St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota State Fair announces several new attractions, exhibits, vendors and programs for the 2022 Great Minnesota Get-Together. The following is a list of State Fair experiences being celebrated or debuting this year.
Blue Ribbon BINGO
BINGO makes its debut at the Minnesota State Fair with proceeds supporting the Minnesota State Fair Foundation 501(c)(3). Located in Ramberg Center, BINGO sessions include five games and last about 30 minutes. BINGO packets of five sheets are $10 each and each sheet contains three cards to play per game. The first session will begin promptly at 9 a.m. daily; sessions will be held approximately once per hour, with the last session beginning at about 8 p.m. (7 p.m. on Labor Day). Check the sign outside Ramberg Center for session start times throughout the day.
Prizes will be two admissions tickets to the winner’s choice of either the 2022 or 2023 State Fair and a coveted blue ribbon.
Located in Ramberg Center (sponsored by Cal Spas), on the west side of Underwood Street just north of Judson Avenue.
Survival: The Exhibition
This immersive and engaging wilderness exhibit brings together adventure, fun and science while transporting guests of all ages to the world’s most awe-inspiring locales and then asks the question: How can humans survive here? From rainforests to high mountains to rolling oceans, from extreme cold to the temperate forest to our own locales, this exhibit invites the visitors to investigate, collaborate, problem-solve, build and collect their way to becoming the ultimate survival expert. Free with fair admission. Produced by Imagine Exhibitions.
Located in the North End Event Center, north of Murphy Avenue. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (8 p.m. on Labor Day).
Two New Mighty Midway Rides
Two new rides debut at the fair this year.
Iron Dragon Coaster: This spectacular roller coaster has plenty of hairpin turns, fast and sudden drops, and lots of airtime.
Music Express: Fly at top speed – forward and backward – through dazzling lights and splashy music.
Located at Mighty Midway.
75 Years of the FFA Show at the Minnesota State Fair
Minnesota FFA is a statewide organization with programs that prepare members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. What began in 1948 with 37 boys exhibiting sheep and swine at the State Fair has grown into an expansive show with opportunities for FFA members from more than 200 chapters across the state to participate in livestock and non-livestock competitions. During the 2022 fair, special programs and exhibit highlights will commemorate the State Fair’s partnership with FFA. Visit mnstatefair.org/competitions/ffa/ for more information.
Most FFA competitions are held at the Livestock Complex area and the Agriculture Horticulture Building. Additional programs are held at the CHS Miracle of Birth Center and the FFA Chapter House & Leadership Center.
Open Captioning, Audio Description and ASL at the Fair
The State Fair offers a variety of accessibility services and this year has added open captioning and audio description for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing or blind or have low vision. ASL interpretation will continue to be offered at select entertainment and education programs throughout the fair. Visit
mnstatefair.org/general-info/accessibility-guide/ for more information. Accessibility guest services are supported by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.
Located throughout the fairgrounds.
Eco Experience: New Features
At this award-winning exhibit, an array of new features includes displays, resources and demonstrations that highlight what one can do to help improve our air, land, water and climate. A few of this year’s highlights include:
- Land of the Loon – Protecting Minnesota’s iconic state bird: A roadside attraction for 40 years in Virginia, Minn., the world’s largest floating loon makes a special State Fair visit. The loon is part spectacle (it’s 20’ tall!) and part serious-talk about how to reduce the threats to the common loon, such as using lead-free tackle, keeping lakes clean and shorelines natural, and taking action to reduce climate change. Fair guests can see this historic Minnesota icon in person, and get a free sample of lead-free tackle and a loon temporary tattoo.
- Giant Cardboard Moose Sculpture: What better way to showcase that paper products – like the cardboard used in this sculpture of Minnesota’s largest animal – make up the largest portion of what Minnesotans recycle. In fact, 380,000 tons of cardboard alone went to recycling facilities in 2020.
- Cell Phone Recycling: Recycling electronics waste helps to capture valuable materials. Dispose of your used cell phones and other devices in the Tech Dump box, and Tech Dump will destroy the data, then recycle or refurbish the items.
- Reuse and Repair in Our Communities: Get helpful how-to ideas from a variety of reuse, rental and repair organizations and businesses located in the area.
- Community Science Program of the Day: Data collected by volunteers can help professional scientists answer research questions about wild plant and animal populations, as well as environmental conditions such as water clarity or temperature. Join a volunteer data collection program, and start making a difference for clean water and climate right away. This citizen science community table will feature various volunteer programs throughout the fair.
Eco Experience is a partnership of the State Fair, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and dozens of organizations and businesses across the state. It is the largest environmental education event of its kind in the country. Free with fair admission. Eco Experience is sponsored by Xcel Energy. Refer to daily schedules at mnstatefair.org in August for a complete list of activities at Eco Experience.
