6 ‘quiet’ places at the Minnesota State Fair

When you’re at the Minnesota State Fair with 100,000 to 225,000 other people, there might not be such a thing as a ‘quiet place’. But I was challenged to come up with spots around the Fairgrounds where you take a break from all the noise for a few minutes.

I presented my picks on KSTP-TV’s Minnesota Live in 2022.

6 places to find ‘quiet’ at the Minnesota State Fair

Fine Arts Center

Cosgrove Street

With more than 300 pieces, the Fine Arts Center is home to the state of Minnesota’s largest juried art show. Note that when you go inside the building dating back to 1907, no food or beverage is allowed inside. It’s open every day of the Fair from 9 am – 9 pm.

4-H Building

Cosgrove Street

The 4-H Building, next to the Fine Arts Center, is a massive building that is relatively quiet. Most of the day, you can walk through and see the presentations from hundreds of youth from across Minnesota. They showcase photography, constructed outfits, poster presentations, and more. It does get louder during the State Arts In, a musical put on by high school students. There’s a large grandstand riser in the building that is a great place to sit, and the 4-H Building bathrooms rarely have a line.

Ye Old Mill

Carnes Street

Ye Old Mill is a Minnesota State Fair staple, touted as the “original tunnel of love.” The oldest attraction on the fairgrounds takes you on a boat past rather lousy vignettes. You don’t go on Ye Old Mill to see the vignettes. It’s dark, cool… and just something you do. There is a fee to ride.

The top of LuLu’s Public House

West End Market

This hidden-gem ‘quiet’ spot is one I don’t want to give up. LuLu’s Public House in the West End Market is home to deep-fried ranch dressing, fantastic chicken tenders, and really long lines. They also have a lesser known upstairs that has high tops with chairs, misters when it’s hot, and a bar that typically has no line. This is typically one of my favorite spots on the Fairgrounds.

For sensory-friendly families

The team at Fraser runs a building for Fair guests of all-ages with sensory-processing challenges who may find the sights, sounds, and smells of the State Fair overwhelming. The Fraser Sensory Building is run by trained volunteers who can help individuals regulate. It’s located on the west side of Cosgrove Street, next to the Home Improvement Building.

Note: The State Fair has special sensory-friendly days on the Midway and Kidway. That information, along with advice for families, is listed on the Fair’s website.

For nursing mothers

Note that in addition to these spots, the Fairgrounds does now offer 5 private places for breastfeeding. You’ll find those listed on the State Fair’s website.