The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and most exciting fairs in the United States. Every year, thousands of people flock to the fairgrounds in St. Paul to enjoy rides, games, delicious food, and live entertainment. But did you know there’s a lot of fascinating history and fun facts about the fair that many people might not know? From its humble beginnings to the impressive attractions we see today, the fair has a story that spans more than 150 years!
Today, we’re going to share some trivia that will surprise even the biggest fair fans. Have you ever wondered how many cows are shown at the fair or what the most popular food on a stick is? We’ll uncover these interesting tidbits and more, giving you a chance to impress your friends next time you’re chatting about the fair. So, whether you’re planning your first visit or are a longtime fan, get ready to learn something new about the beloved Minnesota State Fair!
Mn State Fair Trivia
Discovering the History of the Mn State Fair
1. In what year was the Minnesota State Fair first held? (Answer: 1859)
2. What was the original name of the Minnesota State Fair? (Answer: Minnesota State Agricultural Society Fair)
3. How many counties participated in the first Minnesota State Fair? (Answer: 8 counties)
4. What year was the fair moved to its current location in St. Paul? (Answer: 1885)
5. What is the nickname of the Minnesota State Fair? (Answer: The Great Minnesota Get-Together)
6. How many years has the Minnesota State Fair been held as of 2023? (Answer: 164 years)
7. In which year did the fair officially adopt its current name? (Answer: 1905)
8. What type of event was the Minnesota State Fair originally based around? (Answer: An agricultural event)
9. What was one of the attractions at the fair’s opening in 1859? (Answer: Horse races)
10. Who organized the first Minnesota State Fair? (Answer: The Minnesota State Agricultural Society)
Food Frenzy at the Mn State Fair
1. What is the most popular food served on a stick at the Minnesota State Fair? (Answer: Corn dog)
2. How many food vendors typically participate in the Minnesota State Fair? (Answer: Over 500 vendors)
3. What unique food item is known as the “Big Fat Bacon”? (Answer: A fried bacon strip served on a stick)
4. How many varieties of food are served each year at the fair? (Answer: Over 400 types)
5. What is the name of the dairy product served in cups at the fair? (Answer: Milk)
6. Which fruit is often popular in deep-fried form at the fair? (Answer: Twinkies)
7. What is the Minnesota State Fair’s famous dessert on a stick called? (Answer: Chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick)
8. Which deep-fried treat is a favorite among fairgoers? (Answer: Deep-fried pickles)
9. What type of cookie is usually sold by the dozens during the fair? (Answer: Chocolate chip cookies)
10. Which type of potato dish is notably popular at the Minnesota State Fair? (Answer: French fries)
Attractions That Amaze at the Mn State Fair
1. What is the name of the iconic Ferris wheel at the fair? (Answer: The Star Tribune Skyride)
2. How high is the towering Grandstand at the fairgrounds? (Answer: 100 feet)
3. What unique animal competition is held at the Minnesota State Fair? (Answer: Pig races)
4. Which type of show features animals of the barnyard variety? (Answer: Livestock shows)
5. What kind of stage is located at the middle of the fair? (Answer: Grandstand stage)
6. How many performances take place at the Minnesota State Fair each year? (Answer: More than 900 performances)
7. What is a popular children’s attraction featuring farm animals at the fair? (Answer: The Little Farm Hands)
8. What type of agricultural showcase can you find at the fair? (Answer: Crop art display)
9. What is the name of the Minnesota State Fair parade tradition? (Answer: The Great Minnesota Parade)
10. What wildlife presentation is featured at the fair? (Answer: Raptor demonstration)
The Animal Kingdom of the Mn State Fair
1. Approximately how many animals are shown at the Minnesota State Fair each year? (Answer: Over 3,000 animals)
2. What is the most popular breed of cattle shown at the fair? (Answer: Holstein)
3. What type of animal competitions take place at the fair? (Answer: Livestock judging competitions)
