Join us & receive email updates.
Marisa for Minnesota US Senate
I agree to be contacted by Marisa for Minnesota. To opt out, click the unsubscribe link in the emails.
© 2025 Prepared and paid for by Marisa for Minnesota
Lot #7060 PO BOX 17370 Saint Paul, MN 55117
RECOMMENDED BY
Top 10 Foods to Try at the Minnesota State Fair in 2025
There’s nothing quite like the Minnesota State Fair. It’s loud, colorful, packed with fun, and most importantly, it’s a foodie’s paradise. 🎡🎟️
Each year, more than two million visitors head to the fairgrounds in Falcon Heights to ride the Giant Slide, visit the Miracle of Birth barn, and feast on everything from deep-fried pickles to gourmet cheese curds.
Whether you're a fair veteran or attending for the first time, these are the top 10 must-try foods at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. This list includes new creations for this year and returning fan favorites that Minnesotans look forward to every summer.
🧀 1. Fresh Cheese Curds
No trip to the State Fair is complete without a bag of hot, squeaky, melty cheese curds. You’ll smell them before you see them, and yes, they are always worth the wait in line.
In 2025, you can try varieties with jalapeño batter or dipped in ghost pepper ranch for an extra spicy twist.
🧡 Where to find them: The Food Building and various cheese curd carts across the fairgrounds
🍗 2. Turkey to Go Sandwich
This Minnesota favorite is a juicy, slow-roasted turkey sandwich served on a soft bun with warm au jus. It’s simple and comforting, and the flavor has stood the test of time.
🦃 Local tip: Add pickles and a few drops of hot sauce to balance the richness.
🧁 3. New in 2025: Sweet Corn Shortcake
One of this year’s most talked-about new items, this dessert layers warm cornbread, sweet corn compote, whipped cream, and crushed toffee. It’s sweet, savory, and absolutely original.
🌽 Only available this year as a State Fair exclusive.
🥓 4. Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Hotdish
A fair classic with a twist. This handheld dish takes creamy tater tots, cheese, and ground beef gravy, then wraps it all in thick-cut bacon and serves it on a stick.
🥓 It’s hearty and a bit messy, so bring extra napkins.
🍦 5. Honey Ice Cream from the MN Honey Producers
This treat is cold, creamy, and made with honey from local beekeepers. It’s a refreshing break from all the fried food, and the optional honeycomb topping adds the perfect crunch.
🐝 A must-visit inside the Agriculture Building.
🍞 6. New in 2025: Dill Pickle Doughnut
You read that right. This is a yeast donut glazed with dill-flavored icing and topped with crisp pickle bits. Some people say it’s a stroke of genius, while others say it’s just plain weird.
🥒 Whether you love it or not, you’ll be talking about it afterward.
🥤 7. Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
When the sun is high and the crowds are thick, this icy drink hits the spot. Made to order with whole lemons, it’s sold at stands throughout the fairgrounds.
🍋 Try the strawberry or cucumber add-ons for a refreshing twist.
🌭 8. Pronto Pup (or Corn Dog)
This is the Minnesota food rivalry no one can settle. One is dipped in pancake-style batter, the other in cornmeal. Minnesotans take sides and defend their favorite with passion.
🌭 Get yours freshly dipped, golden brown, and topped with mustard.
🍩 9. Mini Donuts
Small, warm, and coated in cinnamon sugar, these donuts are an essential part of any fair day. You’ll smell them before you even get to the Midway. They come in brown paper bags and are best eaten right away.
🍩 Pair them with a coffee or just snack as you walk.
🍔 10. The 2025 People's Choice: Bison Cheeseburger Sliders
New this year and already getting buzz, these sliders feature locally sourced bison topped with smoked cheddar, grilled onions, and wild rice aioli. The flavor is bold, the texture is rich, and the wait time is growing.
🦬 This one could become a new classic.
🎟️ Insider Tips for Eating at the Fair
•Go early if you want to beat the food lines
•Share dishes with friends so you can try more things
•Bring both cash and cards since some booths are still cash-only
•Drink lots of water to balance all the salty and sweet treats
•Download the MN State Fair app to track your food must-haves
📍 When & Where
📅 Dates: August 21 to September 1, 2025
📍 Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights
If you want to avoid traffic, consider taking a Metro Transit shuttle or using a park-and-ride location. Biking is another great option with on-site racks available.
🏁 Final Takeaway
The Minnesota State Fair is a tradition that brings everyone together through food, fun, and community. These 10 foods represent the best of what the fair offers in 2025, from nostalgic favorites to brand-new flavor adventures.
Bring your appetite, your curiosity, and maybe even your stretchy pants. 🎡🍴
🔗 Related Reads:
Affordable Housing & Homeownership in Minnesota
Things to Do in Minnesota
👤 About the Author
Marisa Simonetti is a Minnesota-based housing advocate, real estate investor, and 2026 candidate for U.S. Senate in Minnesota. She writes about affordable housing, home repairs, and sustainable homeownership in counties like Dakota, Scott, Ramsey, and beyond.