One of my favorite buildings to visit at the Minnesota State Fair is the Minnesota Farm Bureau building. This probably stems from the three years that I oversaw the creation of the exhibit when I worked for MN Farm Bureau.
What I love best about this building is that it is a little oasis among fried food on a stick and garage door salesmen. It is a great place to linger, rest, and visit with farmers. The building is located at 1305 Underwood Street. If you are traveling from the Dairy Barn, cut through the DNR park, cross the street, zip behind the crepes stand and you will see it behind the giant slide. (I have probably made that trip a thousand times in the past nine years or so).
Each year outside the building, Minnesota crops are grown. This year the theme is Taco Salad. Apparently, rabbits have been providing quite the challenge for the intern responsible for the display. I am sure everything will be looking great the day the Minnesota State Fair opens.
There is so much to see and do while at the Minnesota Farm Bureau building. Take a tour of the Cycles of Agriculture and the interactive displays.
Take a virtual drive in the tractor cab. Both kids and adults love this!
Visit with real farmers and have your questions answered.
New This Year: Great Minnesota Book Bonanza
Weekdays (excluding Labor Day) during the Minnesota State Fair at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. readers will feature Emmy of Whistling Well Farm, Levi’s Lost Calf and Little House on the Prairie. Visitors to the booth can enter a daily drawing to win these books or sets.
I am pretty excited about Levi’s Lost Calf. I met Author Amanda Radke through twitter, and she does a great job sharing the story of family ranch life.
Lastly, visitors to the Minnesota Farm Bureau building at the Minnesota State Fair will be able to pick up a FREE MN Farmers Care themed thermo-sack. These are great for school lunches or trips to the park (I have two already and we love them).
Do you have a favorite spot at the Minnesota State Fair? Tell me about in the comments. There are always new treasures to find. Also, don’t forget that I am giving away a set of four Minnesota State Fair tickets and four Midwest Dairy malt stand coupons to one of my lucky readers, thanks to Midwest Dairy. Tell me your favorite fair memory here by 10 p.m. Thursday, August 15 for your chance to win.
See you at the fair!
~Emily
Thank you Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation for allowing me to use your pictures in this post.
My mom started taking me to the small city fairs and carnivals when I was little. I love going on rides and trying new foods. Now my favorite fair memories are bringing my friends and their kids and seeing them have fun.