DNR State Fair exhibit fact sheet : Aug 15, 2024 | News release

The historic DNR building at the State Fair is 90 years old this year. It opened Sept. 1, 1934.
Crews from the Civilian Conservation Corps – a government work relief program designed to employ young men on environmental projects during the Great Depression – put up the building in less than six months using machined logs.

The outdoor fish pond exhibit is one of the State Fair’s most popular attractions.
There are about three dozen species of fish native to Minnesota in the outdoor pond.
The pond holds about 50,000 gallons of water (an Olympic-sized swimming pool holds about 660,000 gallons of water).
Fish Pond Talks take place at a quarter to the hour daily, from 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. These talks last about 15 minutes.

The Minnesota DNR renovated its indoor fish exhibit in 2013, installing five large aquariums inside the main DNR building.
Each tank shows fish and other animals such as turtles and snakes in their native Minnesota habitat. This includes trout from southeastern Minnesota, St. Croix River fish, and species from central, southern and northern Minnesota lakes.
As part of the 2013 renovation, the aquariums were lowered, making it easier for all guests to see the fish, turtles and other species.

The fire tower was specifically built for the State Fair to communicate about wildfire prevention to visitors.
The tower originally opened in 1966 but closed in 1978 because of safety concerns. It was repaired and reopened in 2006.
The tower is 65 feet tall and there are 84 steps from the bottom to the top.
There is no charge to climb the fire tower stairs and get a birds-eye view of the State Fair.
Visit the State Fair fire tower to participate in Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday Fire Tower Club. It’s one of six participating towers in the summer program. Find the special code word by the tower to get a stamp in the club booklet and receive a Smokey 80th birthday item (while supplies last).
The fire tower has been listed on the National Historic Lookout Register since 2015.

Visitors can walk into a “forest” of interactive, informational trees that share facts about forest stewardship, urban trees, forest products, fire and forests, and Minnesota’s ecosystems, and step inside a giant hiking boot surrounded by huge leaves for a unique photo.
Visitors can also play with a lumber puzzle to learn how many forest products come from a log and explore the tools foresters use in the woods every day.

Visitors can view rocks and fossils from throughout the state, including a 50-pound agate, and learn about Minnesota’s geologic history!
The exhibit highlights the Minnesota DNR’s work with public lands, including videos on how the Minnesota DNR manages Minnesota’s lands for conservation, recreation, and sustainable economic development.

Kids can climb giant boulders deposited in Minnesota by glaciers and play in the gravel. There is also a gravel play table accessible to people with physical disabilities.
On Aug. 28 at noon and 2 p.m., kids can participate in an agate hunt to see if they can find hidden pieces of Minnesota’s state rock, the Lake Superior agate.

Visitors can watch pollinators visit the flowers in the gardens and read, listen to and touch a sign explaining pollinators and their importance.
The garden features giant monarch wings for a unique photo opportunity.

Smokey Bear is celebrating 80 years of reminding children and their families about the dangers of wildfire and how to prevent wildfires.
Smokey Bear makes daily appearances at the Minnesota DNR building and surrounding grounds at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. throughout the fair.

Visitors can learn about Minnesota wildlife species and their habitat on a walk through the display.
Special sound and lighting effects help create an experience of moving from day to night and through the four seasons to see the different wildlife living in Minnesota.
Master naturalist volunteers will be available to answer wildlife questions.

Visitors can learn about invasive species present in Minnesota by seeing examples of invasive animals and plants and the impacts they can have.
People can explore interactive displays to learn about the actions they can take to prevent the spread of invasive species.
DNR staff and volunteers will be present to answer questions about invasive species.

Visitors to the center can ask questions about Minnesota’s state parks and trails, grab a Bison Buddy hat or a butterfly tattoo, and get information about Minnesota’s outdoor activity opportunities.
Naturalist activities with a park naturalist will be available in the center daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Nature Store at the Fair is back in the Minnesota State Parks and Trails Center. Visitors may purchase Minnesota state parks and trails merchandise, such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, kids’ items, etc. The Nature Store will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors are reminded to bring a reusable bag for purchases.

News release: DNR State Fair exhibit fact sheet