The fair is home to over 500 menu items, with around 80 new foods introduced each year. Here are some top picks that visitors and locals alike rave about. Whether you’re looking for something fried, sweet, savory, or entirely unexpected, the Minnesota State Fair has something for everyone!
1. Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar
Sweet Martha’s cookies are a legendary staple at the fair, and you’ll likely see people walking around with overflowing buckets of these warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. The soft, gooey texture and chocolatey sweetness make them an absolute crowd-pleaser. You can buy them in cones or in a bucket, perfect for sharing (or not!).
2. Cheese Curds
Another fair favorite is the Wisconsin-inspired cheese curds. These bite-sized pieces of cheese are battered and deep-fried, resulting in a crunchy, gooey snack that’s irresistible. Served hot and fresh, they’re a must-have item that captures the flavor of the Midwest.
3. Corn on the Cob
Minnesota summers and corn go hand-in-hand, and the fair’s roasted corn on the cob is an iconic staple. The corn is buttered, salted, and grilled to perfection, giving it a smoky, sweet flavor. It’s also conveniently served on a stick, making it a delicious and portable snack.
4. Blue Barn’s Nashville Hot Chicken on a Stick
If you’re a fan of spicy food, Blue Barn’s Nashville Hot Chicken on a Stick is a must. This dish features crispy chicken coated in a tangy, spicy sauce that’s true to the Nashville-style heat. It’s the perfect blend of spice and flavor, and you can balance it out with a side of their creamy mac and cheese.
5. Pickle Pizza
One of the new, inventive dishes that has taken the fair by storm is pickle pizza. This unconventional pizza is topped with dill pickles, garlic sauce, and mozzarella cheese, creating a unique savory-sour combination that has both intrigued and won over fairgoers. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves pickles — or simply wants to try something a little different.
6. Sushi Options for Seafood Lovers
Yes, you read that right — you can even find sushi Minneapolis at the fair! For seafood lovers or anyone looking for a lighter option, sushi vendors offer fresh rolls made with local ingredients. Although sushi may not be as traditional as some of the other fair foods, it’s a fantastic choice for those wanting something different from deep-fried treats. If you’re looking for sushi year-round, Minneapolis has a growing sushi scene worth exploring.
7. Deep-Fried Candy Bars on a Stick
It wouldn’t be a proper state fair without indulgent, deep-fried sweets. The deep-fried candy bars are coated in batter and fried until golden and crispy, creating a melty, chocolatey center. Snickers and Reese’s are popular choices, and this treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a bit of a crunchy twist.
8. Alligator on a Stick
For the adventurous eater, there’s alligator on a stick! This dish has become a novelty favorite over the years, with its unique taste and chewy texture. It’s seasoned and grilled to bring out a slightly smoky flavor, giving visitors a chance to step outside of their culinary comfort zones.
9. Walleye Cakes
A nod to Minnesota’s love for freshwater fish, walleye cakes are a popular item at the fair. Similar to a crab cake, walleye cakes are made with fresh walleye, seasoned, and lightly fried, giving them a crisp exterior and tender, flavorful center. It’s a delicious way to enjoy one of Minnesota’s local fish in a new format.
10. Lemonade and Mini Donuts
Ending the fair day with a classic combo of lemonade and mini donuts is a tradition for many visitors. The fresh, tangy lemonade perfectly balances out the sweetness of the warm, cinnamon-dusted mini donuts, which are freshly made in small batches. It’s the perfect sweet-and-sour treat to enjoy while strolling through the fairgrounds.
Beyond Fair Foods: Exploring Minnesota’s Culinary Scene
While the Minnesota State Fair offers a truly unique food experience, Minnesota’s culinary scene is equally diverse year-round. From food trucks and local bakeries to fine dining establishments, the state’s food culture is rich with flavors from all over the world. If you’re still craving something exciting after the fair, consider heading to a steakhouse in Minneapolis for a perfectly cooked steak, or check out one of the many sushi spots in the city that showcase Minnesota’s evolving seafood options.
The Minnesota State Fair isn’t just an event; it’s a culinary adventure that offers a little something for everyone. With classic items like cheese curds and corn on the cob, innovative picks like pickle pizza, and even sushi options, the fair is a foodie paradise. Whether you’re there for the atmosphere, the rides, or — let’s be honest — the endless food choices, the Minnesota State Fair captures the spirit of the state in a fun, flavorful way. And after you’ve tried all the fair’s famous foods, keep the culinary exploration going by visiting some of Minneapolis’s top restaurants, from sushi spots to steakhouses.
The fair is a celebration of Minnesota’s community, creativity, and love for good food — a true taste of the North Star State.
