How Minnesota State Fair Creates Its Stunning Garden Shows

By Scout Nelson

The Minnesota State Fair is known for its food, entertainment, and attractions, but its extensive network of gardens is another highlight of the fairgrounds. More than 60 gardens are spread throughout the venue, creating colorful displays that require months of planning and preparation before the fair begins.

The gardens are maintained by a horticulture team led by Mindy Walter, the Minnesota State Fair's horticultural manager. Supported by more than 100 crew members, the team oversees greenhouse operations, garden installation, and daily maintenance to keep the grounds vibrant throughout the event.

One of the fair's most recognizable features is its collection of canna lilies. Each year, the team stores approximately 4,500 bulbs during the winter and replants them for the following season. The tropical plants have become a signature attraction because of their striking blooms, impressive height, and peak performance during the fair's late-August schedule.

The horticulture staff's responsibilities extend beyond the canna displays. Team members grow plants for educational exhibits, cultivate thousands of annual flowers, and maintain several landmark installations across the fairgrounds. Among the most notable is the Liberty Bell display near the Agriculture Horticulture Building, which contains roughly 1,000 plants and requires hundreds of hours to complete.

Walter describes the project as a labor of love, reflecting the dedication required to create and maintain the gardens each year. The displays have become a cherished tradition, with many visitors returning annually to take family photographs and enjoy the ever-changing landscapes.

Despite the scale of the operation, none of the fair's gardens or lawns use irrigation systems. Instead, crews rely on manual watering and specialized water trucks throughout the growing season to keep plants healthy and thriving.

For visitors interested in experiencing the gardens at their best, early attendance is recommended. Arriving when the fair first opens offers an opportunity to enjoy the displays before large crowds arrive and the grounds become fully bustling with activity.

Photo Credit: istock-herreid