Iowa State Fairgrounds
The Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, is one of the country’s largest and most recognizable fairgrounds. Every year, over a million people visit the fairgrounds during the 11-day Iowa State Fair, which takes place in August. The fairgrounds, however, provide much more than just the state fair. Throughout the year, they organize a range of events ranging from concerts and festivals to flea markets and trade exhibits.
The Iowa State Fairgrounds has a long history dating back to 1854, when the inaugural Iowa State Fair was held in Fairfield, Iowa. Throughout the next few decades, the fair traveled around the state before settling in Des Moines in 1886. Since then, the fairgrounds have expanded to over 450 acres, making it one of the largest in the country.
The enormous 81-foot-tall butter cow sculpture is one of the most recognizable attractions of the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The sculpture, which is entirely made of butter, has been a fixture at the Iowa State Fair since the early 1900s. The butter cow is just one of the fairgrounds’ many unusual and eccentric attractions.
Aside from the butter cow, the Iowa State Fairgrounds include a variety of additional attractions and events. Visitors can ride the Sky Glider, a chairlift that provides a bird’s-eye view of the fairgrounds, or visit the numerous livestock exhibits, which include cows, pigs, horses, and llamas. There are also numerous carnival attractions and games, as well as a variety of food and beverage options, including as the famed corn dogs and fried butter on a stick.
But, the Iowa State Fairgrounds are more than just a venue for the state fair. Throughout the year, the fairgrounds host a number of other events such as concerts, festivals, and trade exhibits. The Iowa State Fairgrounds includes a variety of locations that may host events ranging from small meetings to large outdoor concerts.
The Iowa State Fairgrounds Flea Market, which takes place multiple times a year, is one of the most popular events at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Vendors come from all over the country to sell everything from vintage clothing and antique furniture to homemade crafts and specialty delicacies at the flea market. The flea market is a terrific place to find one-of-a-kind products and a pleasant way to spend the day touring the fairgrounds.
The Iowa State Fairgrounds Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival is another popular event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The festival is a bacon-themed celebration, with bacon-inspired meals, drinks, and even bacon-themed goods. Every year, thousands of people attend the festival, which is a must-attend event for any bacon fan.
Ultimately, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is a one-of-a-kind and renowned Des Moines, Iowa site. Whether you come to see the Iowa State Fair or one of the many other events held throughout the year, the fairgrounds have something for everyone. There’s always something fresh and fascinating to find at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, from the iconic butter cow to the Sky Glider to the flea market and bacon festival.