Here's your guide to the 2025 Minnesota State Fair
Get answers to all your questions on tickets, transportation and how to save a few bucks.
Minnesota
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Walz to make third term run decision "in the next couple of weeks"
Gov. Tim Walz was among the first people to pass through the gates of the Minnesota State Fair on its opening day Thursday, where he spoke to WCCO's Heather Brown and A.J. Hilton about when he'll make a decision on running for a third term in 2026.
Truckload of donations made by Minnesota family dumped
Imagine paying to donate a truckload of items, only to find out they were trashed. That's what happened to one local family.
live updates
2025 Minnesota State Fair's new food items ranked, from best to ... meh
With almost three dozen new foods to try at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair, it can be difficult to plan the menu for your visit. WCCO is here to help.
Summer warmth for Thursday's start to Minnesota State Fair
Thursday will be a bright, warm start for opening day at the Minnesota State Fair, with highs in the low-to-mid 80s and a touch of humidity.
James Dobson, influential conservative Christian leader, dies at 89
Dr. James Dobson founded the conservative ministry Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs and campaigned against abortion and gay rights.
Klobuchar warns of AI's dangers after "deepfake" video surfaces
Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota's senior U.S. senator, says someone used AI to simulate her voice, making a "vulgar and absurd" critique of the controversial American Eagle jeans ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney.
Grandma's craft store sees influx of customers after viral Facebook Marketplace post
A grandma's quiet craft shop in Holdingford, Minnesota got a big surprise thanks to her loving grandson and a viral Facebook post.
FTC sues L.A. Fitness operators for "difficult" cancellation policies
The Federal Trade Commission said tens of thousands of LA Fitness customers "reported difficulties" cancelling their memberships.
NEXT Weather Forecast
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What's the typical weather forecast for the Minnesota State Fair?
The sun is shining bright over the fairgrounds for all the finishing touches ahead of the "Great Minnesota Get-Together." But Mother Nature isn't always this cooperative.
See a strange light in the sky on Tuesday? Here's what it was.
A video shows a strange light in the sky Tuesday night over Woodbury, Minnesota, causing some to wonder what it may have been.
Fall in Minnesota could be warmer, see less rain than average, NOAA says
Minnesota could see above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall for the autumn months, according to an outlook released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center.
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Heard of Somali street fries? It's one of Minnesota State Fair's newest foods this year.
Mariam Mohamed, the co-founder of Hoyo, and Amina Deble, owner of Oasis, teamed up to bring a taste of Somalia to the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
NEXT Weather: Noon forecast from Aug. 21, 2025
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says you could scarcely ask for a nicer set of opening days at the Minnesota State Fair, with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures.
Interactive challenges abound for Minnesota State Fair's "STEM Day"
Sarah Ness, with SCI-Math, and Cordell Hardy, Vice President of Core R&D at Cargill, share more details about bringing science education awareness to the fair.
Plans unveiled for $70 million Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame complex
"The State of Hockey" got some big news on Thursday: plans are in the works for a $70 million Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame.
From the most seasoned to the most brand new, throngs jockey to be first at the Minnesota State Fair
Caroline Cummings talked with some of this year's earliest arrivals at the Minnesota State Fair.
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National champion rower from Western Wisconsin sets sights on Olympics
Julia Rodrigue attended Hudson High School in Wisconsin and was active in three sports. In college, she stumbled into a sport she had never tried. Three years later, she's a national champion and climbing.
Plans unveiled for $70 million Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame complex
"The State of Hockey" got some big news on Thursday: plans are in the works for a $70 million Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame.
Vikings trade Phillips to Jets, AP source says
A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press the New York Jets have agreed to trade for veteran nose tackle Harrison Phillips from the Minnesota Vikings.
U of M's trend-bucking embrace of the pass to be tested
Max Brosmer's short-but-stellar stay shaped Minnesota into a dangerous passing team last season.
Athletics beat Twins 4-2
Shea Langeliers hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning and the Athletics beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 on Wednesday night.
Finding Minnesota
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It's been 50 years since WCCO's booth debuted at the State Fair
It's been 50 years since WCCO has been at its current location at the "Great Minnesota Get-Together."
Faribault's cheese caves date back to the 1850s
Caves that were once used for making beer in the 1800s are now used for making cheese. In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen looks into the history of the cheese caves in Faribault.
Blaine man's giant backyard guitar honors rock 'n' roll legends
On his five-acre property in Blaine, Minnesota, Erik Lund has plenty of space to fine-tune his golf game and his guitar game.
