Embarking on an adventure to the Minnesota State Fair is a tradition that spans generations, offering a unique blend of entertainment, education, and culinary delights. For our senior loved ones, the fair presents an enriching experience filled with joy, discovery, and cherished moments. In this guide, we'll explore how to make the most of the fair, ensuring it's an accessible and memorable event for the elderly and their families.
Seizing Senior Discounts and Planning Your Visit
The Minnesota State Fair is mindful of its diverse audience, offering special discounts for seniors on designated Senior Days. Planning your visit on these days not only makes the fair more accessible financially but also showcases the event's commitment to celebrating all ages. Purchasing tickets in advance at local stores can further ease the day, allowing more time to be spent exploring rather than waiting in line. Remember, a little foresight goes a long way in creating a smooth and enjoyable fair experience for you and your senior loved ones. Senior days this year are opening day on August 22nd, Monday, August 26th, and Thursday, August 29th when admission will be $13. Standard pricing is:
- Adults (13-64): $18
- Seniors (65+): $16
- Kids (5-12): $16
- Children (4 and under): Always Free!
Discovering New Sights: A Guide to Fresh Attractions
Each year, the fairgrounds come alive with new vendors and attractions, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience for all. From the intriguing Cats and Dogs exhibition to the captivating enhancements at the Fine Arts Center and Crop Art Exhibit, these additions offer wonderful opportunities for seniors and their families to explore together. Many of the improvements will help with viewing exhibits and moving crowds more efficiently through the exhibit areas. Embracing these new sights can spark enriching conversations and create lasting memories, all while appreciating the creativity and community spirit that the fair embodies.
Comfort in the Summer Heat: Staying Cool and Hydrated
Attending the fair during the warm days of late summer necessitates a thoughtful approach to comfort and hydration. Utilizing the shade provided by the majestic trees, indulging in a refreshing cold beverage, and relaxing under the new permanent shade structures at Dan Patch Park are excellent strategies for staying cool. The fair's emergency medical facilities are always at the ready, ensuring a safe environment for everyone. Prioritizing comfort in the heat demonstrates a caring and supportive approach to enjoying the fair’s myriad offerings with your senior companions. Listening to music under the trees, and enjoying a cold brew at the Leinie's stage is also a nice way to stay cool!
Delving into Culinary Wonders: A Senior-Friendly Food Tour
The fair is a haven for food enthusiasts, presenting an incredible array of culinary options. From classic favorites to innovative new treats like Sweet Heat Bacon Crunch and Walking Shepherd’s Pie, there’s a flavor to delight every palate. Exploring the food offerings together isn’t just about eating; it’s about experiencing joy and creating moments over shared meals and treats. This journey through the fair’s vibrant culinary scene promises to make every bite a cherished memory for seniors and their families alike. I will likely try the Walking Shepherds Pie from O'Gara's as it's one of my regular stops. However, sweet heat bacon sounds fantastic!
Accessibility
Once you arrive at the fair, you can rent wheelchairs and scooters from Hometown Mobility. It’s a good idea to reserve online or call 1-712-938-2029. They charge $5 to set up rentals by phone. There are several places to pick up your rental and a 24-hour advance reservation is required. If you want to recharge your own electric scooter or wheelchair there are two options on the fairgrounds: Care & Assistance south of West End Market is open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, or the south side of the Grandstand outside between the entrance doors--outlets are designated with disability signs.
There are buses and trollies inside the fairgrounds that can help you get from place to place. Check at the fair information desk for specific routes and fares.
Here is a complete guide to accessibility services at the fair including ASL support, and sensory-friendly shows.
Handicap Parking
The fair has handicapped parking on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost is the same as standard parking ($20). This gets you close to the access points for the fairgrounds on a hard surface. Parking generally surrounds the fairgrounds but click the link for the best way for you to access the fair. Last year we used a park-and-ride lot and it was fantastic. The State Fair provides a free Park & Ride lot with free wheelchair-accessible bus service exclusively for people with disabilities and their companions. The lot, open to those with disability parking certificates or disability license plates, is located south of the State Fairgrounds at Oscar Johnson Arena, 1039 De Courcy Circle, St. Paul, MN 55108.
Restrooms
The fair has spent a lot of money upgrading its restrooms to be accessible. So, there are many more options than there were several years ago. State Fair maps have clearly designated handicapped bathrooms marked. Here you will find grab bars and adequate space for mobility assistance devices. Paper maps are readily available at information booths or at the entrance to the fair.
Public Transportation
The Fair has many ways to visit other than driving your own vehicle. If you arrive in the morning you normally can jump on a free park and ride from about 30 different locations. I say morning because the close-in lots usually get full by afternoon and then you have to wait for someone to leave. The buses run continually from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. If you can afford it tip your driver!
In addition, several regular Metro Transit bus routes drop you off right at the fairgrounds. View a map of the Transit Hub at Gate #16. Visit metrotransit.org/StateFair for more information about Express Bus service, regular bus routes, and how to purchase bus tickets. Here are the details.
The Minnesota State Fair is more than just an event; it's an opportunity to connect, explore, and create lasting memories with our senior loved ones. By taking advantage of senior discounts, discovering new attractions, ensuring comfort in the summer heat, and delving into the culinary wonders, we can make the fair an accessible and joyful experience for everyone. Let's cherish these moments, sharing love and laughter with those who matter most, and make every visit to the Great Minnesota Get-Together a memorable one.