The Minnesota State Fair is a beloved annual tradition that showcases the best of the state’s agriculture, entertainment, and cuisine. One of the most anticipated aspects of the fair is the delectable food offerings, which range from classic fair favorites to innovative new creations.
With over 500 food vendors to choose from, fairgoers are sure to find something to satisfy their cravings. From crispy corn dogs and juicy burgers to sweet mini donuts and creamy cheese curds, there’s something for everyone at the Minnesota State Fair.
This guide will provide an overview of some of the most popular and must-try food items at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned fairgoer, this guide will help you navigate the culinary delights that await you.
Mn State Fair Food 2024
The Minnesota State Fair is known for its wide variety of food offerings, from classic fair favorites to innovative new creations. Here are 9 important points to keep in mind about Mn State Fair Food 2024:
- Over 500 food vendors
- Something for everyone
- Classic fair favorites
- Innovative new creations
- Must-try food items
- Food vendors by region
- Food safety tips
- Budget-friendly options
- Dietary restrictions
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned fairgoer, this guide will help you navigate the culinary delights that await you at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair.
### Over 500 food vendors
One of the most impressive things about the Minnesota State Fair is the sheer number of food vendors. With over 500 vendors to choose from, fairgoers are sure to find something to satisfy their cravings.
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Variety of cuisines
The food vendors at the State Fair represent a wide variety of cuisines, from American classics to international fare. Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy burger, a crispy taco, or a savory curry, you’re sure to find it at the fair.
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Local and regional flavors
In addition to the many national and international food vendors, the State Fair also features a number of local and regional vendors. This is a great opportunity to try some of the best food that Minnesota has to offer.
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New and innovative foods
The State Fair is also a great place to try new and innovative foods. Each year, vendors debut new creations that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
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Something for everyone
With over 500 food vendors to choose from, there’s truly something for everyone at the Minnesota State Fair. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, you’re sure to find something to your liking.
With so many food vendors to choose from, the hardest part may be deciding what to eat first!
Something for everyone
One of the best things about the Minnesota State Fair is that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for classic fair food, international cuisine, or healthy options, you’re sure to find it at the fair.
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Classic fair food
The Minnesota State Fair is known for its classic fair food, such as corn dogs, mini donuts, and cheese curds. These are the foods that people crave all year long, and they’re always a hit at the fair.
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International cuisine
In addition to classic fair food, the State Fair also offers a wide variety of international cuisine. You can find everything from tacos to sushi to gyros at the fair. This is a great opportunity to try new foods from around the world.
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Healthy options
If you’re looking for healthier options, the State Fair has you covered. There are a number of vendors that offer salads, wraps, and other healthy choices. You can also find plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables at the fair.
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Dietary restrictions
The Minnesota State Fair is also mindful of dietary restrictions. There are a number of vendors that offer gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. You can also find a variety of foods that are low in sugar and sodium.
No matter what your dietary needs or preferences, you’re sure to find something to enjoy at the Minnesota State Fair.
Classic fair favorites
No visit to the Minnesota State Fair is complete without trying some of the classic fair favorites. These are the foods that people crave all year long, and they’re always a hit at the fair.
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Corn dogs
Corn dogs are a classic fair food for a reason. They’re simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. A corn dog is a hot dog that is dipped in cornmeal batter and then deep-fried. The result is a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a juicy hot dog center.
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Mini donuts
Mini donuts are another classic fair food that is always a hit. These bite-sized donuts are made from a sweet dough that is fried and then coated in cinnamon sugar. They’re the perfect treat to share with friends or family.
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Cheese curds
Cheese curds are a Wisconsin specialty that is also a popular fair food in Minnesota. Cheese curds are made from fresh cheese that is cut into small pieces and then fried. The result is a crispy, gooey treat that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
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French fries
French fries are a classic fair food that is always a crowd-pleaser. They’re crispy, salty, and the perfect side dish for any meal. French fries are made from potatoes that are cut into thin strips and then fried until golden brown.
These are just a few of the classic fair favorites that you can find at the Minnesota State Fair. With so many delicious options to choose from, you’re sure to find something that you love.
Innovative new creations
In addition to classic fair favorites, the Minnesota State Fair is also a great place to try innovative new creations. Each year, vendors debut new foods that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
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Deep-fried pickles
Deep-fried pickles are a relatively new fair food that has quickly become a favorite. These pickles are coated in a batter and then deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy, tangy treat that is sure to please everyone.