Located in Progress Center, on the north side of Randall Avenue at Cosgrove Street. Open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day).
Agriculture Horticulture Building’s 75th Anniversary
One of the most iconic buildings at the State Fairgrounds opened in 1947. The Agriculture Horticulture Building is home to a variety of competitions, demonstrations and displays – flowers, bees & honey, craft beer, crop art, Christmas trees, vegetable competitions, answers to gardening questions, how to connect to the food you eat, and more agricultural education. The Agriculture Horticulture Building is sponsored by Bremer Bank.
Located north of Judson Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (8 p.m. on Labor Day).
Old Iron Show Turns 25
Reminiscent of the former Machinery Hill, the Old Iron Show gives fair guests an opportunity to get up-close for demonstrations and displays of beautifully restored, rare antique farm equipment. Learn about the history of the machines, their use in farm fields, the manufacturers of yesteryear, the dedicated, talented restorers in Minnesota, and best of all – marvel as the engines roar to life. Young and old alike will enjoy meandering through the exhibit showcasing antique machinery such as:
- “The Flour City” (1912): Manufactured in North Minneapolis by the Kinnard-Haines Co., this 70-horsepower tractor was used mainly on large wheat farms in northwest Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana and southwestern Canada. It was restored to running condition in Hastings, Minn.
- Aultman-Taylor tractor (1918): This 45-horsepower tractor was made in Ohio and used on large wheat farms. It was restored to running condition in Hastings, Minn.
- Rumley Oil Pull Model “K” (1922): Noted for using oil for engine coolant instead of water, the Advanced-Rumley Co. in Indiana manufactured 14 different tractor models, including this 20-horsepower machine. After sitting in disrepair for decades, it was restored in Champlin, Minn.
- John Deere Model “D” (1929): John Deere produced 160,000 Model “D” tractors from 1923 to 1953, making it the longest-produced model ever built by John Deere. This particular tractor was built in Iowa, fell into disrepair in Texas, and was brought to Champlin, Minn., where it was restored to almost-new condition.
- John Deere Model “M” (circa 1947-52): Proudly displayed in pristine condition! Fun fact: Of all the many, many tractor manufacturers that have existed from the early 1900s to today, John Deere is the only tractor company that still operates under its original company and name.
Located on Lee Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets. Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
New Creative Activities Competitions
Adventurous amateur bakers and chefs can vie for even more blue ribbons and bragging rights this year with the addition of four new special contests: Great Chocolate Cake Contest, Low-to-No Sugar Showdown, Salad Bowl Tournament and Supreme Sourdough Bread Contest. In 1971, the competition department and category of Creative Activities debuted after formerly being known as Home Activities and Woman’s Activities. To mark this milestone of 50-plus years, there will be a timeline installation in the Creative Activities Building of significant moments in the history of Creative Activities at the fair. For more details on the special contests visit mnstatefair.org/competitions/creative-activities/.
Located in the Creative Activities Building, on the east side of Cosgrove Street just north of Dan Patch Avenue. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day).
New Livestock and Agriculture Competitions
This year’s State Fair will see the addition of new livestock and agriculture competitions:
- The Running of the Ducks: The aptly named runner ducks stand up tall on their webbed feet and run with speed and grace. As one portion of their judging at the State Fair this year, these ducks show off their technique in a large pen in an event the fair is calling The Running of the Ducks, on Tuesday, Aug. 30, at 11 a.m., in the Poultry Barn.
- Open Class Cow/Calf Supreme Competition: In beef cattle breeds such as Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, Red Angus, Shorthorn, Simmental and ShorthornPlus, cow/calf pairs that have been named breed champions then compete for the title of Supreme Champion on Sunday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m., in Compeer Arena.
- FFA Agricultural Interactive Exhibit/Demonstration Competition: Based on proposals submitted from FFA chapters and individuals from across the state, FFA youth have been selected to present an interactive exhibit or demonstrate a skill that is connected to a career pathway in agricultural education. Presentations take place Aug. 25 to Sept. 3 in the FFA Chapter House & Leadership Center; Sept. 4 features judging of the daily winners to determine the top awards.
- More classes for Western Saddle Clubs Association (WSCA) Pleasure entries: In Western Pleasure competition, the horse rather than the rider is judged on the performance of various gaits. Part of the Minnesota State Fair Horse Show, WSCA Pleasure competition takes place Sept. 1 and 2 in the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum (competition times vary).
- Miniature and Walking Horses compete: Mini and walking horse breeds compete in various classes on Sept. 1 and 2 (competition times vary). Competitions for miniature and walking horses return as part of the Minnesota State Fair Horse Show after a few years absence.
