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.

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.

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!