How hundreds of volunteers make Braham's Pie Day happen
This Friday, the town of Braham will reach a milestone as it celebrates its 35th "Pie Day." It's always the first Friday in August.
One of the largest boat museums in the country is in Minnesota
In the mid-90s, a group of Alexandria, Minnesota, residents wanted to highlight wooden boats and their craftsmanship, believing they were essentially works of art. So, they converted an old city garage into the Legacy of Lakes Museum.
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Grandma's craft store sees influx of customers after viral Facebook marketplace post
A grandma's quiet craft shop in Holdingford, Minnesota, got a big surprise thanks to her loving grandson and a viral Facebook post.
Charity golf game honors responders who saved Sen. John Hoffman, wife
The second annual Guns and Hoses event is being held to raise money for police officers, firefighters and paramedics across the state, including those who responded to the shootings that wounded Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and his wifeโ.
Eagan residents voice frustrations over pollution, delayed notification
After a monthslong push for more transparency, a community exposed to elevated lead emissions earlier this year was able to get some answers from investigators.
Event helps St. Paul families prepare for start of new school year
Dozens of students will be looking their best when heading back to school, thanks to the annual Youth Appreciation Day in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Every new food, drink and vendor at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
โGallery: Vietnam through the lens of Arthur Phillips Sr.
WCCO photojournalist Art Phillips shares some personal family photos taken by his father, Arthur Phillips Sr., in Vietnam during his time in service.
Twin Cities News
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live updates
2025 Minnesota State Fair's new food items ranked, from best to ... meh
With almost three dozen new foods to try at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair, it can be difficult to plan the menu for your visit. WCCO is here to help.
Plans unveiled for $70 million Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame complex
"The State of Hockey" got some big news on Thursday: plans are in the works for a $70 million Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame.
Walz to make third term run decision "in the next couple of weeks"
Gov. Tim Walz was among the first people to pass through the gates of the Minnesota State Fair on its opening day Thursday, where he spoke to WCCO's Heather Brown and A.J. Hilton about when he'll make a decision on running for a third term in 2026.
Hamel mobile home fire leaves man in critical condition
A mobile home fire overnight Thursday in Hamel, Minnesota, has left a man in critical condition.
Wright County couple celebrates 70 years of marriage
"We held hands and said, 'Let's ask God if we can grow old together.' And here we are," they said. "We're going to take it another year."
Greater Minnesota News
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Police officer's death puts spotlight on mental health
The Le Sueur Police Department on Monday announced the passing of Karl Haugen, 41, who the department said served the Le Sueur-Henderson community since 2008.
Grandma's craft store sees influx of customers after viral Facebook marketplace post
A grandma's quiet craft shop in Holdingford, Minnesota, got a big surprise thanks to her loving grandson and a viral Facebook post.
Rochester man sentenced for role in fatal road rage shooting
An Olmsted County judge handed down a 75-month prison sentence, which will be stayed for five years, to Jose Gutierrez Ojeda on Tuesday.
Several Minnesota school districts dealing with bus driver shortage
As kids gear up to go back to school, many Minnesota districts are still searching for enough bus drivers.
19,000-seat Shakopee venue named Mystic Lake Amphitheater
The amphitheater set to become Minnesota's largest outdoor music venue officially has a name.
Wisconsin News
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Wisconsin officials report potential measles exposure at 2 travel stops
Officials say a traveler from out of state who visited two Wisconsin gas stations may have exposed others to measles.
Deer hunter sees rare subtropical wood stork in the Wisconsin wild
A deer hunter has discovered a rare subtropical wood stork in the wilds of Wisconsin.
Wolfdogs in northern Wisconsin help veterans deal with PTSD
Wolfdogs in northern Wisconsin are helping war veterans deal with their post-traumatic stress disorder.
Minnesota motorcyclist killed in western Wisconsin crash
A motorcyclist from Minnesota was killed in a crash with a truck pulling a trailer in western Wisconsin on Sunday.
Flooding cancels last day of Wisconsin State Fair
Flash flooding canceled the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday as continued heavy rainfall in half a dozen Midwest states has led to water rescues, power outages and road closures.
Politics
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Politics
Minnesota Secretary of State vows to fight Trump's efforts to ban mail-in voting
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simons says Minnesota will join the fight if President Trump follows through with his call to end mail-in voting by the 2026 Midterm Elections. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy examines whether Trump has the authority to do so, as well as other election issues, including who should have access to voter information.
Will Tim Walz run for a third term as Minnesota governor?
