The Best State Fairs in America, Ranked

The smell of funnel cake, the sound of a roller coaster, and country music fill the air at a state fair. This sensory experience is a welcome break from constant digital stimulation.

Americans are flocking to state fairs in huge numbers. Iowa set a new record with over 1.2 million visitors in 2026. New York saw over 114,000 fairgoers in one afternoon, its biggest crowd since 2019.

State fairs offer a unique kind of American charm that modern entertainment can't quite match.

Fairs bring back memories of a first deep-fried Oreo or a thrilling drop tower ride. But they have also changed with the times. You can find unique items like deep-fried ranch dressing, llama costume contests, and live concerts. These are experiences you can't get online or through delivery apps.

But which state fair is the best? ACE.com looked at major state fairs across the country. They scored them based on ticket prices, visitor reviews, social media interest, and Google searches.

Midwest Fairs Lead the Way

Seven of the top 10 state fairs are in the Midwest. The Minnesota State Fair took first place. It might be famous for its Skyride or its popular cookie buckets.

The "Great Minnesota Get-Together" runs for 12 days before Labor Day. It earned the highest review score in the nation, with 4.7 out of five stars. It also tied for the most monthly Google searches. Fairgoers don't seem to mind the $20 ticket price, which is about 60% higher than the average for the top 10 fairs. Where else can you find over 60 different foods on a stick, a five-story yellow slide, and 90-pound butter sculptures of local dairy royalty?

Iowa came in second. Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Kansas also made a strong showing from the Midwest. Kansas offers affordable $7 tickets. Wisconsin is known for its world-famous cream puffs. These fairs show that the heartland is a hub for American agricultural traditions, summer fun, and, of course, deep-fried treats.

Here's how the top 10 state fairs ranked:

• Minnesota State Fair: 4.7 review rating, $20 ticket price
• Iowa State Fair: 4.6 review rating, $11 ticket price
• Florida State Fair: 4.4 review rating, $12 ticket price
• North Carolina State Fair: 4.4 review rating, $10 ticket price
• Washington State Fair: 4.3 review rating, $15 ticket price
• Wisconsin State Fair: 4.6 review rating, $17 ticket price
• Ohio State Fair: 4.4 review rating, $9 ticket price
• Illinois State Fair: 4.6 review rating, $10 ticket price
• Indiana State Fair: 4.4 review rating, $14 ticket price
• Kansas State Fair: 4.5 review rating, $7 ticket price

Social Media Helps State Fairs Thrive

State fairs began in the 1800s with agricultural roots. Today, their success often depends on social media. TikTok and Instagram haven't replaced the fun of the fair. Instead, they've helped bring fair culture back in a big way.

The renewed popularity of state fairs is partly due to people wanting to create content for social media. Modern fairgoers go to capture viral moments as much as they go for a giant turkey leg. The Minnesota State Fair alone generated over 345,000 social media posts. This was thanks to viral "cheese-pull" videos and taste-test reactions to Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar, a booth that bakes millions of cookies daily.

These trending treats add new excitement to old traditions. They turn centuries-old fairgrounds into must-visit places for hungry, online crowds.

While your phone might "eat" first, remember to save room for the real food when the state fair comes to town.