The internationally-acclaimed Iowa State Fair is the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial exposition in the country. Annually attracting more than one million people from all over the world; the fair is highlighted in the New York Times best-selling travel book, “1,000 Places to See Before You Die.” So, bring your walking shoes… because you’re on your way to a trip you’ll never forget!

Day 1
Start your adventure by strolling down the Grand Concourse. The street itself is a classic part of the Iowa State Fair. Grab some great food and be sure to keep your eyes open for strolling entertainment and special exhibits. Some of the highlights you must try include a pork chop-on-a-stick, a twinkie log (this frozen twinkie dipped in white chocolate and rolled in cashews, can be found in front of the Grandstand) or one of the newer favorites like a chocolate-covered tiramisu on-a-stick (these can be found on the southwest side of the Livestock Pavilion).

Just across from the Grandstand sits the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building where you can check out the newest products and designs from leading local and international companies in various industries. Explore everything from new pianos to the latest all-terrain vehicles, while still taking time to collect freebies from the vendors.

To the northeast, you must make two stops before heading up the hill. Your first stop is Jalapeño Pete’s. Here you can enjoy some live music, while cooling down with a strawberry margarita.

To the east is the famous, Ye Old Mill. This classic ride was originally built in 1921. It is an exciting boat ride where you float through the dark tunnels and discover the Iowa State Fair’s history through paintings.

Just past the ride, you’ll come across the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center. This ag-based educational facility allows young and old alike to learn about the animal birthing process. The Christensen Farms Stage, located inside, features informative presentations on animals and animal care.

Travel east and slightly south and you’ll find the Susan Knapp Amphitheater. Last year’s line-up on this free stage, included Jake Owen, Whitney Duncan, Hairball, Colt Ford and The Eli Young Band, just to name a few.

Located just up the hill, you’ll find Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall. It was built for the first State Fair held in Des Moines in 1886 and now showcases Iowa’s agricultural history. It is also the site for several unique contests including cow chip throwing, ladies’ husband calling and the beard growing contests.

From Pioneer Hall, continue south to Grandfather’s Barn. Take part in the Wine Experience where fairgoers will have the opportunity to stomp grapes, sample wine and learn about Iowa’s wine and grape industry.

Head west and venture inside the Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center where you’ll find the state’s largest art show. Enjoy some of the finest photography from Iowa’s most talented artists. The Cultural Center is also home to art demonstrations, intricate woodcarvings and detailed doll houses.

Before you hit Rock Island Avenue, take a right and enter the Discovery Garden. Through the garden, enter the majestic John Deere Agriculture Building, home to Iowa’s finest agricultural commodities, an apiary exhibit and the world-famous Butter Cow, an Iowa State Fair tradition since 1911.

Once you exit the west side of the building, visit the Triangle (located at the intersection of the Grand Concourse and Rock Island Avenue), home to delicious fair food classics including foot-long corndogs, elephant ears, funnel cakes and ice cold beer!

Continue south down Rock Island Avenue and head into the Cattle Barn, home to the Boulevard of Dairy Breeds, Hall of Champions and the reigning Super Bull, Iowa’s heaviest bull. You’ll find some of the best lemonade shake-ups on the grounds in this area.

Before you continue on, make a stop at Stockman’s Inn. Located at the southwest corner of the Cattle Barn, Stockman’s has a country flavor and features live country and rock music every evening. To add something extra to your day, Stockman’s can also assist you with putting together a scavenger hunt for your guests. For more information, contact Lyle Kreps at (515) 276-7574.

Next door to the south you’ll find the Swine Barn. Step inside and experience one of Iowa’s most important agricultural products. Here you can spot the reigning Big Boar. You can’t miss him; he’ll be the lazy oaf drawing a crowd of spectators. In the northwest corner of the building, you will find the Avenue of Breeds, where there are many different breeds of ducks, chickens, horses and cattle on display.

The Sheep Barn is across the street to the west. Inside you can see nearly 400 sheep stalls hosting around 1,000 bleating, well-groomed examples of the country’s finest sheep. Be sure to find the Big Ram winner.

Head north and stop into the brand-new and air conditioned, Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center. Catch one of the many horse shows held in this state-of-the-art facility. Each year, nearly 1,000 of the finest horses in the Midwest compete for over $78,000 in prizes.

Continue heading north and check to see what exciting act is performing on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, home of the ever-popular Bill Riley Iowa State Fair Talent Show.

Next, make your way west through the Machinery Grounds where you’ll find companies showing off their latest lines of farm and construction equipment, as well as the newest models of cars and trucks.

Head east toward the Elwell Family Food Center. Check out the many food displays, including the Ugliest Cake and Gingerbread House entries. The Fair’s Food Department, the largest of any state fair, boasts nearly 900 classes for exhibitors to enter their culinary creations.

As the sun is starting to set, it’s time for the evening to begin. Your first stop will be at the Bud Tent. Enjoy great food, cold beer and live music from the covered patio and beer garden.

Also on tonight’s agenda includes socializing at The Depot, a rock n’ roll sports bar, Master Jack’s Margarita Bar and Diamond Jack’s. If you cannot make all of the stops before your concert on the main stage, you can hit them up after the concert. The parties don’t end until Midnight!

Day 2
If you’re here on a Saturday, you must experience the Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market. The nationally acclaimed market features a variety of delectable, fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods and much more in the historic Court District. Make sure to try a breakfast burrito!

Next stop…Living History Farms. This 500-acre, open air museum tells the story of Midwestern agricultural and rural life. Interpreters in period costumes recreate daily routines of early Iowans.

Next, take a leisurely lunch cruise on the Jon Anderson White Riverboat. Cruise the Des Moines River and experience a one-of-a kind view of the city on board the Des Moines Authentic Sternwheel Paddlewheeler while having lunch. Call (515) 883-2628 for details.

After the ride, let your senses take you to Jasper Winery, an "estate style" winery facility that is sure to please your taste buds. Jasper Winery produces high quality wines using grape varieties that thrive in the Midwest. After a tour of the winery, visit the lively tasting room for samples of the hand-crafted wines. Contact Jean Groben at (515) 282-3595 for tour information.

Have dinner tonight at the Iowa Beef Steakhouse where you can cook your own steak over the open grill! You can also have staff members do the cooking for you if you choose. Many other great dining options are available; Contact the GDMCVB for further suggestions.

For tonight’s entertainment, head back over to the Iowa State Fair for a night on the town! Half priced admissions in the evenings make it an even sweeter deal!

For more information, contact:
Katie Stien
Sales Manager
Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau
(515) 699-3432
kstien@desmoinescvb.com