From Outer Space to the Midway: New Minnesota State Fair Attractions Revealed

The first Minnesota State Fair was held in 1859, a year before Minnesota became an official state. Since then, "The Great Minnesota Get Together" has grown each year and is now recognized as one of the best state fairs in the country.

This year’s State Fair, from August 21 to Labor Day, is expected to bring in nearly 2 million visitors ready to check out new attractions and food while enjoying all their old favorites.

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NEW FOODS AT THE 2025 MINNESOTA STATE FAIR

There are more than 500 things to eat at the Minnesota State Fair, including dozens of things on a stick. Pronto Pups, Fresh French Fries, and Cheese Curds are favorites each year, but the Queen of the State Fair is Sweet Martha and her delicious cookies.

RELATED: Sweet Martha Didn’t Want to Sell Cookies at the Minnesota State Fair

There are 33 new foods to try at the fair this year, including Birthday Cake Cookie Dough On-a-Stick, Chicken-Fried Bacon Fries, Grandma Doreen’s Dessert Dog, and Green Apple Sucker Ice Cream. Take a look at what they look like and check out the full list of new food items below.

ALSO READ: 69 New Drinks Will Be Served at the Minnesota State Fair

NEW RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS AT THE 2025 MINNESOTA STATE FAIR

There’s a lot of fresh fun coming to the Minnesota State Fair this year

🚀 Journey to Space – This is a FREE, hands-on exhibit that lets kids (and grown-ups!) see what it's like to live and work on the International Space Station. Guests will be able to particpate in fun engineering challenges and see space gear.

NASA will be at the fair between August 21–24, with real moon rocks and full-size spacesuits.

🎡 The Thunderbird – I'm terrified of heights, so this isn't for me. The Thunderbird is the tallest portable swing in North America! It's 180ft tall and promises incredible views of the fairgrounds.

🎢 New Midway Thrills – Two exciting new rides are spinning into Mighty Midway:

• Overdrive is all speed and lights—think racing meets wild spinning.
• The Scorpion lets you swing and spin through the air with your family and friends.

🎠 Kidway Gets Two New Rides – Perfect for little ones!

• Hampton Space Age lets kids pilot a mini spaceship.
• Jumbo is a flying elephant that lets kids and their parents take an easy flight with controls that move the magical elephant up and down.

The rides and attractions are a blast, but let’s be honest, the food is the main event. Check out all the new eats debuting at the Minnesota State Fair below.