Minnesota State Fair: An Illustrated History

“You won’t be able to stop turning the pages.”—Lynne Rossetto Kasper, host of Public Radio’s The Splendid Table

State fairs are cornerstones of the American tradition, and few are as beloved as the Minnesota State Fair. Since 1854, Minnesota has reveled in promoting the rich bounty of its land and the magnificent talents of its citizens. From the legendary horse Dan Patch, whose record-breaking races kept the country on the edge of its seat, to Teddy Roosevelt’s famous grandstand speech suggesting that America should “speak softly and carry a big stick,” and from the invention of mini donuts to the discovery of batter-fried cheese curds, the Minnesota State Fair has captured the imagination—and the taste buds—of the entire nation.

As you travel through time imagining stolen kisses along the dark and romantic canals of Ye Old Mill and the thrills and chills of the Midway, as you explore the innovations found atop Machinery Hill and dig into a hearty breakfast at the Epiphany Diner, you will also uncover the history of this wonderful state. Filled with dozens of concessionaire and blue-ribbon recipes, fascinating facts, and over 1,200 photographs from the Great Minnesota Get-Together, this treasury of Minnesota’s happiest memories will keep you looking forward to the fair all year long.

Mother-and-daughter team Kathryn Strand Koutsky and Linda Koutsky are the authors of the best-selling, illustrated histories Minnesota Eats Out and Minnesota Vacation Days. Lifelong fairgoers, they worked in collaboration with the Minnesota State Fair to bring us this irresistible, first-of-its-kind compendium.