Wisconsin State Fair

One sniff and you know you’re at the Wisconsin State Fair. The aromas of grilled corn, freshly-made cream puffs and deep-fried cheese curds hit you the moment you step out of your car. Add in the sounds of prized livestock and the colorful sights of amusement rides, and you and your family will quickly realize you’re in for a treat. 

As you make your way to the entrance, grab your kid's or partner's hand and explore every inch of the fairgrounds, where family time is all the time, at least for 11 days. 

For over a century, this summertime signature event has celebrated our state and its traditions. So, stop by the state fair and see what Wisconsin is all about. 

Pure Excitement & Entertainment

From pig races to the 15-story-high Ferris wheel, the 11-day-long Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis, just outside Milwaukee, has thrills for all ages. 

You and your kids will enjoy the countless agriculture, flower and art exhibits scattered throughout the fairgrounds. See baby farm animals up-close at the Discovery Barnyard and watch as thousands of fair participants compete for the top prizes. 

Besides agriculture and educational exhibits, the fair hosts live stage performances featuring musical artists and comedians. Other live shows spotlight animals, including the Sea Lion Splash, where a couple of the sea lions perform tricks and stunts. Your kids won’t want to leave this exhibit.

Over at the SpinCity amusement park area, you’ll find over 40 rides and 25 games. Hop on a coaster and squeeze a friend’s hand as you scream at the top of your lungs on the drops. For a bit of friendly competition, challenge a family member to a round of mini basketball. 

Shopping is another attraction at the fair, which features more than 500 shops and vendors.  

Fair Food Is Like Nothing Else

Food is one of the hallmark experiences of the Wisconsin State Fair.

You can’t visit the fair without taking a bite out of a fluffy cream puff. The cream-filled pastry is an icon, sold at the fair since the mid-1920s. You can even pre-order cream puffs for your family the day before you arrive, then head over to the Original Cream Puff pavilion to pick them up. 

Other fair food staples include meat-on-a-stick, donut sandwiches, fish fry and BBQ. With over 200 food and beverage vendors, you’ll want to taste everything, so share a few dishes with your family to try as much as possible and at the end of the day, vote on your favorite meal or snack. You’ll want to prioritize the vendors featuring a 13-foot spork-shaped trophy outside their booths. Every year, the fair hosts a food competition called The Sporkies and the winners and finalists receive the honor in the form of a trophy. 

Stay Close To the Action

The Greater Milwaukee area has countless family-friendly hotels just a short trip from the state fairgrounds. But if you’d like to enjoy multiple days at the fair and are traveling with an RV, park your vehicle at the Wisconsin State Fair RV Park, featuring hook-up sites and more. 

Come for the family fun and stay for the food, animals and rides. The state fair is a Wisconsin tradition you don’t want to miss out on.