The 12-day run of the Minnesota State Fair is also a great University of Minnesota get-together! The U of M has been at the fair since its first year in 1859, decades before corn dogs were even a glint in a food entrepreneur’s eye. Now 165 years later, the U is gene-sequencing the corn dog, which is fairly impressive.
Here are a dozen attractions and activities—one for each day of the fair— that highlight the U’s countless accomplishments and contributions to the state. See a complete lineup of events at our State Fair website.
U of M Central
The U of M Central Building and stage, located at 1673 Dan Patch Avenue in the Crossroads Building, will feature an array of programming in newly designed exhibit space. You can learn about the U of M System’s five campuses as well as our many inventions over the years. There will be social media opportunities, live demonstrations, performances, and giveaways. You can also shop for systemwide merchandise and Gopher game tickets.
Be a part of discovery
The Driven to Discover Building is celebrating 10 years at the fair. Visitors of all ages are invited to participate in active research in a fun, innovative, and convenient way; most studies take under 20 minutes. Help researchers drive new discoveries—from heart health and hearing tests to studies on State Fair Foods, water bottle usage, early brain development and coping with stress. Find the full schedule of research projects.
Maroon and Gold Day
Saturday, Aug. 31, is Maroon and Gold Day at the fair. The U of M Marching Band—the Pride of Minnesota—will join the State Fair parade at 2 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to wear maroon and gold attire (like they are any other day, of course). A maroon shirt with a mustard stain will do quite nicely.
Goldy vs. Cancer Day
On Friday, Aug. 23, discover how U of M Masonic Cancer Center doctors and scientists are working to help fight cancer in Minnesota and around the world. Learn about the latest breakthroughs; ask experts your questions; and get free resources on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and care at two different locations: all day at U of M Central in the Crossroads Building, or anytime before 2 p.m. in the Driven to Discover Building. For more information visit cancer.umn.edu.
President Cunningham visits the State Fair
On Wednesday, Aug. 28, President Rebecca Cunningham will visit the State Fair for the first time in her presidency. During the visit, President Cunningham will experience University of Minnesota exhibits throughout the fairgrounds and meet with fairgoers, as well as with U of M faculty, staff, and student volunteers.
4-H activities
All across the State Fair, visitors can see the U of M’s statewide impact through 4-H—a U of M Extension youth development program that engages K-12 participants from all 87 Minnesota counties. Activities include Arts-In performances, a llama costume competition, and more than 7,000 exhibits, workshops, and hands-on demonstrations showcased in the 4-H Building. You can watch 4-H events like livestock judging on the fair's live-streaming camera (the link will become active when the fair begins).
Plants, food, and environment pop-ups
Join the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and other University experts in the Agriculture Horticulture Building for pop-up learning about plants, food, health, invasive species and the environment—including a virtual reality experience and selfie station. Talk with U of M scientists about the U of M apple breeding program, new crop development, renewable agriculture resources, sustainable turf management and more. Extension Master Gardeners will also be available with tips and answers to garden and yard questions.
Brain freezes and milk mustaches
Long before there were chocolate chip cookies that people would stand in line for an hour to buy, there was milk. If you’re looking for cool refreshment, stop by the Gopher Dairy Bar for a glass of milk or a milkshake. The bar is operated by U of M students, and proceeds benefit student activities.
Animal and nature experiences
See U of M veterinary students and faculty in action, assisting with live births in the Miracle of Birth Center and demonstrating live spaying/neutering surgeries in the Pet Center.
DNR Building
Visitors can also learn how to get involved with U of M programs in the DNR Building. Every day, volunteer Minnesota Master Naturalists, Aquatic Invasive Species Detectors, and Extension volunteers in forestry and the Offal Wildlife Watching team will be outside the building to the southwest, near the fish pond. You can play a trivia game to receive a collectible card or possibly a polished Lake Superior agate.
Big birds take the stage
The Raptor Center will be at the DNR Stage to share more about its unique and important work in the medical care, rehabilitation, and conservation of eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, osprey, and vultures. Live bird demonstrations are on Aug. 28 and 29 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Clearly, you’ll love this deal
Throughout the Minnesota State Fair, you’ll find many freebies from U of M–affiliated organizations. Clear U of M tote bags will be given away daily at the U of M Central Building at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Supplies are limited, so be early and be patient.
Bonus: An even better deal (if you’re lucky)
You can also enter a drawing for a $5,000 undergraduate tuition scholarship—good at any U of M campus—or one of three "Discover the University of Minnesota System" prize packages.
Free shuttles run daily from parking locations on the east bank of the Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis (with the exception of Aug. 29, due to a Gopher football game). For detailed information about park-and-ride lots, visit mnstatefair.org/transportation.
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