It is time to start planning your visit to this year’s Minnesota State Fair and using your bicycle is a comfortable way to get there. If you plan on attending this year’s ‘Great Minnesota Get-together, bicycle parking is still free. Ride your bike from home or do a multi-modal commute to the fair. Consider loading your bike in your car or using the Metro Transit Bus to the fair. Once in the area, consider a spot, maybe a few miles away, for easy parking. Then, commute the rest of the way to one of the fair’s three bike corrals. Commuting by bicycle can take the hassle factor out of your annual visit. Plus, it is a great way to burn off some of those calories from all the fun things you can eat on a stick.
- This year, the fair starts on August 22nd and runs through Labor Day, September 2nd. So there is plenty of time to go; plan your mode of transportation to get there and see what you will see.
Three bike corrals at the Minnesota State Fair
Riding your bike to the Fair, cyclists can choose between three secure bike corrals to park their bicycles while visiting. As in the past, riding your bike to the fair can be fun and reduce the hassle of traffic congestion getting there. Each day, those who commute by bicycle to the fairgrounds will find three (3) secure bike locations from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. They are located at:
North Bike Lot: Hoyt-Snelling Gate (#2)
West Bike Lot: Randall Ave-Buford Gate (#16)
South Bike Lot: Como-Snelling Gate (#6) is a popular location. (This bike corral fills fast, so be prepared to plan your route to one of the above locations.)
- Here is a map from the MN Pollution Control Agency showing the best bicycle routes to ride your bike comfortably to the fair.
Bike-related things to do and see at the Minnesota State Fair
- Now that you are at the fair walking around, you can think about what you might want to purchase. Maybe a shoe clip light so you are more visible when out riding at night? You will find out more about where to purchase this item and other fun things on the free Minnesota State Fair App at the Google Play store.
Check out the Eco-Building for the latest in sustainability
At the Minnesota State Fair, check the latest in environmentally friendly exhibits, like the e-bikes, in the Eco Progress Center.
- Need a new Minnesota Bike Map? In the Education Building, look for the Minnesota Department of Transportation booth, where you will find the latest maps free of charge.
Like parades?
- At the Minnesota State Fair parade, it’s fun to see the uni-cyclists riding among the floats and marching bands. Each day at 2 p.m. on Cosgrove Street, you can watch the Minnesota State Fair Parade. You might see the Twin Cities Unicyclists Club performing if you are lucky. These single-wheeled bicyclists always do some fun tricks as they pedal along the parade route. As the parade ends near the Eco Progress Center, you can check out the latest exhibits in environmentally friendly living.
Fun foods at the Minnesota State Fair to try
You will find plenty of fun foods at this year’s Minnesota State Fair. Every year, there are many fun and wacky food entrees to try at the fair. This year is no exception; looking at the latest published list of new foods to try. Items that have caught my attention include the “All Quaked-Up Sandwich,” the vegan “Earthslider,” the” Breakfast Gnocchi,” and the “Gray Duck Sundae,” to name a few.
Hope this helps you plan your visit to this year’s Minnesota State Fair. If we missed something you may have discovered, please let us know or leave a comment below.
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