plus for me (e.g., Wisconsin State Fair seems to be in a suburb of Milwaukee - I've been to Milwaukee - it has its high points - but going to a fair there might be like going to the Duval County Fair here in downtown JAX - I much prefer the more rural Clay County Fair - good rodeo!). Robyn

The Illinois state fair is pretty good, they have an awesome butter cow. It's located in Springfield which, while not entirely urban, is fairly citified. But there is plenty of country around there and interesting sights like Route 66.

I have always wanted to see the corn palace in South Dakota but I'm not sure if it is attached to the state fair there.

Most state fairs have pretty impressive music lineups. You might research the music acts and see if any appeal to you and use that to help decide.

I've been to state fairs in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota and most seem to be in the their respective state capital so it's not really in a rural setting like a county fair would be. Nonetheless they are still enjoyable. Iowa has the "butter cow" also. Lots of great food and the talent try-outs are fun to watch. As far as main talent, I've seen the Beach Boys there and Manhattan Transfer up in Minnesota. Can't think of a better way to watch a performance than a nice summer nite outside.

I've been to state fairs in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota and most seem to be in the their respective state capital so it's not really in a rural setting like a county fair would be. Nonetheless they are still enjoyable. Iowa has the "butter cow" also. Lots of great food and the talent try-outs are fun to watch. As far as main talent, I've seen the Beach Boys there and Manhattan Transfer up in Minnesota. Can't think of a better way to watch a performance than a nice summer nite outside.

Wisconsin's is in Milwaukee, not the state capital (Madison). I'd go elsewhere if you're looking for rural.

The North Dakota State Fair is in Minot. That's pretty rural, although Minot is a fairly large city (for that part of the country, at least).

Although not on your list, the Missouri state fair is in Sedalia which is quite rural. Closest airport is MCI. It's in August also. I never went.

Sedalia used to be known for their goober burgers (hamburger with peanut butter) but that place has closed.

I tried the Iowa state fair this past August for the first time. I live in Iowa. What can I say, it was a fair; but, it is big and brash and usually books a diverse set of acts and events. If your husband likes fairs I think the Iowa state fair would be a great choice.

I am partial to the Illinois State Fair. Great exhibits, music, etc. Other sites to see in Springfield as well.

I've only done the Nebraska State fair. It's okay. I mean, I'm not sure what you're looking for. At any rate, the Nebraska State Fair has moved from Lincoln (pop. around 200K+) to Grand Island, pop. 50K. (Which is neither Grand nor an Island, incidentally). I think Iowa's fair is most likely better, but Des Moines is not a rural setting.

I personally enjoy the Wisconsin State Fair. It has some great food. Some junk standard fare, too. Some signature features, like the green/yellow "Super Slide", cream puff building, and $0.25 flavored milk stand.

You may also want to check out the NORTHERN Wisconsin State fair, in Chippewa Falls. Unfortunately never had a chance to check it out.

Illinois actually has two "state fairs," too. The DuQuoin State Fair in southern Illinois is in September. That's definitely a rural part of the state.

I've always wondered why Illinois needs more than one state fair, but southern Illinois is very different geographically and culturally from the rest of the state.

Illinois actually has two "state fairs," too. The DuQuoin State Fair in southern Illinois is in September. That's definitely a rural part of the state.

I've always wondered why Illinois needs more than one state fair, but southern Illinois is very different geographically and culturally from the rest of the state.

You could also argue that Chicago is its own state too, but not one that would have a fair.

Without a doubt, the Iowa State Fair. I grew up attending the fair and have so many great memories of it. There is so much that is free and you can always tour the hog and cattle barns.

Michigan State Fair.

Ohio State Fair

Columbus,OH CowTown, USA!

Just want to let you all know that I am still following this thread for ideas. We have run across golfers from the midwest playing here in Florida in recent weeks - and everyone thinks the fair in his/her state is the best!

I will leave you with a link to perhaps the most famous Iowa website - CornCam :):

http://www.iowafarmertoday.com/corn_cam/

Robyn

If you truly want something rural, go to the Jones County fair in Iowa. They always have good entertainment.

All of the county fairs have interesting local flavor. I try to go to the Marinette County Fair in Northern Wisconsin when in the area and have been to some fun smaller ones in Upper Michigan.

(sorry)

(sorry again)

Here is my breakdown of the state fairs in the midwest:

Michigan State Fair - Detroit - Canceled indefinitely. Quite frankly, being in the middle of Detroit made it a real yawner.

Missouri State Fair - Sedalia - Was NOT worth the drive from St. Louis. It seemed that 90% of the exhibits were from the six adjoining counties. There was little from the eastern portion of the state.

Wisconsin State Fair - West Allis - Not the most rural of fairs. However, there are some great food options and plenty of entertainment options. It is more geared toward city folks but it is a lot of fun. They always have specials on line.

Minnesota State Fair - Minneapolis - One of the most impressive fairs around. Lots of agriculture, a lot of fun displays. I wish that I could be a lot more specific BUT my car was acting up and we got there late.

Nebraska State Fair - Lincoln (now in Grand Island) - The Lincoln fair was smallish BUT they had some decent food and a lot of GREAT 4-H exhibits. I used to attend a lot of the 4-H oral presentations which really really were impressive. There are a lot of ag exhibits and less geared toward city folks.

Ohio State Fair - Columbus - One of the largest and most interesting fairs. They have a lot of exhibits from all around the state. A lot of ag exhibits, I think that you can also go through the historical center, if I remember right.

Illinois State Fair - Springfield - Pretty similar to Ohio. Well worth attending. A ton of things to do and easily takes a day or two.

