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.

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!

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..... 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! ^

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. ^