Here's a few tips -

Go to the state fair web site and print out map, and list of activities / times, etc. Then make a list of the things you find interesting, and plot a short list.

There's plenty of things to see / doo / eat along the way.

Consider taking one of the city express busses. It will drop you off right across from a side gate. You won't have to worry about parking or paying to park.

Pick a weekday at first, to avoid the big weekend rushes, and maybe head out early. Arriving by 11 a.m.

You will have so much fun !!

http://www.mnstatefair.org/

2008 food finder in the strib (you may need to register): …startribune.com/projects/maps/calendar/stat…

1. Tom Thumb donuts. Not just mini donuts, Tom Thumb donuts. :)

2. Cheese on a stick

3. Pork chop on a stick

4. Malt (blackberry is my fav) in the Dairy Building and see the utter sculptures

5. If you go Friday, September 4 you could see Garrison Keillor at the grandstand - definite taste of MN

6. Bull Bites at the Axel's booth - YUM!

7. French Fries

8. Turkey's delight - best turkey sandwich you will ever have

9. Sweet Martha's Cookies

10. Plenty of TUMS!! :)

Hoping for more replies, but just want to thank folks for these great suggestions so far.

I should have mentioned (though you've hit the nail on the head anyway) that we're open to all recommendations about food. We're adventurous eaters and love trying things we can't get anywhere else.

The more I read about the regional cuisine, the more I'm looking forward to this trip!

get a bucket of cookies, then take them to the

"all you can drink milk booth"

awesome

and hits the spot

- Definitely take the bus, the fair site will have park and ride and express bus info

.- The fair site will also active the "food finder" section so you can look at what is available.

- The local papers have a wealth of information prior to and each day during the fair.

- It's a big area - be prepared to walk a lot

- Most all local TV and radio stations broadcast from the fair - chance to be a rube and wave a the camera! :)

- A walk through the barns is always fun.....make sure to see the largest boar.

- Go to the top of the Space Needle for a great view of the Twin Cities - the fair grounds is literally wedged between Minneapolis & St. Paul.

-

Honey sunflower seed ice cream at the Horticulture building. If you are less adventurous, have their chocolate walnut ice cream. And the salt water taffy that is right across the seating area from there. But a true afficianado will only eat black walnut flavor.

Go see the butter heads in whatever building that is (princesses' heads carved in butter).

Sunday will be a huge day attendance-wise, so you have to get there early. Eight would be fine, ten would be dicey.

I always wear the most god awful bright color in my wardrobe so that my companions can find me. I've already picked this year--flourescent orange, and will probably be there Sunday.

More to come I'm sure.

I agree on the Sweet Martha's cookies, the sunflower ice cream, and I LOVE the chocolate covered strawberries lovated in the horse show arena. I have a sweet tooth if you can't tell. My aunt is a master gardener and we always end up spending lots of time in the horticulture building. You can buy honey there that is awesome and very rare. You have to see the animals and try to see some of the horse competitions.

Definitely do the park and ride. Parking near the mall is a headache. There are about a dozen lots at least. We've always used the one at 94 and Snelling.

Also, if possible, go see a live birth exhibit in the animal buildings. You can see cows and pigs deliver. Maybe that appeals to you -- maybe not. Just eat after you go. Ha.

I think foodwise, the one absolute must is the roasted corn. You'll see hundreds of people walking around with one. They're unbelievable. I know it sounds boring, but this is the upper midwest. We perfected corn. There is one stand. See a map put out by the fair or the Star Tribune.

Otherwise, ferris wheel ride at dusk.

And keep in mind, the massive crowd is both good (people-watching!!) and bad (can't move -- AHH) and Sundays are the most crowded days. If you want freer movement, consider a weekday, getting there at a time of day that will allow you to be there at dusk on the MIdway, when the lights come on the rides. It's a great time to be at the fair.

Here's a link to give you a list of events by day -- calendar. Maps, parking etc.

If you go to the fairgrounds map, you can locate the spot of the roasted corn stand. You HAVE to get an ear of corn if you go. You have no choice.

mnstatefair.org/pages/fairgrounds_map.html

The stand is large and visible (or just ask people wielding half-eaten ears where they got theirs) on the curve of Dan Patch Avenue, where it turns into Nelson, just southeast of the grandstand.

The grandstand ticket window is across the street from the corn stand.