By:
Submission
It’s a LOT. With all of the different exhibits and shows, if you want to see/do everything you’ll need multiple days. OR you can hit the main highlights in 1 day if you keep it at a full sprint and skip most of the entertainment. But why even bother going then.
Parking is always a concern for people. There is a city ran shuttle that’s cheap if you park at other places like the capital. You can pay for parking close by. We chose to park on the street a mile or so away and just make the walk.
Traffic can be terrible on the main roads at different times of the day (Eg. Before a concert). If you see that, don’t be afraid to get off the main highway and drive through the neighborhoods to wind your way there.
Great time at the fair this year! We rode some rides (some smaller rides near the Craft Beer Tent and some bigger rides near the Barksdale cookie stand), ate lots of food (be sure to try a Crescenti) and went to a couple of concerts (the fireworks were great). This is the best state fair in the US!
Nice and neat and well organized! Lots of convenient parking. Enjoyed the tram ride over the fairgrounds, a relaxing way to take it all in. Pecan pie with bacon on a stick, corn dog, pork chop on a stick, root beer float and tasty daiquiri. 😋
Born and raised in Iowa moved around as military wife around US and currently a truckers wife of 18 years that's been to 47 of the lower 48 and nothing compares to Iowa state Fair.
I'm now grandma and love passing down the traditions of spending our last few days of summer before school starts showing the Iowa love to them.
It definitely has had a lot of changes and changes are hard but it seriously is worth spending at least 1 full day if not all 11 days enjoying Iowa Pride.
My oldest grands are aging out of kids activities like little hands on the farm and little kid stuff but we had an amazing day doing things people of all ages do.
We have a large family and usually have at least one family or friend involved in the events somehow. This year we had my uncle enter a pumpkin and a cousin that won lots of ribbons with her sheep.
Even if you don't know someone going in you will make a new friend before you leave.
This is probably one of best state fair in the country. Great place to be. Lots of fun activities to do with your family. Lots of food trucks . Parking get filled quickly. You should avoid weekends if you can.
