Minnesota State Fair in the Crosshairs: Is Iowa Planning a Mega-Fair for 2025?

The Minnesota State Fair is known as one of the best state fairs in the country, and often ranks as the second largest attended behind the Texas State Fair, but one Midwest state might soon make a run for the top.

During the 2024 Minnesota State Fair, 1,925,904 people attended, not a record-breaking year, but more than 2022, and 2023, but one neighboring state just broke their attendance record, and it looks like they will soon host a mega fair to celebrate a birthday.

READ MORE: Do Dryer Sheets Work To Prevent Mice In Your Cabin In Minnesota?

Iowa’s Ambitious Plans: Could It Top Minnesota’s State Fair?

The Iowa State Fair is often ranked in the top 10 of most attended fairs, and last year they broke a new attendance record, with 1,182,682 people over the 11-day event. But if President-elect Donald Trump follows through with his latest plan, the Iowa State Fair could get a big boost.

What We Know About Iowa’s Great American State Fair So Far

Trump announced plans to host a yearlong celebration for America's 250th Birthday, which includes what he called the "Great American State Fair." This fair will happen from Memorial Day 2025 until July 4th, 2026.

The plan is to have a giant, yearlong exhibition with pavilions from each of the 50 states. Trump says, "It'll be something. It will showcase the glory of every state."

Will Iowa’s Mega-Fair Rival Minnesota’s State Fair Legacy?

Trump says he will set up a commission on day one to start working on this 250th Birthday celebration. The Des Moines Register reports that there is support from the Governor and other state officials for the event, but the CEO of the Iowa State Fair told them, "no formal request or inquiry has been made for use of the Iowa State Fairgrounds at this time."

The Battle for Fair Supremacy in the Midwest

With Iowa making moves to host a massive, nationally recognized event, many Minnesotans are left wondering if their beloved State Fair could see some competition. Could the Minnesota State Fair’s status as a top Midwest attraction be challenged?