Whether it’s a county fair, an art fair, or a local festival, we just can’t get enough. So far, we’ve visited over 35 Minnesota county fairs—and countless other community events. We’ve decided to use this space to share our personal impressions of some of our favorites.

These aren’t official reviews—just reflections based on our own experiences. But if you love fairs like we do, you might find a few gems to check out.

STEELE COUNTY FAIR - OWATONNA, MN

If you’re only going to one county fair this summer, make it this one. Held each August, the Steele County Free Fair is the granddaddy of all Minnesota county fairs. It's two or three times the size of a typical county fair and has something for everyone.

There are several animal barns—including an enormous horse barn and a fantastic goat area (Michelle, our resident “Goat Whisperer,” approves!). It also features an impressive camper display—something rarely seen at county fairs.

The food options? Incredible. It's the largest and most diverse selection we’ve found anywhere. And the business and vendor presence is unlike anything else, filling two full hockey arena buildings to the brim.

One highlight is the Village of Yesteryear—a collection of 25 historic buildings that bring the past to life. Nearby, you'll also find an excellent display of antique tractors.

This fair is a must-see.

ANOKA COUNTY FAIR - ANOKA, MN

Another favorite, the Anoka County Fair is one of the best in the metro. Located just north of downtown Anoka along Highway 47, it’s nestled in a neighborhood setting with great on-site and adjacent parking—including easy access for handicap parking.

We love this fair for many reasons, but one of the best is its strong showing of animals, especially horses. Michelle gravitates toward the goats (of course), while John is a big fan of the ponies—and this fair delivers both.

The carnival is run by Gopher State Expositions, our favorite Minnesota carnival company. Kelly, who manages the wiffle ball game we frequent, is a joy to work with and always supports our mission to spread kindness through surprise prizes.

Anoka’s food selection is excellent, and while not quite as extensive as Steele County’s, it still ranks among the top in the state. Held annually in late July, this fair is perfect for those who want a top-tier experience without traveling too far south.

WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR - LAKE ELMO, MN

This one easily makes our “Top Ten” list. Located near Lake Elmo and Stillwater, the Washington County Fair has its own unique charm and an amazing variety of things to see and do.

Goats: Yes—goats get their own building! It's packed with different breeds, and Michelle, our Goat Whisperer, spends plenty of quality time here.

Horses: Washington County is horse country, and this fair proudly showcases that heritage. With a full horse barn and events like barrel racing, there's plenty to enjoy. John especially loved watching the kids compete—it brought back memories of his own horse, Honey, and summers spent riding on his uncle’s farm near Cambridge.

Food: The fair doesn’t disappoint. Despite all the options, we stumbled on a spot right outside the goat barn selling $3 all-beef hot dogs—delicious and affordable.

Carnival: While this one didn’t have our go-to wiffle ball game, the carnival was still impressive and sure to delight kids of all ages.

Parking: It’s plentiful and convenient. For handicap parking, use the Highway 5 entrance—it puts you right next to the ticket booth.