Minnesota State Fair is just one week away. Here's what you need to know about getting there
Bust out the buckets of Sweet Martha cookies, the Minnesota State Fair is just one week away.
The 322 acres of Falcon Heights fairgrounds can be an overwhelming mix of sights, sounds and smells to the system.
A guide can help you manage your way among various Midway rides, music concerts, food options and farm animals.
This year, the fair runs from Aug. 27 through Sept. 7. Tickets are on sale now on the State Fair's website.
Getting to the fair and finding a place to park is usually the toughest part of your day, as more than 150,000 people can show up on an average day.
Here's a list of helpful ideas to make your way and park at the fair:
Free Park and Ride
Starting at 8 a.m. every morning of the fair, guests can leave their vehicles at one of 32 lots near the fairgrounds and ride a free shuttle to the gates.
The last bus from the fair is 11:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. Labor Day). Travel times vary based on traffic and crowds.
Express Bus Service
Metro Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), and SouthWest Transit partner with the State Fair to offer this service. For a small fee, visitors can park a little farther away and take a bus directly to and from the fairgrounds.
The Metro Transit sites are located in Blaine, Bloomington, Cottage Grove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, and Maple Grove.
All lots except Maple Grove will operate all the days of the fair; Maple Grove will be open on weekends and Labor Day.
Round-trip tickets can be purchased in advance through Metro Transit's website or app for $5, and you can buy cash-only fares at boarding locations for $6.
Serving the south metro area, MVTA provides free parking and direct bus service in Eagan, Shakopee, and Burnsville.
SouthWest Transit provides free parking and direct bus service to the State Fair from Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska, and Carver.
Metro Transit Regular Bus Service
For fairgoers in the Twin Cities, Metro Transit has four regular bus routes with stops nearby. The METRO A Line, Route 3 on Como Avenue, Route 61 on Larpenteur Avenue and METRO Green Line are the services recommended by the State Fair.
All regular-route buses are wheelchair accessible and have bike racks.
Rideshare: Uber, Lyft, Taxis
There are two designated drop-off and pick-up points for rideshare riders, located at the north and south ends of the fairgrounds. The north side is near Snelling & Hoyt Avenues, and to the south is across from Gate 7 and the Dairy Building.
Taxi pickup and drop-off is located at the Loop Gate (#9) on Como Avenue on the south end of the fairgrounds.
On-Site Parking for Cars, Bicycles and Motorcycles
The Minnesota State Fair offers around 5,000 parking spaces in lots on the north, west, and south ends of the fairgrounds. Just like last year, the fee for on-site parking is $25. Motorcycle / motorized scooter parking is located in a secure lot on the south side of Como Avenue and costs $15.
For bicycles and standard scooters, three free, secure, and monitored bike parking areas are available on the north, west, and south ends of the fairgrounds. There is space for more than 900 bikes. Guests may also park and lock their bicycles at Express Bus lots and take a bus to and from the fairgrounds.
Neighborhood Parking
If you've ever been to the State Fair, you know the fairgrounds are in the middle of a St. Paul neighborhood. Many people open their driveways and yards as parking places, for a fee. The State Fair wants to remind everyone that every city has its parking policies and guests should take note of their rules.
