Iowa State Fairgrounds

One of the most beautiful capitols in the nation. Free tours include a 275 ft trip up in the dome and a breathtaking Law Library . Make sure to talk a walk around the gardens and monuments on the hill .

The quilts are beautiful to look at and you get to have so much fun seeing the Christian concert on the first day of the fair and participate in contests.

Deep fried (insert any food) on a stick. In my case, a Twinkie. And boobies EVERYWHERE. It's definitely the highlight of summer in Iowa!

Pork chop on a stick and the peppermint bar at Bauder 's are my two very favorite Iowa State Fair treats. The extra extra large beer at the craft beer tent are really extra extra large.

Barksdales chocolate chip cookies , the ones in the buckets; are expensive but the best cookies ever. Also try nitro ice cream under the grandstand!

I hardly ever miss this fair (even after I moved to Texas). Must Do's: Skyglider, smoothies , butter cow , chainsaw guy, Belgian horses, bill Reilly stage!

Greatest fair in the country !! Live music , rides, shows, animals, food, food, food and lastly some great shopping.

Fried Twinkie is so good! My friends raved about their fried snickers too! None of the food will disappoint... Oh yeah and plenty of other stuff to do!

Fabulous fair . Take the gondola ride

Use the hashtag #fairfoodmashup on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook with your fair food pics and be entered to win giftcards to @kumandgo and @raygun!

Beattie's Melon Patch has the best tenderloin sandwiches and fresh watermelon . Right next to the giant yellow slide.

Check out our entertainment guide for food, fair trivia and music picks for the 2012 Iowa State Fair ! Read more

Crescent is is the best. Good food. Try one with cream cheese . Soda refills $1.50. Just south of the Triangle.

The first Iowa State Fair was held 160 years ago. Check out this C-SPAN video for more info on the Fair 's history. Read more

Don't leave without getting an Aunt Mary's Grinder across from the pavilion. Yumm!!!!

Check out the Iowa Craft Beer Tent at the Iowa State Fair where you can try all kinds of beer crafted in Iowa. Read more

Always a blast get the refillable drink container you’ll save a ton!

Loved the free boiled egg on a stick in the Age building. Also got some free cool sunglasses for Joy and Jordan.

Fried butter sounds fun until your stuck with a huge plate of it. You adventurous people will get it just to say you got it and I'm telling you now: NOT WORTH IT.

A large variety of activities for those of all ages. Shows and events are fun to watch.

Stop by the IA Turkey Federation Turkey Grill for your turkey leg !

Avoid "East Side Night" (first Friday of the fair .) No offense to you east siders but get your life together!

Use a polarizing filter or shoot at an angel when taking pictures of the butter cow to avoid reflections on the glass. Read more

You have to try the turkey legs at Hardenbrooks only ones that cook them on grills in front of you by far best ones on the fairgrounds just follow the smoke

Fried Oreo are worth the try.

Close your eyes, plug your nose, and run as fast as you can to the Iowa craft beer tent .

Crescent is is the best. Good food. $1.50 soda refill. Just south of the triangle.

Don't bother paying the money for feed at the petting zoo . The animals have feed in the cages next to them that you can use for free.

Go to Toad's Tavern and have a drink and they will let you park for free!!!

Depending on the time you get to the fair you might be able to park right away up close. Got to the fair around 330 today and parking was a breeze!

Come see us at the cell Advantage tent by the petting zoo ! Great deals!

Lemonade in fr Grandstand pretty darn good! Water fountain NE side of Varied Ind. bldg. Strawberry Shake at Bauders - so good!

Try the pineapple whip!! Also, $2 fair squares are great, and big enough to share. Porkchop on a stick is mandatory :)

I don't know if you know this but if you are here, you are at the greatest place on earth (after DisneyWorld.)

Look for my tips all around the fairgrounds, and keep an eye out for me at this year's Biggest Boar competition! #FollowFred

Just got done with my state Fair job orientation. I'm a gate ticket taker and get to use a nifty scanner that looks like a cell phone on steroids.

Easy layout. Tons of vendors and events

Try the fried butter on a stick...if you dare!

There's a gluten free guide on the Iowa State Fair website for those who need it!

Favorite foods: cheese curds , deep-fried dill pickles , Greek gyro , corn dog , pork chop on a stick and BEER .

BEST. People watching . EVER.

The indoor show arena is really small (& spooky!) with sketchy warm up... Go to the upper covered ring if you need a serious warm up before an under saddle class !

Get a pork chop on-a-stick at one of two Iowa Chop Shop locations: E. 34th Street & Grand Ave and Rock I. & E. Walnut Street.

Come check out the #loyality lounge and have a deep fried Twinke.

Go to the Fountain Service soda shop east of the Bud Tent and Iowa Chop stand. Order a shake or a cherry soda .

Crazy and fun. Lots of things to do and check out. Great events

Get drunk and see farm animals without leaving the city .

Remember your keys & tickets before leaving your vechicle!

Rent an electric scooter and you'll actually fit in.

Try the steak sandwich at Steak and Shake Ups!! Best food at the Fair !!!