How To Get To The State Fair
Whether you're driving, biking or taking a bus, WCCO has the guide to get you out to the fair.
Driving
Coming from the north: Take Interstate 35W south to Highway 36 east via Cleveland Ave. Exit on Snelling Ave. South.
Coming from the south: Take I-35W north to Interstate 94 east. Exit on Snelling Ave., then turn left and head north. Or take Interstate 35E north to I-94 west. Exit on Snelling Avenue, then turn right and head north.
Coming from the east: Take I-94 west to Snelling Avenue, then turn right and head north.
Coming from the west: Take I-94 east to Snelling Avenue, then turn left and head north.
NOTE: Avoid construction on your trip to the State Fair. Click here for more information about potential traffic pitfalls.
Vehicle Parking
Parking costs $12 at all State Fair lots. Vehicles with trailers are charged for two spots ($24).
Traveling east on Larpenteur Avenue: Park in lot by turning south on Underwood Street through Gate #1
Traveling south on Snelling Avenue: Park in lot by turning west on Hoyt Avenue and proceeding to Gate #0
Traveling north on Cleveland Avenue: Park in lot by turning east on Commonwealth (by the U of M St. Paul Campus) through Gate #15.
Park near the Grandstand: Enter via Gate #0 or Gate #15.
Additional parking is available south of Como Avenue.
There is no guaranteed parking as all lots are filled on a first come basis.
Click here to see a map of lots near the fairgrounds.
Motorcycle Parking
Parking is $6 for motorcyclists at a secured lot on Como Ave. near the International Institute. In other State Fair lots motorcycle parking is $12. Lots are open from 6 a.m. to midnight daily.
By Bus
If you'd like to skip driving in the area of the fair area -- take the stress out of it and hop on a bus.
Park And Ride
There will be free parking and free rides at 35 different locations near the fairgrounds (20 of them will be open and running every day). Park and rides are open from 8 a.m. to midnight with buses leaving approximately every 20 minutes.
• Find A Park And Ride Location
NOTE: There is NO PARKING at the old I-94 & Snelling lot. Other options include U of M every day or Saint Paul College on weekends and Labor Day.
Express Bus Service
Express bus service runs out of 19 locations across the Twin Cities. Round-trip fares are only $5. Express buses drop-off and pick-up at the West Red Pedestrian Bridge (Gate #20) on the south side of Como Ave.
Regular Routes
Click here to see the regular bus routes that go to the fairgrounds. Normal fares apply to these routes.
By Bicycle
There are three free bike corrals at the fair that are open from 6 a.m. to midnight each day of the fair.
• Como Snelling Gate (#6)
• Hoyt-Snelling Gate (#2)
• Commonwealth-West Dan Patch (#15)
Click here for more information on biking to the State Fair.
Helpful Maps
• Minnesota State Fair Grounds Map
Print or Download Maps
Directions and parking information from the Minnesota State Fair website.
