The Wisconsin State Fair’s slogan is “The 11 Best Days of Summer” and it lives up to that statement. The fair is full of delicious treats, thrilling rides, and full of Wisconsin agriculture. There’s a lot to see in the 200-acre park, but these must-see stops will make your trip to the state more enjoyable fair one to remember.
Food that melts in your mouth
The first stop on the list is to fuel up with delicious, straightforward food. Every year, the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds hosts Sporkies, a fair cooking competition. You can find this year’s finalists on the Wisconsin State Fair website. This menu has everything from dill pickled donuts to deep-fried apple pie!
Another place you should definitely stop is food Wisconsin Products Pavilion. This building houses many food vendors selling produce grown right here in our state. This is a great way to support Wisconsin agriculture and sample delicious, local produce.
A trip to the state fair wouldn’t be complete without this icon Original cream foam. About 400,000 puffs are eaten each year, freshly prepared at the Cream Puff pavilion. Get one at the express stations located around the fairgrounds, or watch the cream puffs being made on-site through the viewing windows in the pavilion.
Experience Agriculture
On a balmy day, the streets of the amusement park quickly become balmy and bright. Take a walk cattle sheds to frosty off and enjoy the shade. Every year, hundreds of livestock exhibitors come to the fair. Animal husbandry includes pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, horses and even rabbits. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn all about their projects! If you’re lucky, you may even catch the exhibitors on the day of the show. Come by Case IH Coliseum to watch the animals parade through the ring and see who will take home the champion’s banner.
If you are looking for hands-on farming experience, visit Compeer Financial Discovery Barn. Here you’ll find more farm animals, live hatching eggs, and fun activities to learn all about Wisconsin agriculture. Across the street from the Discovery Barn is Dairy Lane, an interactive display of Wisconsin dairy products. Get a front row seat to watch dairy cattle being milked and learn how milk is turned into your favorite dairy products.
If animals aren’t your thing, don’t worry, there are plenty of other exhibits to see at the Wisconsin State Fair. Take a stroll through the horticultural, textile, craft and culinary exhibitions located in Hall of the Grand Master. Spark your creativity and admire the handsome works of Wisconsin youth and community members. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, take a stroll through the Exploration Park sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources. This trail walk will take you straight to the Master Gardener Area, where you’ll learn all about the great outdoors.
Exciting entertainment
The excitement doesn’t end at the fairgrounds after sunset. Spinning city is open to thrill-seekers who want to twist and turn on thrilling rides. If you prefer a quieter ride, hop on the WonderWheel or SkyGlider and see the entire amusement park lit up at night. If you’re looking for a more musical tour, grab tickets to the main stage concert. All information about the concert program can be found on the Wisconsin State Fair website.
After an stimulating day at the fair, it’s time to go home. If you haven’t had the chance to explore the 200-acre park in one day, don’t worry, you have 11 days to see all its glory. There’s something for everyone at the Wisconsin State Fair. Take advantage of the opportunities that farming has to offer, catch some rides, enjoy some delicious market food, and of course, have fun!
Photos in this article are courtesy of the Wisconsin State Fair.
