I’ll say it—the Iowa State Fair is a certain kind of magic. And I fully believe that it can feel that way for everyone! That’s why I put together this little guide featuring some of my favorite off-the-beaten path spots, the food I actually eat all week, and my can’t-miss spots for all ages.
My family and I have lived and breathed the Iowa State Fair since before I was born—but, in a different way than most. With my dad (and now brother) being food vendors–concessionaires!–I’ve spent hours upon hours on the fairgrounds eating and exploring all the things. See little versions of me with my family at the fair below. 🙂
I’ll say this up front, I’m not a big fan of rides. So know in advance that my recommendations won’t include the carnival parts of the fair that I hear are super great now (particularly Thrill Ville for littles)!
Here’s a link to an Iowa State Fair map to help you out!
Don’t Miss EATS
Beattie’s Watermelon Stand
You cannot beat a cup full of the Beattie family’s cold watermelon. Weirdly, only at the fair do I ever salt my melon, but I recommend you try it out! I think it heightens the flavor even more. They also serve grapes, mixed fruit cups, and great sandwiches. Plus, they have a whole covered seating area to relax and eat. Find them right beside the giant slide!
Applishus
They’ve got award-winning apple egg rolls, but my favorite treat of theirs will always be the apple sticks and apple slushes. So tasty and so refreshing! They have multiple locations, but the one I’m most familiar with is on the Triangle (where Grand Ave and Rock Island Ave meet).
Brad & Harry’s
The cheese curds served up at the state fair are unlike any others. They’re phenomenal. I like them plain the most and HIGHLY recommend them. Literally drooling typing this, so don’t walk…run! They have multiple locations to stumble upon, but one is on the Triangle and one is on the east side of the Varied Industries Building.
Barksdale’s
If you don’t have a glass of cold milk and a cup (or bucket) of warm chocolate chip cookies at the fair, you’re missing out! And yeah, the bucket is huge but the cookies are still so good days later. Snag some in the Varied Industries Building or on the right side of the road when you head toward the barns on Rock Island Ave.
Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters
The hot beef sundae is nothing new, but it’s realllll good (and I’m not a meat person). It’s an adorable little “sundae” made up of mashed potatoes, beef gravy, shredded cheese sprinkles, and a cherry tomato on top. You’ll love it!
Pickle Dawgs
One of my favorite fair foods is the “pickle dawg.” If you’ve ever had a pickle rollup–pickles wrapped in ham or pastrami spread with cream cheese–you need to try this fair version. It’s a full pickle spear and is particularly good with the spicy cream cheese! I eat them cold, but have friends that love the deep fried version. Find this on the Triangle, too! Right across from the Ye Old Mill.
Crescentis
The entire stand is named after its main, amazing product. How I went my entire life without knowing about this pocket of warm bread full of happiness in the form of fancy meat is beyond me. I discovered it last year and plan to get to know the workers well this year with daily visits. 😂 You can find this very unassuming looking stand (blue awning) on the main drag, Rock Island Ave, that takes you to the barns. It’s not far past the Triangle!
Our Food
We make killer elephant ears (fried pastry dough painted with butter and doused in cinnamon-sugar) that you can find kind of between the Bill Riley Stage and the Varied Industries Building in the Ruan Plaza. These are perfect for sharing with a group! And so, so good. If you like onion, I highly recommend my brother’s blooming onions. If you like spice, get the Jimmy’s Original sauce. You can find these on the right side of the street when you head toward the barns on Rock Island Ave. He’s right past the Triangle and right in front of the Bill Riley Stage.
Don’t Miss DRINKS
Iowa Wine Experience
If the fair overwhelms you and you’re a wine and craft beer person, I know the perfect spot for you. Head up to the tiptop of the fairgrounds, in the Grandfather’s Barn area near the Wind Turbine, and find the big white wine tent. Enjoy Iowa wine and craft beer as you overlook the downtown Des Moines skyline and see just how big the fairgrounds is from this neat perspective. I suggest this spot around sunset when it’s just so pretty. Don’t worry—they have wood oven pizza up there! This area is right up the hill from the Cultural Center.
Diamond Jack’s
This is a loud and fun spot, but my pro tip is to grab your beverages and head upstairs and out to the wraparound balcony on the second floor. It’s quieter, usually not too busy, and is a fun spot to get away from the crowds and have a moment to yourself. Enjoy the people watching here, too! Find this building right next to the Giant Slide and off of Rock Island Ave.