4. Which type of bird is shown in the poultry competition? (Answer: Chickens)
5. How many horse breeds are typically showcased at the fair? (Answer: 40 different breeds)
6. What is the popular dairy animal showcased that produces milk? (Answer: Cows)
7. What type of event demonstrates dog agility at the fair? (Answer: Dog shows)
8. In which barn would you find goats at the fair? (Answer: The Goat Barn)
9. What event showcases rabbits at the fair? (Answer: Rabbit shows)
10. What animal is often referred to as the hardest worker at the fair? (Answer: Horses)
Fun Facts About the Mn State Fair
1. Which building at the fair features amazing butter sculptures? (Answer: The Dairy Building)
2. What is the total area covered by the Minnesota State Fairgrounds? (Answer: 322 acres)
3. How many visitors typically attend the fair each year? (Answer: Over 2 million visitors)
4. What was unique about the fair in 2020? (Answer: It was largely virtual due to the pandemic)
5. What is the oldest attraction at the fair? (Answer: The Giant Slide)
6. How much of the fair’s waste is typically recycled each year? (Answer: About 80 percent)
7. Which popular drink is often found in large quantities at the fair? (Answer: Lemonade)
8. What year did the fair introduce its first mobile app? (Answer: 2013)
9. How many different types of cream puffs are commonly available at the fair? (Answer: 5 types)
10. Which overall theme has been a recurring aspect of the Minnesota State Fair? (Answer: Agriculture and community)
Great Times Through the Years at the Mn State Fair
1. What year did the fair first charge admission? (Answer: 1891)
2. How much did it cost to enter the fair the first year? (Answer: 25 cents)
3. Which famous musical group performed at the fair in 1965? (Answer: The Beach Boys)
4. In what year did the fair first introduce fireworks as an attraction? (Answer: 1930)
5. Which iconic music show first took place in the fair’s Grandstand in 1963? (Answer: The Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Concerts)
6. What was the longest running attraction ever hosted at the fair? (Answer: The Midway rides)
7. Which year saw the highest attendance at the fair? (Answer: 2018)
8. What year did the fair’s ground-breaking competitive eating contest begin? (Answer: 2016)
9. How many years has the Minnesota State Fair been continuously held, except for special circumstances? (Answer: Every year since 1945)
10. What special commemorative event was held for the fair’s 125th anniversary? (Answer: Special exhibits and performances)
Celebrating Culture at the Mn State Fair
1. What type of cultural shows are held at the fair? (Answer: Dance and music performances)
2. How many different ethnic foods are typically represented at the fair? (Answer: Over 70 different cuisines)
3. Which notable exhibition features local artists at the fair? (Answer: The Fine Arts Exhibition)
4. In what year did the Ethnic Fest feature its first cultural stage? (Answer: 1981)
5. Which dance performances are popular at the fair? (Answer: Cultural folk dances)
6. What is the purpose of the Cultural Village at the fair? (Answer: To celebrate diversity and cultural traditions)
7. How many different languages are spoken by fairgoers at the event? (Answer: Dozens of languages)
8. What art genre is commonly displayed in exhibitions at the fair? (Answer: Photography)
9. What type of the fair feature highlights Minnesota’s different cultures? (Answer: Cultural showcases)
10. Which festival takes place during the fair, celebrating Minnesota’s diverse heritage? (Answer: The Cultural Celebration Festival)
Final Thoughts
From the rich history of the Minnesota State Fair to the delicious food and amazing attractions, there is so much to learn about this beloved event. Each year, millions of visitors gather to experience this unique celebration, highlighting agricultural traditions, cultural diversity, and pure entertainment. Whether you’re indulging in tasty treats or exploring the fascinating animal exhibits, the fair truly has something for everyone. So, if you want to discover more about Minnesota and its vibrant culture, check out Minnesota trivia or dive into the excitement of the city with Twin Cities trivia. There are always new facts to uncover!