Illinois State Fair - DuQuoin - Pretty much an agricultural fair. If you are into ag or like one of the grandstand act, it is worth it.


Do NOT overlook some of the larger county fairs which are great. Some that I have really enjoyed include:

Boone Co, Belvidere,Illinois
Rock County 4H, Janesville, WI
Geagua Co, OH
Sandwich Fair, Sandwich, IL (DeKalb Co.)
Lorain Co. Fair, Wellington, OH.

I have been trying to get to the Iowa and Indiana State Fairs for years.

I like the Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin ones. Those are listed in alphabetical order, or I'd get in trouble. ;)

I preferred the Iowa State Fair to the Minnesota State Fair. I've been to both more than once and the Iowa fair just seemed less commercial to me. We all love our _____ on a stick but there was just too much of that at the Minnesota fair. Plus the Skyglider at the Iowa fair seemed better too.

Neither are in an even remotely rural setting, unless you count some of the people coming in from the corners of both states. Minnesota's seems easier to get to with busses coming in from anywhere in the city/suburbs. Iowa's you have to drive to a lot pretty close to the fair to get bussed over, but still not much trouble.

If you are travelling in from out of state keep in mind that Minneapolis is a more entertaining town to be in generally if you plan on spending several days. Des Moines is fine, but is just not a big city.

Born and raised in Iowa, Minneapolis resident for 3 years.

I've only done the Nebraska State fair. It's okay. I mean, I'm not sure what you're looking for. At any rate, the Nebraska State Fair has moved from Lincoln (pop. around 200K+) to Grand Island, pop. 50K. (Which is neither Grand nor an Island, incidentally). I think Iowa's fair is most likely better, but Des Moines is not a rural setting.

Having done both, I assure one and all that the Iowa State Fair is MUCH better than the Nebraska version. Let's hope the new location is a winner for Nebraska. The old site was getting a bit tired.

+1 for the Iowa State fair. Classic Americana.

The Iowa State Fair consistently ranks as one of the best state fairs in the country. I would recommend it without hesitation. Great hotels, friendly people, and lots of fried stuff!

Nebraska State Fair - Lincoln (now in Grand Island) - The Lincoln fair was smallish BUT they had some decent food and a lot of GREAT 4-H exhibits. I used to attend a lot of the 4-H oral presentations which really really were impressive. There are a lot of ag exhibits and less geared toward city folks.

Do NOT overlook some of the larger county fairs which are great. Some that I have really enjoyed include:
Boone Co, Belvidere,Illinois


Definitely. With the new location of Nebraska's it could be pretty sweet.

I am about to make my 24th or 25th recreational visit to the USA...(lost count really) and now you folks have made it clear that I have been remiss in never even thinking of attending a State Fair!

OK... Step 1. Find out when they are on.....:D Ohio would be great as I have some really good friends there.... Will be in Michigan, Illinois and Minnesota later in the year too... Hmmmmmm

Thanks for the idea! ^:D

I don't know why (perhaps he's been listening to Garrison Keillor too much ;)) - but my husband has expressed a desire to go to the Iowa State Fair next summer - even though he's never eaten a fried thing on a stick in his whole life. Took a look - and there are other state fairs in that area about that time of year too (Wisconsin - Illinois - Minnesota - may be others as well). Are there any midwest state fair fans out there? And - if so - which do you think is the best? FWIW - I don't mind if you root for your "home team" :).

Pleasant somewhat rural location would be a big plus for me (e.g., Wisconsin State Fair seems to be in a suburb of Milwaukee - I've been to Milwaukee - it has its high points - but going to a fair there might be like going to the Duval County Fair here in downtown JAX - I much prefer the more rural Clay County Fair - good rodeo!). Robyn

Minnesota State Fair, hands-down the best.

It's gotta be Iowa - and don't forget to hit up the Soapcakes booth for some free smells. ^

Went to the Minnesota State Fair last year, I loved the all-you-can drink Milk!

I have heard that Minnesota is the second largest (visitor-wise?) behind Texas.

Depends on where you are in the midwest, but Minnesota was a good time.

I'm a huge Minnesota State Fair fan and prefer it to the Wisconsin State Fair, which I've also attended several times. Attractions I never miss: Ye Old Mill, the Lamb Lead, the 4-H exhibits and a 4-H presentation competition. And the seed art.

It's gotta be Iowa - and don't forget to hit up the Soapcakes booth for some free smells. ^


+1^

As a resident of WI, I have been to the Minn, Iowa (DSM), MI (Allegan), IL (Springfield), IN (Indianapolis) statefairs lol..

Iowa had some very interesting food while Minn prob had the best overall. We did wait 30min fo cookies that were awsome. Mostly went to see concerts but generally did spend the day wandering around looking at things, the Worst was IN (dry), IL was dry in public areas, had a special drinking tent haha. I don't remember totally about the others.

As a resident of WI, I have been to the Minn, Iowa (DSM), MI (Allegan), IL (Springfield), IN (Indianapolis) statefairs lol..

Iowa had some very interesting food while Minn prob had the best overall. We did wait 30min fo cookies that were awsome. Mostly went to see concerts but generally did spend the day wandering around looking at things, the Worst was IN (dry), IL was dry in public areas, had a special drinking tent haha. I don't remember totally about the others.

Worst because it was dry? :rolleyes:

I think for the midwest, it goes as follows:

Ohio (http://www.ohiostatefair.com/)
Iowa
Minnesota
Indiana (http://www.in.gov/statefair/)
Illinois

http://attractions.uptake.com/blog/best-state-fairs-5959.html