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.