How to Get to the Great Minnesota Get-Together

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Aug. 20, 2024) – It's that time of year again: One of Minnesota's most beloved events, the Minnesota State Fair, kicks off this Thursday, Aug. 22 and runs through Monday, Sept. 2. More than 1.8 million visitors attended the fair in 2023 - and that spells out one thing for certain for 2024: traffic. 

"Remember, when you're sitting in your car stuck in traffic, you can't be mad at traffic: You are traffic," said Brynna Knapp with AAA Public Affairs. "Alternative mobility choices can spare you that headache - and they allow for those fairgoers who choose to drink to do it safely."

Exercise your mobility freedom! By trying out one of the Minnesota State Fair's considerable transportation options, Minnesotans can help manage congestion, keep other drivers safe, and reduce the fair's environmental impact. You're in good company, to boot - approximately 50% of fair guests arrived by some type of public, charter, or mass transit bus operation in previous years. 

Local transit options: Metro Transit, Metro Valley Transit Authority, Southwest Transit

• These quick, affordable options will get you on an express bus for $5-$6 round-trip at locations across the Twin Cities. To plan your trip, see what works, here. 

Free Park & Ride

• Avoid the worst congestion by parking for free at any of 31 Park & Ride locations, many close to the fairgrounds. Get there early to ensure a spot - and remember, it takes between 75-90 minutes or longer for the body to eliminate the alcohol contained in one standard-sized drink. If you drink, don't drive. 

Taxi and Ride-hailing Apps 

• Two designated drop-off and pick-up points located at convenient fairground entry points gives fairgoers another option to safely get to and from the fair if other options aren't workable - and hey, it sure beats driving. 

Onsite Parking 

• Bicyclists can park in one of three bike corrals located outside of the fair for FREE. 
  • South Bike Lot: Loop Gate (#9) on Como Avenue
  • North Bike Lot: North End Gate (#2)
  • West Bike Lot: Randall Ave-Buford Gate (#16)
  • Remember: It's as dangerous to ride drunk as it is to drive drunk. If you plan to drink, don't bike. 
     
• Limited vehicle parking spaces are available for $20 - but they'll fill up fast!

"This year's Minnesota State Fair involves more than 100 different alcoholic beverages," Knapp said. "Remember, while there are safe ways to consume alcohol, the research makes clear that there's just no way to do so and then drive or ride a bicycle or motorcycle: At 0.01% blood alcohol content, you're 46% more likely to crash than sober. At the legal limit, 0.08%, you're about 300% more likely to crash."