Tips for Visiting the Iowa State Fair!

One of the most anticipated and exciting events in Iowa is the Iowa State Fair. T and I have been visiting the fair our entire marriage as we both enjoy fairs (both county & state). We have been to several, but as the theme of the Iowa State Fair suggests this year, “Nothing Compares”! Since we consider ourselves somewhat experts, we thought we’d share our “Tips for Visiting the Iowa State Fair” with you!

Parking at the Iowa State Fair

There are several options for parking at the Iowa State Fair. Of course you can park on the grounds them selves, which usually runs around $10. You can also choose to park in the yard of the surrounding homes. This usually varies from $10-$20 per car, but sometimes you can find a spot just a block or two from the fair and it’s a quick walk to one of the gates.

Read more: Tips for Visiting the Iowa State Fair!

The third option is to use the Dart system and park for MUCH cheaper.  DART is Des Moines public transit system and they run shuttles from three different large parking areas right to the gate of the fair. We use the Southeast Polk High School parking lot for a couple reasons, including that is easy to get to without a lot of traffic and I knew exactly where we were going.  With this shuttle system, you park hop on the bus for a total of $2 per person! If you purchase your fair gate tickets in advance, you will only pay $1 per person! And yes, those prices are round trip!

What to See: The Highlights

If you only have one day at the fair, you definitely can’t possibly see it all.  There is so much to see and it is spread out, so we decided to share our Highlights of the Iowa State Fair (or the “don’t miss” items!)

The “Big” Animals

It is Iowa, which means we know our farm animals and one of the highlights is the “BIG” animal contests. They are all in the same building, so definitely make sure to stop by and see the Big Bull, Big Boar, and the other oversized animals!  It’s quite entertaining for everyone…including someone who was raised on a farm!

The Varied Industries Building

Visit the Varied Industries building!  You’ll find everything from window and siding companies to mattress companies, vendors selling food, and colleges!  There’s a booth for everyone! We enjoy visiting the Iowa State Cyclone booth along with one from my Alma Mater, Wartburg College. We check out booths from various travel destinations and more!

Other “Don’t Miss” Items

• We’re avid WHO-13 watchers and so we always love to stop at their booth outside the administration building and cast our kernel for whichever election is coming up!  Plus, you might spot one or two of their reporters or meteorologists!

• Go up the hill to Pioneer Hall and have a lemonade inside at Berdie’s Cafe!  It’s the best lemonade on the grounds…sweet and tangy at the same time! Pioneer Hall is also a great spot to take a step back in time as you check out the antique dealers along with blacksmith, basket makers, and more!
• Make sure to visit the John Deere Agriculture Building to check out the Butter Cow and other carved displays from butter! You can also stop by the Iowa Egg Foundation and grab a FREE hard boiled egg in this building!
• The Patty & Jim Cownie Cultural Center is home to displays of open photography and other arts. It’s amazing to see what people can create. There are also other displays like intricate dollhouses, and more!

Eat Lots of Good Foods

There is always lots of options of good food to eat the fair, so I have entire post dedicated to that and you can find it HERE. It contains some of our favorites like a milkshake from the Dairy Barn, pork chops from the Iowa Pork Producers, and more!

Final Tips

Here are a few final tips that I have for you:

• Visit during the week if possible!  There will still be lots of people, but it will be a lot better than Saturday and Sunday!

• Expect lines!  It doesn’t matter where you go on grounds, there will be a line, just be prepared and pack your patience for the day!

• Plan ahead!  Take a look at the schedule of events and free entertainment on the fairs website prior to your visit to see if there is anything that interests you, then make a plan for seeing the rest of the fair around those items!  Make it strategic in your walking so you don’t end up walking back and forth 6 times (although T and I do this frequently!)

• Have a great time!  Whether you’re going to a grandstand show or just there to watch someone show cattle, you’re bound to make memories!  I promise that I can give you at least one memory from each time I’ve visited!

Whether you’re heading to the fair with the whole family or making it a day date you will have a great time! There is something for everyone and you will all have a great time. These tips for visiting the Iowa State Fair will help you enjoy your time even more!