Quiet Spot at Diamond Jack’s. 
Iowa Craft Beer Tent
You’ll find this tucked between Diamond Jack’s and Barksdale’s Cookies in a Cup on Rock Island Ave. If you like craft beer, you’ll probably make some friends hanging out here.
Real Lemonade
I’m the fussiest person ever when it comes to lemonade since I’ve grown up drinking the real deal from all the events my dad worked. He doesn’t have it at the State Fair, but my brother sells lemonade in the Midway! Find his corndog and lemonade stand in Thrill Ville. If you aren’t heading his way, look for the lemonade stands with simple lemons on the side (see picture below). They come from Texas to make your yummy, homemade lemonade! Find them in front of the Grandstand and near the Bill Riley Stage.
For the Whole Family
Avenue of Breeds
Located in the Swine Barn, the Avenue of Breeds is a can’t miss. It’s a great way to see a ton of different breeds of animals in a short little jaunt through. You’ll see sheep, rabbits, horses, emu, etc. and can catch the Super Bull and Big Boar while you’re in the area.
Fun Forest
I haven’t taken kids to the fair in any recent years, but I remember loving the Fun Forest as a kid, myself. You can let your kids run around the special kid paths, climb on the wooden train engine, and do fun activities in this area that sits in between the Agriculture Building and the MidAmerican Energy Stage.
Animal Learning Center
This building is such a treat and always impresses me. Head here to see animals being born during the fair and fresh baby farm animals. There is no shortage of cuteness in this building and you may even learn something. Bonus—it’s air-conditioned! Find this huge building behind the Bud Tent and not far from the Gate 15 entrance.
Sky Gliders
You can’t beat this slow birds eye view of the fair. If you’re sensitive to heights, I’d recommend the Sky Glider West as it seems lower to the ground. On the other hand, the Sky Glider East heads down Grand Ave and provides a beautiful view of the fairgrounds when you ride it down the hill toward downtown.
Little Hands on the Farm
Let your little kiddos get a taste of what it takes to farm! They’ll (pretend to) plant their crops, harvest them, take them to market to sell, etc. This way of educating our littlest Iowans about farms is adorable and such a fun experience! Find it near the Gate 15 entrance behind the Animal Learning Center.
Anne and Bill Riley Stage
I’m not ever aware of the schedule for this stage, but I do know that I really enjoy so much of what happens on this stage. For years, I watched my cousin participate in the Bill Riley Talent Show on this stage and loved seeing all the acts. BUT, I also love the hypnotist/magician that does shows almost every night at 7 and 9 p.m. here. Find this stage behind the Administrative Building and near the Giant Slide.
Giant Slide
You just have to climb all the stairs and ride down the giant slide on an old potato sack. It wouldn’t be the fair if you didn’t throw your arms up, let your stomach drop at every dip, and scream all the way down. Embrace the kid in you!
Happy Places with A/C
Cultural Center
One of my favorite parts of the fair is taking my time enjoying all of the beautiful photography and art in this building. The work is submitted by Iowans, so it’s really special in every way. I like to go when I know I won’t be rushed through it. 🤗 Find it to the right of the Wind Turbine, right across from the MidAmerican Energy Stage.
Old Fashioned Soda Fountain
This is a shameless plug for one of my family’s spots, but come grab a phosphate, a banana split, or an ice cream soda in our air-conditioned soda fountain. It’s a great place to sit and enjoy some ice cream amongst some really cool Coca-Cola antiques. You can find us in our own building on Grand Ave. The Susan Knapp Amphitheater is right behind us.
Agriculture Building
You’ll find the butter cow, here! But you’ll also see lots of Iowa grown contest-winning produce, plants, and floral arrangements. If you like to shop at the fair, head upstairs. Outside of this building, you’ll see the massive pumpkins that took home ribbons, which is always fun.
Know that there’s so much more to the fair than what’s included in this post. There’s so much to do that everyone can have their own version of the fair to love! If you’re local, I hope you make it to the fair this year and please say hi if you see me working in the Soda Fountain, or a root beer or walking taco stand! ☺️
Thank you!!! This is awesome. We are on our way to the fair now and I will be trying some of your food suggestions!!! Maybe all of them!!! 😉