Groups & Tours

A proud tradition since 1854, the Iowa State Fair is included in the New York Times bestseller, “1000 Places to See Before You Die,” and was the inspiration for the novel “State Fair,” three motion pictures and a Broadway musical.

Experience nearly 200 mouth watering food choices, fabulous free entertainment and plenty of blue-ribbon competition. The Iowa State Fair is a 2009 and 2010 American Bus Association Top 100 event and 2009 Discover America Top 200 event.

Location and Directions

The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th Street & East University Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa, just off I-35 and I-80. Click here for driving directions.

Tour Dates

• 2012 August 9-19
• 2013 August 8-18
• 2014 August 7-17

2012 Adult Admission

• $7 Advance Admission (when purchased by August 8)
• $7 Older Iowans’ Day, August 15th (ages 60 and over)
• $10 Gate Admission

Sample Itineraries

Iowa Heritage (3 day)  Iowa's Heritage and History (2 day)  Ag-venture (3 day)  Ag-venture (2 day)

Children of All Ages (2 day)  Non-Stop Summer Fun (2 day)  

Special Group Offers

Discount advance admission tickets and packages save time and money on admission, rides, food and beverages when purchased before the Fair. Motorcoach group tickets will be available in June and can be purchased online or from Megan Grandgeorge through July 27, 2012. Click here for detailed ticket information.

The Book of Values, a complimentary Fair coupon book offering food and drink discounts is offered exclusively to tour groups. Each guest will also receive a map and customized daily schedule. Arrangements must be made by July 27, 2012. Packets with tickets, parking map, coupon books and daily schedules will be mailed the first week in August.

Free parking for buses and free gate admission for bus drivers in uniform (no ticket needed).

Complimentary ticket for tour planner, one ticket per bus.

On Older Iowans’ Day, Wednesday, August 15, buses will be able to drop off/pick up on the inner grounds. On all other days, the drop off/pick up point is inside the North Parking Lot.

Iowa State Fair trivia - great for fun bus games.

Parking

Map of motor coach drop-off and parking.
Older Iowans’ Day drop-off and parking map.

Fairgrounds Map

Click here for a map of the Fairgrounds.

Motor Coach Services

For information on charter companies in Iowa, please email Megan Grandgeorge. Nearby motor coach friendly fuel station are located just off I-80 and include:

For more information on group tours, please contact:

Megan Grandgeorge

Marketing and Tourism Assistant
Phone: 515/262-3111 x335
Fax: 515/280-4838
P.O. Box 57130 | Des Moines, IA 50317
Click to email Megan