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Bacon-wrapped corn on the cob
Bacon-wrapped corn on the cob is another innovative new fair food that is sure to satisfy your cravings. This dish is made with corn on the cob that is wrapped in bacon and then grilled or roasted. The result is a juicy, flavorful treat that is perfect for sharing.
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Donut burgers
Donut burgers are a unique and delicious new fair food that is sure to turn heads. These burgers are made with two glazed donuts that are used as buns. The patty can be made from beef, turkey, or even vegetables. The result is a sweet and savory burger that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
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Pickle pizza
Pickle pizza is a new fair food that is sure to divide opinions. This pizza is made with a dill pickle crust that is topped with mozzarella cheese and your choice of toppings. The result is a tangy, salty pizza that is sure to be a conversation starter.
These are just a few of the innovative new creations that you can find at the Minnesota State Fair. With so many delicious options to choose from, you’re sure to find something that you love.
Must-try food items
With so many delicious food options to choose from at the Minnesota State Fair, it can be hard to decide what to eat. Here are a few must-try food items that are sure to satisfy your cravings:
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Corn dog
The corn dog is a classic fair food for a reason. It’s a simple, yet delicious combination of a hot dog on a stick, dipped in cornmeal batter and fried to perfection. The result is a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a juicy hot dog center.
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Mini donut
Mini donuts are another must-try fair food. These bite-sized donuts are made from a sweet dough that is fried and then coated in cinnamon sugar. They’re the perfect treat to share with friends or family.
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Cheese curd
Cheese curds are a Wisconsin specialty that is also a popular fair food in Minnesota. Cheese curds are made from fresh cheese that is cut into small pieces and then fried. The result is a crispy, gooey treat that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
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French fry
French fries are a classic fair food that is always a crowd-pleaser. They’re crispy, salty, and the perfect side dish for any meal. French fries are made from potatoes that are cut into thin strips and then fried until golden brown.
These are just a few of the must-try food items at the Minnesota State Fair. With so many delicious options to choose from, you’re sure to find something that you love.
Food vendors by region
The Minnesota State Fair is a large and sprawling event, and the food vendors are no exception. There are food vendors from all over the state, as well as from other parts of the country and even the world. To help you navigate the culinary offerings, here is a brief overview of the food vendors by region:
Midwest
The Midwest is home to some of the best comfort food in the country, and the Minnesota State Fair is no exception. Here you’ll find classic fair foods like corn dogs, mini donuts, and cheese curds, as well as regional specialties like Jucy Lucys and tater tot hotdish.
South
The South is known for its flavorful cuisine, and the Minnesota State Fair is a great place to try some of the best Southern food outside of the region. Here you’ll find everything from barbecue and fried chicken to shrimp and grits.
West
The West is known for its fresh and innovative cuisine, and the Minnesota State Fair is no exception. Here you’ll find everything from sushi and tacos to burgers and fries, all made with fresh, local ingredients.
International
The Minnesota State Fair is also a great place to try international cuisine. Here you’ll find everything from Chinese and Thai food to Indian and Mexican food. No matter what your taste buds are craving, you’re sure to find something to satisfy them at the Minnesota State Fair.
With so many food vendors to choose from, the hardest part may be deciding what to eat first!
Food safety tips
Food safety is important all year round, but it’s especially important at large events like the Minnesota State Fair. Here are a few food safety tips to keep in mind:
Wash your hands often
One of the most important things you can do to prevent foodborne illness is to wash your hands often, especially before eating. Use soap and water and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
Cook food to the proper temperature
Another important food safety tip is to cook food to the proper temperature. This means cooking meat, poultry, and fish to an internal temperature that is safe to eat. You can use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of your food.
Avoid cross-contamination
Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria from one food is transferred to another food. To avoid cross-contamination, keep raw meat, poultry, and fish separate from other foods. Also, use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods.
Store food properly
It’s also important to store food properly to prevent foodborne illness. Keep perishable foods in the refrigerator or freezer, and discard any food that has gone bad.
By following these food safety tips, you can help reduce your risk of foodborne illness at the Minnesota State Fair.
Budget-friendly options
The Minnesota State Fair is known for its delicious food, but it can also be expensive. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available if you know where to look.
Food vendors
One of the best ways to save money on food at the State Fair is to eat at the food vendors. Food vendors typically offer lower prices than the restaurants and other food establishments at the fair. You can find everything from classic fair food to international cuisine at the food vendors.
