Parking at the MN State Fair is a Lot Easier – Depending on Who You Ask

The Great Minnesota Get-Together starts on Thursday of this week. Unofficially marking the end of summer and back to school.  Yes, I realize some schools actually start this week, everyone will be back to school the day after Labor Day. So it's very close.  The Minnesota State Fair runs from this coming Thursday through Labor Day.  Last 12 days of the summer.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES IS PARKING AT THE STATE FAIR

Parking has become a bit easier to find a place to park.  The parking is easier depending on who you ask.  If you are someone who lives in that part of St. Paul or in that area of Falcon Heights, you are probably much happier with this new parking policy that was rolled out last year as a test.  The test was successful, so they have implemented it basically on a permanent basis.

There is a parking policy that most notably is in Falcon Heights where a digital pay-by-mobile street parking program charges a flat $25 daily fee (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) in designated zones east of Snelling Avenue and north of Hoyt Avenue.

GREAT FOR THE LOCALS - MIGHT BE MORE OF AN ISSUE FOR COMMUTERS

Now, depending on who you ask comes in with the actual fair-goer.  Some people are not thrilled with the digital payment system.  Before you could just drive around until you found a spot.  Now, that does kind of reduce that practive significantly.  People are pushed more towards the park and ride options.  There is also the option to park on site, but that will cost you and you better get there very early because it fills up fast.  The final option would be to find someone's yard where they are allowing fairgoers to park there, but of course, for a fee.  And that can vary anywhere from $5 to $50 depending on what the homeowner thinks they can charge people, based on the proximity to the fairgrounds.

PARK AND RIDE IS ONE OF THE BEST AND CHEAPEST OPTIONS

The great thing about the park and ride option is that those are free.  And they drop you off right on the fairgrounds, then bring you back to your vehicle when your day is over.  The busses run continuously thoroughout the day, so you never have to worry about missing your ride.

LOCATIONS WHERE YOU CAN CATCH A PARK AND RIDE TO THE FAIR

• Buses run regularly from the lots beginning at 8 a.m.; last bus TO the fair from a Park & Ride lot is at 8 p.m. (5 p.m. Labor Day). Last bus FROM the fair to a Park & Ride lot is at 11:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. Labor Day). Travel times vary based on traffic and crowds.
• Grandstand shows typically end between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. (On Labor Day, the last Grandstand show ends at approximately 4:15 p.m. with fireworks at 8 p.m.)
• Accessible buses serve each route, frequency subject to availability. Those needing to transport an electric scooter should use the Oscar Johnson Lot.

If you are interested in a list of where the park and ride lots are, just hit up the Minnesota State fair website.  They are listed right there for you with directions. 

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