State Fair basics: Parking, bus routes, admission

Find details of express bus service, park-and-ride locations, admission fees and hours of the Minnesota State Fair.

Star Tribune staff

Last update: August 21, 2008 - 1:15 PM

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GETTING AROUND THE STATE FAIRGROUNDS

The fair runs Thursday through Sept. 1. For general information call 651-288-4400 or go to www.mnstatefair.org. TTY: 651-642-2372.
Location: Within the city of Falcon Heights at Como and Snelling Avs., 1.5 miles north of Interstate Hwy. 94 and 2 miles south of Hwy. 36.

Parking: In fair lots, parking is $9 or one additional pre-fair discount admission ticket. Across the metro area, many lots offer free parking and a free ride to the fair.

Admission: Through Wednesday tickets are available for $8 at Cub Foods stores and other outlets. For outlets call 651-603-6806 or visit mnstatefair.org/pages/ticket_outlets.html.

Starting Aug. 21, tickets are $11 for ages 13 to 64, $9 for seniors, $8 for kids ages 5 to 12, and free for children younger than 5. Discount admission is available on Aug. 21 (for everyone), Aug. 25 (for seniors and kids), Aug. 26 (for adults and seniors), Aug. 27 (for fairgoers arriving by regular-route Metro Transit and suburban express buses), Aug. 28 (for seniors) and Sept. 1 (for kids).

Hours:	Open	Close	Close on Labor Day
Admission gates	6 a.m.	10 p.m.	9 p.m.
Fairgrounds	6 a.m.	midnight	10 p.m.
Midway	10 a.m.	midnight	11 p.m.
Kidway	9 a.m.	10:30 p.m.	10 p.m.
Most exhibit buildings	9 a.m.	9 p.m.	9 p.m.

Park and ride hot line: 651-603-6808.

Regular Metro Transit bus service: 612-373-3333. TTY: 612-341-0140

Grandstand tickets: Available through Wednesday at the pre-fair State Fair Box Office at the Como Loop Gate (#9). Hours vary. Call 651-288-4427 for more information. Tickets can also be purchased through Ticketmaster at 651-989-5151 or go to ticketmaster.com. TTY: 651-642-2442

EXPRESS BUS SERVICE TO THE FAIR
All buses drop off and pick up at Fair Gate 20 (across Como Av. from Coliseum). Buses require exact change in dollars or coins. All buses are lift-equipped.

Hop On Transit Day: On Aug. 27 all adult fares are $3. Request a bus transfer or coupon to present at the gate for $2 off a regular-fare admission ticket bought that day.

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