Heavy snow and difficult travel expected again, heaviest snow in southern Minnesota

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Minnesota News

State Fair

NewsPartners

Homepage

Jaylan Sims

Author

For more than a century, the Grandstand has held decades of laughs, speeches and sparks of cultural change. But how did this towering piece of history become such a fixture of Minnesota summers? The answer lies in its long and often surprising history.

A picture of an arch that reads "State Fair"

Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair

Two black and white photos show performances at the fair.

A black and white photograph of vehicles at a race.

A black and white photo of an auto race at the Grandstand.

A black and white photo of the Grandstand with cars racing.

A black and white photo of cars racing with the Grandstand in the background.

Race cars driving on a dirt track near the Grandstand.

A black and white photo of the Grandstand full of people watch a motorcycle race

A black and white photo of construction in the works.

A view of the grandstand under construction.

From horse races to rock concerts: The unique history of the Minnesota State Fair’s Grandstand

Go Deeper.

Like this?