Owatonna is home to Minnesota’s Largest FREE County Fair! The Steele County Free Fair, held the third week in August, has over 100 food vendors and activities for all ages. We put together a guide to what you might see at this years fair!

Check-in to one of Owatonna ten lodging properties. Unpack and apply sunscreen for a fun-filled day at the fair! Take in the sights and sounds of the animals on exhibit on Leisure Lane of the SCFF. Catch the Thorough Pig Races and a camel ride on your way down to Market Street for dinner!

Boy do those cheese curds, mini donuts, corn dogs, and gyros smell good! Sample food from around the world on Market Street of the SCFF. With over 100 food and drink stands you’re bound to find something to satisfy just about any appetite. Check out the KRFO, United Prairie Bank or Elmer Reseland Stage for music and entertainment as you enjoy your lunch! Don’t forget all the entertainment on the grounds is FREE!

Let your stomach settle before checking out over 30 carnival rides on the Midway. Be sure to check out the daily ride specials! Head into the Four Seasons Centre to see what’s on display and for sale from the over 300 vendors from 25 states and Canada – a wide range of goods, from crystals to quilts, art to furniture, potato peelers to RV’s!

Let loose during the evening and enjoy live music in the Beer Gardens until late in the evening!

Don’t forget to enjoy other unique spots in Owatonna during your visit! Experience the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum and Louis Sullivan’s Jewel Box of the Prarie Bank.

Back at the Fairgrounds see the Exotic Petting Zoo, Lumberjack Show, Auto Museum, Old Iron Show, Magic Shows, Livestock Hall of Fame, Draft Horse Show, and much more!

Enjoy lunch at the Aurora Lutheran Church Food Stand- a sit-down home cooked meal and homemade pies like the church ladies used to make! Make sure to get here early during the meal hours; this is a popular spot to eat for all fair goers.

Experience life in Owatonna at the turn of the 20th Century at the Village of Yesteryear! See the pioneer village and reenactments of times past!

Please visit the Steele County Free Fair website for up to date details.