Here Are the Easiest, Stress Free Ways to Get to the Minnesota State Fair

The Great Minnesota Get-Together is finally here, and if you’re one of the nearly 2 million people planning to hit the fairgrounds between August 21 and September 1, you’ve got one big question to figure out first: how the heck are you getting there?

READ MORE: The Best Day to Go to the Minnesota State Fair According to Science

Parking at the fairgrounds is the absolute worst. You sit in traffic forever just to inch your way toward the lot, then when you finally get there, you’re shelling out way too much money for the privilege of walking a mile before you even see a cheese curd stand. I’ve done it before, and trust me, it’s not worth the headache when there are way easier (and cheaper) ways to get in.

Lucky for you, there are plenty of easy ways to skip the parking lot chaos and still make it to your Pronto Pups, pronto. Planning ahead will save you time, stress, and maybe even a little money to spend on an extra bucket of Sweet Martha's Cookies.

Here are the easiest ways to get to the Minnesota State Fair this year:

Get our free mobile app

1. Hop on an Express Bus

Metro Transit, MVTA, and Southwest Transit run round-trip express buses for just $5–$6. They pick up at locations all over the Twin Cities, drop you right at the gates, and save you from circling for parking.

2. Use a Free Park & Ride

There are 30+ free Park & Ride lots across the metro with shuttle service straight to the fair. These lots fill fast, so go early. Get all the 2025 park and ride info here.

3. Bike to the Fair

Feeling active? Park your bike for free at one of three corrals:

• South Bike Lot: Loop Gate (#9) on Como Avenue
• North Bike Lot: North End Gate (#2)
• West Bike Lot: Randall Ave-Buford Gate (#16)

 4. Grab a Ride with Uber, Lyft, or Taxi

Two designated drop-off/pick-up zones make rideshare an easy option if buses or Park & Ride aren’t your style.

• On the northeast end of the fairgrounds near Snelling & Hoyt Avenues (Outside the North End Gate #2). Follow directional signage.
• On the south end of the fairgrounds in the parking lot south of Como Avenue, across from Gate 7 and the Dairy Building. Follow directional signage.
• Taxi drop-off and pick-up is located at the Loop Gate (#9), on Como Avenue on the south side of the fairgrounds.

If you must... Motorcycle or Car Parking at the Fairgrounds

As mentioned, this may not be the most stress-free choice, but parking at the fairgrounds is an option. Motorcycle parking runs about $15, while on-site vehicle parking is $25 (and spots are limited). If you’re going this route, plan to show up early. Here are directions for on-site state fair parking:

• Coming from the north: Take I-35W south. Merge onto Highway 36 East via Exit 23B on the left. Exit onto Snelling Avenue South.
• Coming from the south: Take I-35W north to I-94 East. Exit on Snelling Avenue, then turn left and head north. Or take I-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.

LOOK: All 33 New Foods Unveiled for the 2025 Minnesota State Fair