Bring your own food
Another great way to save money on food at the State Fair is to bring your own food. You can pack a lunch or dinner to eat at the fairgrounds. This is a great option if you have dietary restrictions or if you simply want to save money.
Take advantage of discounts and coupons
There are often discounts and coupons available for food at the State Fair. You can find these discounts and coupons in the State Fair guidebook, on the State Fair website, and in local newspapers and magazines.
Plan ahead
One of the best ways to save money on food at the State Fair is to plan ahead. Decide what you want to eat before you get to the fair, and then stick to your plan. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and overspending.
By following these tips, you can save money on food at the Minnesota State Fair and still enjoy all of the delicious offerings.
Dietary restrictions
The Minnesota State Fair is committed to providing food options for everyone, regardless of their dietary restrictions. Here is a guide to some of the dietary restrictions that are accommodated at the fair:
Gluten-free
There are a number of gluten-free food options available at the State Fair. These options include gluten-free pizza, burgers, fries, and desserts. You can find gluten-free food at many of the food vendors, as well as at the dedicated gluten-free food court in the Food Building.
Dairy-free
There are also a number of dairy-free food options available at the State Fair. These options include dairy-free pizza, burgers, fries, and desserts. You can find dairy-free food at many of the food vendors, as well as at the dedicated dairy-free food court in the Food Building.
Vegan
There are a number of vegan food options available at the State Fair. These options include vegan burgers, fries, wraps, and desserts. You can find vegan food at many of the food vendors, as well as at the dedicated vegan food court in the Food Building.
Other dietary restrictions
If you have other dietary restrictions, such as food allergies or sensitivities, you can still find plenty of food options at the State Fair. Many of the food vendors are able to accommodate special dietary needs. You can also bring your own food to the fair if you prefer.
No matter what your dietary restrictions, you can still enjoy all of the delicious food that the Minnesota State Fair has to offer.
FAQ
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about food at the Minnesota State Fair:
Question: What are the most popular food items at the State Fair?
Answer: Some of the most popular food items at the State Fair include corn dogs, mini donuts, cheese curds, french fries, and burgers.
Question: How much does food cost at the State Fair?
Answer: The cost of food at the State Fair varies depending on the item and the vendor. However, you can expect to pay around $5-$10 for most food items.
Question: Are there any food vendors that cater to dietary restrictions?
Answer: Yes, there are a number of food vendors at the State Fair that cater to dietary restrictions. These vendors offer gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and other allergy-friendly options.
Question: Can I bring my own food into the State Fair?
Answer: Yes, you are allowed to bring your own food into the State Fair. However, you are not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages or glass containers into the fairgrounds.
Question: What are the hours of operation for the food vendors?
Answer: The food vendors at the State Fair are typically open from 7am to 10pm during the weekdays and from 8am to 10pm on the weekends.
Question: Where can I find more information about food at the State Fair?
Answer: You can find more information about food at the State Fair on the State Fair website or in the State Fair guidebook.
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We hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about food at the Minnesota State Fair. If you have any other questions, please visit the State Fair website or contact the State Fair information line.
Now that you know all about the food at the Minnesota State Fair, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your culinary experience:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your culinary experience at the Minnesota State Fair:
Plan ahead
One of the best ways to make the most of your time at the State Fair is to plan ahead. Decide what you want to eat before you get to the fair, and then stick to your plan. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and overspending.
Bring cash
Many of the food vendors at the State Fair only accept cash. So, be sure to bring enough cash to cover your food purchases.
Take advantage of discounts and coupons
There are often discounts and coupons available for food at the State Fair. You can find these discounts and coupons in the State Fair guidebook, on the State Fair website, and in local newspapers and magazines.
Share your food
The portions at the State Fair are often large. So, consider sharing your food with friends or family members. This is a great way to try a variety of different foods without breaking the bank.
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By following these tips, you can make the most of your culinary experience at the Minnesota State Fair.
Now that you know all about the food and the tips, you’re ready to experience all that the Minnesota State Fair has to offer.
Conclusion
The Minnesota State Fair is a culinary paradise, with something to satisfy every taste bud. From classic fair food to international cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And with over 500 food vendors to choose from, you’re sure to find something that you love.
So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned fairgoer, be sure to come hungry to the Minnesota State Fair. You won’t be disappointed.