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Aug. 21 – Labor Day, Sept. 1, 2025

294 Days 18 Hours 7 Mins

New: 90 Years of the DNR Building & Park

90 Years of the DNR Building & Park

Built in 1934, the DNR Building & Park have been home to educational exhibits about our state's environment and wildlife for 90 years. Each year, the exhibit informs more than 500,000 fair guests about stewardship of our state’s natural resources in the areas of outdoor recreation, conservation and sustainable commercial use.

Details

In 1934 the Conservation Department log cabin was built by the Emergency Relief Administration, the precursor to Works Progress Administration (WPA). Back then, a fountain and garden landscaped the lawn, and the inside of the building contained small aquariums. When the name of the Conservation Department changed to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in 1971, in a joint effort, the State Fair and DNR renovated the area to create wetlands and the uber-popular DNR Fish Pond, featuring 40 native Minnesota fish species. Stop by for daily Fish Pond Talks to celebrate 90 years of showcasing our beautiful environment at the fair!

Daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. Labor Day)

Additional Resources

Directions

The DNR Building & Park are located on the south side of Carnes Ave., between Clough & Nelson streets