Exhibits and events at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair showcase the University’s statewide service and impact
The University of Minnesota has showcased its contributions to Minnesotans at the State Fair since 1859. Today, 165 years later, the University is gearing up for the 2024 Great Minnesota Get-Together with 12 days of events and exhibits that highlight the statewide impact of research, education and outreach from each of its five campuses.
U of M students, faculty, staff and volunteers will engage with fairgoers in more than 10 locations across the fairgrounds, including a completely redesigned U of M Central experience in the Crossroads Building. A wide variety of experiences demonstrate the importance and value of the University of Minnesota in the lives of all Minnesotans — from talented youth in the 4-H Building to dedicated U of M veterinarians in the Miracle of Birth Center, active University researchers in the Driven to Discover and Agriculture Horticulture buildings, and U of M experts and volunteers spread throughout the State Fair.
Below is an outline of key U of M events and activities during the Minnesota State Fair. View the entire schedule at state-fair.umn.edu.
U of M at the State Fair highlights
U of M Central
The U of M Central Building and stage, located at 1673 Dan Patch Avenue in the Crossroads Building, will feature an array of programming in newly designed exhibit space, including social media activations, U of M inventions, free giveaways and live demonstrations and performances. Visitors can also shop for systemwide merchandise and Gopher game tickets.
President Cunningham visits the State Fair
On Wednesday, Aug. 28, President Rebecca Cunningham will visit the State Fair for the first time in her presidency. During the visit, President Cunningham will experience University of Minnesota exhibits throughout the fairgrounds and meet with fairgoers, as well as U of M faculty, staff and student volunteers.
10 years of research on a stick
The Driven to Discover Building is celebrating 10 years at the Fair. Visitors of all ages are invited to participate in active research in a fun, innovative and convenient way as most studies take under 20 minutes. Help researchers drive new discoveries — from heart health and hearing tests to studies on State Fair Foods, water bottle usage, early brain development and coping with stress. Find the full schedule of research projects.
Goldy vs. Cancer Day
On Friday, Aug. 23, discover how U of M Masonic Cancer Center doctors and scientists are working to help write cancer's last chapter in Minnesota and around the world. Learn about the latest breakthroughs, ask experts your questions, and get free resources on cancer prevention, diagnosis and care at two different locations: all day at U of M Central in the Crossroads Building or anytime before 2 p.m. in the Driven to Discover Building. For more information visit cancer.umn.edu.
Maroon and Gold Day
On Saturday, Aug. 31, the U of M Marching Band, the Pride of Minnesota, will join the State Fair parade at 2 p.m. in honor of Maroon and Gold Day at the Fair. Visitors are encouraged to wear their maroon and gold attire.
4-H activities
All across the State Fair, visitors will see the U of M’s statewide impact through 4-H, a U of M Extension youth development program that engages K-12 participants from all 87 Minnesota counties. Activities include Arts-In performances, a llama costume competition, and more than 7,000 exhibits, workshops and hands-on demonstrations showcased in the 4-H Building. During the first four days of the Fair, over 2,500 youth will exhibit livestock in the animal barns.
Plants, food and environment pop-ups
Join the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, Extension and other experts in the Agriculture Horticulture Building for pop-up learning about plants, food, health, invasive species and the environment, including a virtual reality experience and selfie station. Talk with U of M scientists about the U of M apple breeding program, new crop development, renewable agriculture resources, sustainable turf management and more. Extension Master Gardeners will also be available with tips and answers to garden and yard questions.
Also, stop by the Gopher Dairy Bar for a cool shake or a refreshing glass of milk. The bar is operated by U of M students and proceeds benefit student activities.
Animal and nature experiences
See U of M veterinary students and faculty in action, assisting with live births in the Miracle of Birth Center and demonstrating live spaying/neutering surgeries in the Pet Center.
Visitors can also learn how to get involved with U of M programs in the DNR Building, including Minnesota Master Naturalists, Aquatic Invasive Species Detectors, forestry, pollinators, and the Offal Wildlife Watching Project.
The Raptor Center will be at the DNR Stage to share more about their unique and important work in the medical care, rehabilitation, and conservation of eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, osprey, and vultures. Live bird demonstrations will be available on Aug. 28 and 29 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Freebies and giveaways
Throughout the State Fair, visitors will find many freebies and giveaways from U of M affiliated organizations.
Clear U of M tote bags will be given away daily at the U of M Central Building at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Supplies are limited. Visitors can also enter into a drawing for a $5,000 undergraduate tuition scholarship good at any U of M campus, or one of three "Discover the University of Minnesota System" prize packages.
Transportation
Free shuttles run daily from parking locations on the east bank of the Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis (with the exception of Aug. 29 due to Gopher Football). The public is welcome to park and ride for free from various surface lots on campus. For detailed transportation information, visit mnstatefair.org/transportation.
Social media
Visit state-fair.umn.edu to see the entire schedule of activities and events, and follow the U of M at the State Fair through #UMNonaStick on our social media channels:
Facebook: facebook.com/UofMN
Instagram & Threads: @UMNtwincities
X: @UMNews
About the University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota System, with campuses in Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester and the Twin Cities, is driven by a singular vision of excellence. We are proud of our land-grant mission of world-class education, groundbreaking research, and community-engaged outreach, and we are unified in our drive to serve Minnesota. Visit system.umn.edu.
