Minnesota State Fair Hotels: Where to Stay for Groups

The Great Minnesota Get-Together draws nearly 2 million visitors over 12 days in late August and early September. It is the largest state fair in the US by daily attendance, and if your group is coming from out of town, you need hotel rooms. Here is how to find the best group rates near the fairgrounds.

Where Are the Fairgrounds?

The Minnesota State Fairgrounds sit on the border of Saint Paul and Falcon Heights, about 7 miles northeast of downtown Saint Paul and 10 miles from downtown Minneapolis. The closest neighborhoods are Como Park and the University of Minnesota campus area.

Hotels Closest to the Fairgrounds

Hotels in Roseville / Como Area (5-10 minutes)

The Residence Inn Saint Paul Roseville and Courtyard by Marriott Roseville are both under 10 minutes from the fair gates. Group rates from $139 to $159 per night during fair weeks. These fill up fast - book by June for late August dates.

Hotels Near University of Minnesota (10 minutes)

The Graduate Minneapolis and Days Inn University are close to the Green Line light rail, which runs directly to the fairgrounds. Group rates from $99 to $139. The light rail eliminates parking hassles entirely.

Downtown Saint Paul Hotels (15 minutes + shuttle/rail)

Downtown Saint Paul has more hotel inventory and slightly lower rates than the immediate fairground area. The InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront offers group rates from $149. The DoubleTree by Hilton Saint Paul Downtown starts at $129 for groups.

The Green Line light rail connects downtown Saint Paul to the fairgrounds in about 20 minutes. Fair-goers can also use the free State Fair shuttle buses that run from designated park-and-ride lots.

Downtown Minneapolis Hotels (20-25 minutes via light rail)

If Saint Paul hotels are full, Minneapolis is a strong backup. The Blue and Green line light rail connects downtown Minneapolis to the fairgrounds in 25 to 30 minutes. Hotels here have more availability and group rates from $129 to $179 per night.

This is actually the smartest play for large groups: better hotel selection, more room inventory, and easy light rail access to the fair. No driving, no parking.

Mall of America Area (30 minutes)

For family groups that want to combine the State Fair with Mall of America, Bloomington hotels offer group rates from $99 to $149. The Blue Line light rail goes from Mall of America to downtown Minneapolis, then transfer to the Green Line for the fairgrounds. Total ride: about 45 minutes.

State Fair Group Tips

Transportation

Do not drive to the fair. Parking is limited and expensive ($20+). The light rail is $2.50 per ride and drops you at the gate. For large groups, this saves hundreds in parking fees.

Best Days for Groups

Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. Tuesday through Thursday offer the shortest lines, easier navigation, and often lower hotel rates. The first Monday and last Monday of the fair tend to be the least crowded days.

Book Early

Hotels within 10 miles of the fairgrounds start filling up in June for the late August fair dates. The closer you are to the fairgrounds, the earlier you need to book.

How to Book Group Hotels for the State Fair

The easiest approach: submit your group booking request on BidMyRoom. Hotels near the fairgrounds and along the light rail line compete for your block. Compare rates, chat with hotels, and lock in your rooms before they sell out.

Average group rates during State Fair: $99 to $179 per night depending on location and proximity to fairgrounds.

Planning a group trip to the Minnesota State Fair? Get competing hotel bids on BidMyRoom - free, no obligation.