FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. - Experiencing the Minnesota State Fair is a matter of perspective. Some people love the endless eat-fest, non-stop people watching, music and exhibits, while others... not so much.
And while most fairgoers immerse themselves in the action at street level, there are opportunities to take a wider view, from way up high. Here are some of the spots you can catch a bird's-eye view of the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
The DNR Fire Tower
Located at the DNR compound, the Fire Tower takes fairgoers who aren't afraid of a little exercise up to an observation deck 65 feet in the air. That's 84 steps, which will elevate your heart rate slightly... but provide a nice perspective on the western end of the grounds.
The Space Tower
Located on the east side of the fairgrounds, the Space Tower is a fair staple that takes passenger 330 feet in the air and down again while slowly turning them for a true 360-degree vantage point.
Shirley Wagner of Black River Falls, Wis. and her grandkids couldn't believe you could see downtown Minneapolis, and the new U.S. Bank Stadium to boot. At $3 it's a bargain.
The Sky Ride
It's safe to say everyone who has been to the Minnesota State Fair has looked up from the ground and seen Sky Ride cars rolling down the cable that runs from the west side of the fairgrounds to the east.
The cars rock gently as you glide past favorites like the Mighty Midway, Giant Slide and such. It's a chance to catch your breath, and see the fair the way the birds do. It's $4.50 for one-way, $6.50 for a round-trip.
The Grandstand ramp and end-cap stair wells
If you're looking for an elevated view and don't want to shell out any cash, the Grandstand is a great platform. The long, sloped ramp is a great place to stop, lean on the cement rail and gaze at fairgoers walking below.
The end-cap stairs are also a good option, taking you up 43 steps on the west side of the Grandstand, and 45 steps on the east side (don't ask us about the discrepancy.
The State Fair Coliseum
If you're into ag and equestrian shows, and want the super wide-eye view, the State Fair Coliseum is where it's at. Walk up a short ramp, scale 48 steps and you'll be in the top row, able to see literally everything that's going on.
You'll likely be rows away from anyone else as well, providing an opportunity for quiet regrouping.
West end entrance gate, hill on Judson and Underwood
Both are great place, because of their sloping elevation, to get a great look at the tens of thousands of people who stream in for the Great Minnesota Get-Together. On a weekend day the sight can be jarring.