Located in livestock complex area and the FFA Chapter House & Leadership Center.
History Walking Tour: 5 New Stops
The History Walking Tour, a two-mile, 12-stop self-guided exploration of some of the State Fair’s most historically significant spots, introduces five new additions to the tour:
- One-Mile Track: In 1885 when the State Fairgrounds moved to its now-permanent site, a one-mile dirt track was built for horse racing. In 1939, the one-mile track was replaced with a new half-mile track.
Plaza Bandstand: In 1927, 17 years after it was constructed south of the Grandstand, the Plaza Bandstand featured John Philip Sousa and his band performing the “Minnesota March,” composed at the request of University of Minnesota students and alumni. - Cattle Barn: When planning for the new Cattle Barn, the goal was “not simply a mere cattle barn but a real exposition building,” according to the State Fair board. Constructed in 1920-21, the barn can hold 1,000 head of cattle. As part of the World War II war effort, the building was converted to a manufacturing shop for military aircraft propellers. In 1947, the building was reconverted and held cattle once again.
- Baldwin Park: Over the years, this area has held Machinery Hall, poultry, Machinery Park, 4-H performances and high school bands. In 1983, it was renamed Baldwin Park, and a stage was built for daily entertainment.
- Pets at the Fair: The first dog bench shows were held from 1912 to 1916 and returned in 1930 to the Poultry Building. In 1972, dogs moved to the Dog Exhibit building west of the Grandstand. In 1991, the Pet Center on the north end of the fairgrounds opened for purebred dog breeder exhibitions, commercial displays, veterinary groups and more. The current Pet Pavilions opened in 2018.
Visitors can pick up a tour brochure at any tour stop on the fairgrounds, the J.V. Bailey House or the History & Heritage Center. Visit at least eight of the 12 stops and collect a prize. Free with fair admission. (See brochure for details.) The History Walking Tour is supported by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation and the Minnesota Historical Society.
Located throughout the fairgrounds.
Minnesota State Fair Foundation 20th Anniversary
The Minnesota State Fair Foundation was created 20 years ago to enrich the unforgettable memories and traditions people experience only at the Minnesota State Fair. From the sidewalks beneath to the Grandstand marquee lights above – and benches, buildings, premium awards and programs in between – the impact of the Minnesota State Fair Foundation surrounds every fair guest’s experience at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Through the support of Friends of the Fair members, special project and program donors, volunteers and fundraising event guests, the Foundation has granted more than $16 million in high-impact priority areas since 2002. Some project and program highlights they have supported include: CHS Miracle of Birth Center, Moo Booth, Arts A’Fair, Joyful World Mural Park, Commemorative Art, Cambria Kitchen in the Creative Activities Building, Alphabet Forest, seating and plazas, trees, Grandstand marquee and elevator, sidewalk replacement, recycling at the fair, Streetcar Arch restoration, History & Heritage Center, Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, State Fair History Walking Tour and more. Visit msffoundation.org to learn more about the Foundation’s accomplishments.
Located during the fair at the Friends of the Fair Tent just outside the J.V. Bailey House.
New Merchandise Vendors
For 2022, the Minnesota State Fair welcomes more than 50 new merchandise vendors selling goods including home and garden decor, gadgets, pet supplies, hobbies, beauty care, foodie fun, home solutions, threads, accessories and more, as well as vendors representing area nonprofits and community organizations. These vendors join the nearly 900 existing merchants who offer exceptional merchandise and a unique shopping and learning experience throughout the fairgrounds. For more detailed information on the new merchandise vendors at this year’s fair, visit the New Attractions section of our website at mnstatefair.org/new-this-year/attraction. Beginning in August, a complete list of vendors will be available at mnstatefair.org in the online, searchable Fair Finder.
Located throughout the fairgrounds.
Updated Fair Hours
These last two years have provided the opportunity to evaluate the fair’s entire operation and determine how best to improve the fair experience for guests, staff, vendors and all who work to present the Great Minnesota Get-Together. With this in mind, the fairgrounds hours have been updated.
- Fairgrounds Admission: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Labor Day
- Fairgrounds Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Labor Day
- Online Ticket Sales Fair Time: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Labor Day
- Gate Ticket Sales Fair Time: Tickets will be sold at the gates during the Fairgrounds Admission times,
7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Labor Day
For a complete list of hours for fair buildings, guest services, barns and rides & attractions, visit the link below.
Located on our website at mnstatefair.org/general-info/hours-of-operation/
The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world. Showcasing Minnesota’s finest agriculture, art and industry, the Great Minnesota Get-Together is 12 Days of Fun Ending Labor Day. The 2022 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 25 – Labor Day, Sept. 5. Visit mnstatefair.org for more information.
— Minnesota State Fair