Gov. Tim Walz was among the first people to pass through the gates of the Minnesota State Fair on its opening day Thursday, where he spoke to WCCO's Heather Brown and A.J. Hilton about when he'll make a decision on running for a third term in 2026.
Walz to make third term run decision "in the next couple of weeks"
Gov. Tim Walz was among the first people to pass through the gates of the Minnesota State Fair on its opening day Thursday, where he spoke to WCCO's Heather Brown and A.J. Hilton about when he'll make a decision on running for a third term in 2026.
Klobuchar warns of AI's dangers after "deepfake" video surfaces
Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota's senior U.S. senator, says someone used AI to simulate her voice, making a "vulgar and absurd" critique of the controversial American Eagle jeans ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney.
Klobuchar speaks out over Sydney Sweeney deep fake, and more headlines
Minnesota U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar says someone used AI to simulate her voice making a "vulgar and absurd" critique of an ad for jeans featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, plus more of the dayโs top stories.
Consumer News
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live updates
2025 Minnesota State Fair's new food items ranked, from best to ... meh
With almost three dozen new foods to try at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair, it can be difficult to plan the menu for your visit. WCCO is here to help.
Minnesota State Fairgoers may get sticker shock this year
Visitors to this year's Minnesota State Fair might get sticker shock when buying some of their favorite foods.
Need help with school supplies? Here are some free back-to-school events.
Local organizations are stepping up to help families in need have a successful school year, from end-of-summer celebrations to free haircuts and full backpacks of essentials.
Minnesotan opens her dream bakery after corporate world exit
One Minnesota woman left the corporate world to run her own bakery in Saint Paul's Lowertown.
Is the Twin Cities restaurant scene in crisis?
Some recent, big-name restaurant closures in Minneapolis have fueled concerns about the health of the Twin Cities dining scene.
Crime News
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Rochester man sentenced for role in fatal road rage shooting
An Olmsted County judge handed down a 75-month prison sentence, which will be stayed for five years, to Jose Gutierrez Ojeda on Tuesday.
Suspect in east metro robbery spree arrested, sheriff says
The last suspect at large following a Twin Cities armed robbery spree that led to a countywide crime alert on Sunday is now in custody, according to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office.
Capitol security committee holds 1st meeting since lawmaker shootings
A special Capitol security panel convened Wednesday for the first time since the deadly attacks on Minnesota lawmakers and their families sent shock waves around the state.
Victim of Brooklyn Park stabbing critically injured, police say
A male of unknown age was critically injured in a stabbing in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, early Wednesday, police said.
Video shows ICE agents pulling man from car in Mpls. and arresting him
Immigration agents pulled an undocumented man from the passenger seat of a car in Minneapolis on Friday. They say they arrested him because he showed "a reckless disregard for the safety of others."
Health News
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Wisconsin officials report potential measles exposure at 2 travel stops
Officials say a traveler from out of state who visited two Wisconsin gas stations may have exposed others to measles.
North Memorial Health celebrates 40 years of AirCare program
Today, the program has nine helicopters, 45 pilots and it airlifts about 2,600 patients a year.
Waseca closes beaches, lakes due to emergency wastewater discharge
The southern Minnesota city of Waseca has closed several beaches, boat ramps and bodies of water due to possible water contamination.
Bloomington Police Department program focuses on officers' mental health
One in every seven police officers worldwide suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder or depression, and one in every 10 struggles with other mental illnesses. Officers in Bloomington, Minnesota, are making sure to check in and take care of their fellow officers.
Trusty K-9 companion suiting up to keep U pharmacy student safe
A dog named Nova is suiting up for a very special purpose: keeping a close eye on her human, University of Minnesota medical student Wesley Flint.
Entertainment News
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Klobuchar warns of AI's dangers after "deepfake" video surfaces
Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota's senior U.S. senator, says someone used AI to simulate her voice, making a "vulgar and absurd" critique of the controversial American Eagle jeans ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney.
Thousands of Taylor Swift tickets illegally resold by broker, FTC alleges
A Maryland ticket broker is accused of illegally purchasing and reselling hundreds of thousands of tickets for profit, including thousands to Taylor Swift's highly-sought Eras Tour.
Terence Stamp, star in "Superman" films, dies at 87
The Oscar-nominated actor famously played arch-villain General Zod in "Superman" and "Superman II."
Trump visits Kennedy Center and announces honorees. See the full list.
President Trump announced this year's "truly exceptional class" of Kennedy Center Honorees and said he will host the annual ceremony himself.
Dana White says UFC hosting first-ever White House fight on July 4
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed plans for a July 4, 2026 fight at the White House to mark America's 250th birthday.