What you need to know about getting to the Minnesota State Fair

There’s always something new at the Minnesota State Fair, and this year that includes the parking, with new rules in Falcon Heights that will have fairgoers charged $25 for a spot on the street.

The City Council passed the parking fee this year after a lengthy and sometimes heated debate with critics saying Falcon Heights would be less welcoming with the new charge.

City officials said they hope to raise $100,000 to $200,000 to pay for the added expenses of playing host to the state’s Great Get-Together.

The new rule means parking in Falcon Heights will cost $25 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. during the 12 days of the fair from Aug. 21 to Sept. 1. The paid parking areas are roughly bounded by Snelling, Hamline, Roselawn, and Iowa avenues.

The fee is paid online through the parkmobile.io website, the ParkMobile app or an automated pay-by-phone line. The phone number will be posted on ParkMobile signage.

The State Fair’s website offers details on other options for getting to the celebration. Here are some of them:

Parking lots on the north, south and west ends of the fairgrounds cost $25; spots are available on a first come, first served basis. Space is limited, and lots fill quickly.

State Fair lots are located off Como, Larpenteur, Hoyt and Randall avenues. Spaces for drivers with a valid disability parking certificate are available in the east and west lots on Como Avenue and in the north lot on Hoyt Avenue. Overnight parking is not permitted in fairgrounds parking lots.

The fair operates 34 free park-and-ride lots with free bus shuttles to and from the fairgrounds. Those include lots at the University of Minnesota, a Metro Transit ramp at Interstate 35W and County Road C in Roseville and several churches within a few miles of the fairgrounds. Buses to the fair run generally from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with the last return trip at 11 p.m.

Some nearby St. Paul streets afford free parking, but beware of “no parking” restrictions posted on some blocks.

Free parking in fenced-in corrals monitored by fair staff is available for visitors who arrive by bicycle or scooter.

Lots are near the fair’s north, south and west entrances. Anyone arriving on a bike or scooter with a license plate must use the motorcycle lot on Como Avenue for $15 or any other on-site lot for $25.

Metro Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and SouthWest Transit will offer daily service with drop-offs and pickups at the Transit Hub at Gate 16 on the west end of the fairgrounds. Maple Grove Transit will offer service on weekends and Labor Day only.

Round-trip fare is $6. Metro Transit will offer $5 fares for those who pay using the agency’s app or with Apple or Google Pay.