Iowa State Fairgrounds

E University Ave & E 30th St, Des Moines, IA 50317, USA

Address:	E University Ave & E 30th St, Des Moines, IA 50317, USA
Phone:	+1 515-262-3111
Site:	iowastatefairgrounds.org
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

C Policastro

We drove from NJ to the fair, thats how interested we were in going! The food was good but not what we were expecting. We were thinking everything would be fried and have some weird, crazy food. While there were a few things we werent used to, they were tame. Apple pie on a stick, or cheese curds, not popular in NJ but nothing crazy. Its really cool to bring kids to and spend a few days here, we did 2 full days and felt like we say everything we were interested in and ate what we wanted. Lots of animals for kids to look at and see and lots of animal judging, shows, horse shows, gun shows, LIVE baby birthing and egg hatching. Some really cool stuff for us from NJ as its not the norm for us. I wouldnt visit again only because its 16 hours away, but if 1-2 hours we would go back. Glad we went and would suggest others to visit as its HUGE! Takes about a day to walk the whole thing and lots of shows to watch and some big bands were free as well.

Lee Rabe

1 million people annually tell you that there really is something for everyone. There are 4 stages that offer free entertainment through each day and a grandstand that brings in national touring acts. Check out the many rides, walk through the cultural center and take in the doll house or wood carving competition, go see the life size cow sculpted from butter, see how many different fruits and vegetables you can name and see some great fairy garden competition in the agricultural building. Marvel at the super bull and largest boar or wander through the horse barn and watch draft horse teams prep for evening competition. Find a new recipe for pound cake or how to best decorate a gingerbread house in the food building. Check out hundreds of quilts submitted for competition. Eat one of scores of foods offered on a stick. Your experience is up to you.

A Private User

Went on Sun. afternoon. Never been and didnt really want to go but the family did so I relented. I spent $10 and was bored to death. All I saw were a few extreamly large animals, tons of overpriced food vendors, and lots of different companies with exhibits trying to sell things rather then show latest and greatest advances in their industry. My wife said there were shows going on all the time when she went before. She always told me about the talent show that was there. None of that was going on. Come on, it was Sunday afternoon and there were thousands of people there. Why no shows. I cant really say I was dissapointed, because it was exactly what I expected...boring. If I have my way I will not go again.

Bob Hoskins

I live in Des Moines and will be skipping the Iowa State Fair this year in favor of Minnesotas. Food vendors are repetitive and not really unique. I get the feeling many of the spots are being sold to the same business with 5+ trailers. There are 10 food stands Id visit in Minnesota for every 1 in Iowa. Better free stuff from product marketers. The Ford promotional trailer at the Iowa State gave me a free pen. In Minnesota I got a t-shirt, bottle opener, USB car outlet and a pen. Beer selection is crap and it went up in price. I swear my choices are Budlight Lime or some crappy craft brew. Can I even get a PBR? Minnesota had variety and their Grain belt stand wwas good beer. Iowa, we can do better.

Kurt Sanburg

nothing has really changed in the last 30 some years. a couple new food items. i dont get how some people hang out the whole 2 weeks. 4 hours in i have seen everything and totally bored. Same exact exhibits every year. oooooo the butter enterprise and crew. that is really the only thing different every year. is a 12 dollar entry fee worth seeing the butter sculptures. I guess the fair is great if you are a 4h kid or have livestock in contests. It is fun to watch the Bill Rielly stage now and then. talented kids is always fun. But the bands are old has beens with not even one original member.

Andrew Denner

Our state fair is a great state fair, dont miss it, dont even be late! The Iowa state fair is a great showcase of what Iowa is, however expect the food vendors to be quite expensive. Crowds to be insane and during caucus years the random politician to be hanging around begging for votes. Stop by the Elwell Family Food Center to see one of the largest competitive food departments in the US. Then follow it up by catching a show in the grandstands, seeing the largest bull or hog and then see one of the many free (after admission) shows on stages throughout the fairgrounds.

Matthew Nelson

This is a must for first timers. There are all varieties of events, activities, food, shows, vendors and people. As the modo says: Nothing Compares. Ive been going to the fair since I could ever remember. Its always something fun to do just before school starts. The staff and volunteers always put on the best ideas and creative themes each and every year. No other fair comes close to the value of the Iowa State Fair! Its even worth going for more than one day if youve never been! My favorite highlight for first timers is the animal shows and Varied Arts building.

Kyle H

Awesome. Lots of foods, attractions, and a carnival. Every year for two weeks this place is busier than it is all year long. People come from all over, even New York, for the Iowa State Fair. Staples are corn dogs, porkchop on a stick, and they always have crazy creations such as fried butter on a stick. Hilarious shows showing Iowas nuttier crowds, and more mainstream shows by artists on Americas Top 100. The rest of the year this place hosts shows and events, but nothing like the fair. I cant wait until next year!

Franni Vee

I love the fair! The food is the main reason I go. I always start with the tempura veggies and I never leave without trying at least one new thing. I end the day wit a good old funnel cakes I love to shop til I drop at the fair also. So much neat stuff! I enjoy visiting all the local radio & TV booths to meet the people l listen to and watch everyday. Then I check out the pigs and tiny horses. Gotta see the butter cow and the biggest bull. I also love the rides too! Come to the fair, youll have a ball!!!

Wes Phillips

Ive gone almost every year Ive been alive since I can remember. Awesome. Almost anything you can think of "-on-a-stick". I personally enjoy the Truck and Tractor pulls the best, but if thats not your thing, there are many, many other things to do. Only down side: its usually the hottest day of the year every year when I go. Our State Fair is a great state fair Dont Miss it dont even be late (our state fair is great) Its dollars to doughnuts at our state fair Its the best state fair in the state

Simon Grubb

Lets get one thing straight: I dont like the Iowa State Fair. I always seem to be pushing a stroller, and everybody wants to step right in front of me. The food isnt really what its made out to be. Its become more of a "Lets try something fried, that isnt normally fried!" kind of deal, and its all overpriced. But the Fairgrounds, when theyre empty, are truly a magical, peaceful place. And if you do parkour in Iowa, it gives you some much-needed challenges and opportunities.