Minnesota DNR State Fair Building Opens Thursday With Fish Pond, Fire Tower And New Kids Bingo

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says its State Fair building is ready for the gates to open Thursday.

DNR Media Specialist Maggie Snyder told KNSI the agency’s outdoor fish pond is back on the grounds again this year. “The fish pond is one of our favorites for visitors every year. And for good reason, we have dozens of native fish and it’s just a relaxing place to be able to watch them and get away from a little of the bustle of the fair.”

Three dozen species swim in the pond. The fish arrive a few days before the fair so they can settle in, and it is the same group the agency brings out year after year. DNR staff give talks at the pond six times a day, at 9:45, 10:45 and 11:45 a.m., then 12:45, 1:45 and 2:45 p.m.

Also returning are the lands and minerals exhibits, which include the drill core library and rock samples from around the state, and the wildfire prevention building, where visitors can see what firefighters wear and carry into a fire. Smokey Bear will be on the grounds again, along with the 65-foot fire tower. Fair organizers also list a raptor demonstration at the DNR park.

Inside, the DNR has displays on stopping the spread of invasive species, including an interactive game where visitors clean off a boat, plus an exhibit on Minnesota birds and their songs. Experts staff the information booth every day, and fairgoers can buy licenses at the license center desk. The Minnesota State Parks and Trails Center is in the building as well, along with partner booths.

Outside, on the southwest side near the fish pond, Minnesota Master Naturalists, University of Minnesota Extension volunteers in forestry and wildlife, and Pollinator Ambassadors run a trivia game daily. Everyone who plays gets a collectible card, and correct answers earn a polished Lake Superior agate.

The grounds also have several photo stops, including a set of giant butterfly wings, an oversized hiking boot and a nature backdrop.

The DNR adds something to the lineup each year. “We’ll have a children’s outdoor bill of rights bingo. So families, especially families with kids should bring their kids out. There’ll be a Woodsy Owl, and they can play bingo and learn about the governor’s children’s cabinet initiative to get children outside.”

Bingo runs August 27th at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights comes from Governor Tim Walz and the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet. The band UFaudiO joins the outdoor stage lineup on August 31st with sets at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., along with returning acts.

The DNR’s log building opened in 1934 and sits at Carnes Avenue and Nelson Street. It is open 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. The Great Minnesota Get-Together runs August 27th through September 7th. For more on the DNR at the fair, click here.

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