2019: State Fair Accommodations

The Minnesota State Fair is committed to providing equal access and a pleasant experience for all its guests. Services provided include electric mobility scooters, strollers, wagon and wheelchair rentals, accessible parking, a wheelchair accessible park and ride area, a passenger drop-off area, assistive listening devices, sign language interpreters, accessible seating at all entertainment venues, curb cuts throughout the fairgrounds and Care and Assistance, which provides accessibility services.

A 12,000-square-foot state-of-the-art exhibit hall will provide fairgoers with a new exhibit every year during the fair. The exhibits take flight with Angry Birds Universe: The Exhibition. Visitors can also see the Minnesota Corn Fairstalk, a 24-foot-tall art installation celebrating Minnesota agriculture and Minnesota Marquees, three shade structures on the plaza, which feature exhibit panels showcasing iconic, innovative and influential people, institutions and events from around the state.

While visiting, take the chance to pose for photos with prominent Minnesota artist Adam Turman's six-foot figures, including State Fair mascot Fairchild, Paul Bunyan, Babe the Blue Ox and Hotdish Girl.

The new venue will also have Minnesota-based specialty merchants and several rotating exhibits and events. This area will also have guest services such as wheelchair and electric scooter rental, an information booth, State FairWear Gift Shop, Minnesota State Fair Foundation booth, the North End gate, and drop-off/pick-up locations for app- based ride services and Metro Mobility.

This year's fair has many other new attractions, ranging from honoring the Giant Slide on its 50-year anniversary, to an 18,000-pound block of ice in the center of the Eco Experience Exhibit. The ice block will melt away during the fair, raising awareness of how climate change is shortening Minnesota's lake ice season and the implications for our economy and ecology.

Visit service organizations and attend events

Many disability service organizations will have a presence at the fair. The Education Building booth area typically features several groups with free information and giveaway items. Visit the state Council on Disability booth to get a wide array of items, including free posters.

The Minnesota State Advisory Council on Mental Health, Sub- committee on Children's Mental Health, National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota and many other organizations are hosting a day on Mental Health issues. Learn about the far-reaching mental health and wellness topics that affect all Minnesotans. Visitors can learn about mental health resources and wellness through games and activities as well as inspiring stage acts including music, youth performances, yoga, and more. More than 50 awareness-raising activities, many of them geared for children and teens, will be offered.

Like therapy animals? The Pet Pavilions’ “Read to a Breed” joins Read and Ride Day at the fair, giving children the opportunity to read to attentive dogs, cats, rabbits and other breeds of North Star Therapy Animals.

Shows with American Sign Language interpreters are available every day. Special requests for ASL interpreter services can usually be accommodated. Check the fair schedule online for other disability group events and exhibits.

This year’s fair is for everyone!