The Midwest’s Happiest Place Might Be the County Fair

The Midwest's Most Underrated Summer Tradition Might Be the County Fair

Fair season is coming! While the giant state fairs get most of the attention, there's something special about the smaller hometown fairs that pop up all across the region. The Sioux Empire Fair is the big dog in the Sioux Falls area, but don't miss all the smaller county fairs that are just as fun.

More Than Just Corn Dogs and Carnival Rides

Sure, the food is a big draw. Fresh-cut fries, lemonade, mini donuts, cheese curds, and just about anything served deep fried or on a stick are enough to make anyone hungry. But county fairs are about more than eating your weight in fried food. They're where neighbors catch up, musicians perform, kids compete in livestock shows, and communities come together for a few days of old-fashioned fun.

There's Something for Everyone

Whether you're into demolition derbies, tractor pulls, live music, rodeos, craft vendors, or carnival rides, chances are you'll find it at a county fair somewhere nearby.

And let's be honest, people-watching might be the most entertaining event of all. Every fair has someone carrying a giant stuffed animal they definitely didn't need, someone wearing cowboy boots with shorts, and at least one person determined to try every food stand before heading home.

A Great Excuse for a Day Trip

One of the best parts about living in the Upper Midwest is that you don't have to travel far to find a fair. Communities across South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa host fairs throughout the summer, making them an easy weekend road trip. Even if you've been to the same fair for years, there's always something new to see, whether it's a new food vendor, a live performance, or an exhibit you somehow missed before.

Keeping a Summer Tradition Alive

County fairs have been bringing communities together for generations, and they're showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you're there for the rides, the ribbon-winning pies, the grandstand entertainment, or simply an excuse to spend a summer evening outdoors, county fairs remain one of the Midwest's most beloved traditions.

If you're looking for a reason to get out of the house this summer, check the calendar. Soon county fairs be popping up somewhere nearby, and it's well worth the trip.