2023 Minnesota State Fair - Impact on University Traffic and Parking

The Minnesota State Fair is August 24-September 4. Traffic will increase and parking may be tight. Consider alternate commuting options.

Our goal is to allow faculty, students, staff and visitors open access to campus while still providing a safe environment for the University community. If you have questions or concerns, contacts are listed below: 

St. Paul Campus

State Fair Gates

For access and general information about the Fair, visit the Minnesota State Fair website.

Road Closure & Traffic

  • Cleveland Ave between Buford Ave and Como Ave will be open for the State Fair. It will be open by August 24th.
  • Cleveland between Buford Ave and Larpenteur Ave will remain closed. 
  • Fair Traffic typically generates delay on local highways and major roads approaching campus, plan extra time for your commute to campus.

Biking Information

  • Bikes are not allowed on the transitway between Como and Commonwealth Avenue during the State Fair. Exit the transitway at Energy Park Drive and use Raymond/Cleveland Avenues to access the St. Paul campus.

Parking - St. Paul Campus

Contract Holders:
  • If you have a contract in Gortner Ave Ramp, lot 101 or other St. Paul lots, use your contract as normal. 
  • Contract holders from other facilities will NOT have reciprocal parking in St. Paul during the fair.
Non-Contract Holders:
  • Lot 101 (Commonwealth and Cleveland Avenues)
    • In effect all days of the fair:
      • Contract space will remain available at all times
      • $6.00 with a U Card - Credit Card only
      • $15.00 event rate - Credit Card only
  • Lot 104 (Buford & Randall Avenues), Gortner Avenue Ramp (Gortner and Fitch Avenues)
    • In effect all days of the fair:
    • Contract space will remain available at all times
    • $15.00 event rate - Credit Card only
  • Lot 153 (Commonwealth Avenue)
    • After 4:30 pm weekdays, August 25 - September 2 and all day on weekends and Labor Day
    • Contract space will remain available at all times
    • $15.00 event rate - Credit Card only

Minneapolis Campus

Lot 37, Maroon, Minnesota, and Victory are designated as State Fair park-n-rides and are not available for public parking. For additional information on fair parking, review the Park & Ride Information below.

State Fair Shuttles (see map)


Shuttles are available from the East Bank to the State Fair. The buses run from 8 a.m. to midnight.

Campus Buses 
The Campus Connector will be on detour starting August 10.

Two stops will be relocated:

  • Transitway and Commonwealth - use Carter/Gortner (Stop 96 on Rte 124)
  • Como and Cleveland - use Metro Transit stops

Review the Transit Service Calendar for campus transit operating hours.