It’s that time of year again — time for Indiana State Fair 2011, the Year of the Soybeans. We made it to the state fair today for $2 Tuesday sponsored by Turkey Hill. By printing off a voucher from Turkey Hill’s website, we paid just $2 each to get into the fairgrounds. Since we arrived early, we were able to park for free in the infield. The weather was perfect. It even was a bit chilly when we arrived; but it heated up to 87 by the time we left.
First, I’ll give you the lowdown on prices, parking and such. Then I’ll review our day at the Indiana State Fair.
The Indiana State Fair Midway
Hours, Prices, etc.
Hours: The gates open daily at 8 a.m. with the exception of Saturday August 13 when they will open at 6 a.m. Building/Exhibit hours are generally 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the fair. Admission tickets will no longer be accepted after 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Admission: Indiana State Fair tickets are $8. Children under age 5 and under are admitted free of charge. Discount tickets for $7 are available at Indiana Wal-Mart stores, CVS, Indiana Farm Bureau offices, the Marten House Hotel and the Indiana State Fairgrounds Ticket Office. Monday, August 15, is Carload Day — admission will be $15 per vehicle that day.
$2 Tuesdays: Each Tuesday of the 2011 Indiana State Fair, enjoy $2 admission by visiting turkeyhill.com/indianastatefair. Just print out one of the Indiana State Fair coupons for each member of your group. Rides are also $2 from Noon to 10 p.m. $2 size treats are available with many food vendors.
Parking: Park for free in the infield on a first-come first-served basis. Enter through Gate 1 off 38th Street, Gate 6 off Fall Creek Parkway or Gate 10 off 42nd Street. Park at Glendale Mall for FREE and catch the shuttle to the Indiana State fairgrounds, also FREE. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily during the fair. State Fair EZ Park is just $5. EZ Park lots are located south of 38th Street across from the Main Gate and at the Indiana School for the Deaf on 42nd Street. Ride your bike to the Indiana State Fair and receive $1 off your admission. Bikers must enter through Gate 18 off the Monon Trail. Handicapped parking is located just inside Gates 1,6 and 16, as well as in the infield.
All aboard the WFMS Indiana State Fairtrain.
WFMS Fairtrain: Catch the Indiana State Fair Train in Fishers. Purchase your train tickets at the Fishers Train Depot. Round trip tickets are $13 for adults and $6 for children ages 2-12. Children under age 2 ride free of charge. For more information call 317-773-6000 or visit itm.org.
Services: Mobile ATM machines are located throughout the fairground. Three different first aid stations are available. There are lactation stations for nursing moms and a tractor shuttle to get you around the fairgrounds if you get tired of walking. Rides on the shuttle are 75¢. There are hand washing stations at each location where animals can be touched. There are also many hand sanitizer dispensers. Finally, be sure to pick up an Indiana State Fair program available at many locations throughout the fairgrounds.
The new and improved Putt-Putt Golf in the FFA Pavilion.
FFA Pavilion
We used the north infield tunnel to exit to the north end of the fairgrounds. Our first stop was the FFA (Future Farmers of America) Pavilion. The kids played a round of putt putt golf just like they do every year, only this year the putt putt course has been entirely rebuilt. It’s free to play, but I suggest leaving a small tip for the kids who run it. Just look for the kiosk that says “Caddyshack” to get your putter and ball.
We then stopped to let the kids feed and pet the animals. There are goats, lambs, piglets and even a zebu in the FFA building. There is also Goat Mountain outside between the FFA and DNR (Department of Natural Resources) Pavilions.
DNR Building
There’s so much to do in the DNR Building. Each year my son loves to look at the fish that are found in Indiana rivers and lakes. These are located all along the east side of the building. This year and last they had air rifle shooting in the front west corner. This year my son and his friend got a kick out of watching the model flood demonstration. At the back of the building, you will find the gift shop. When you exit, be sure to check out the Butterfly Garden. These are some things we enjoyed, but take a look for yourself as there is so much more. Plus the DNR Building is air conditioned so it’s a great place to cool down.
Take advantage of the great deals at the Indiana State Fair Midway.
The Midway
Oh yes, the Midway. This is where the kids like to hang out, isn’t it? As it was $2 Tuesday today, it cost just $2 to ride every ride from noon to 10 p.m. My son and his friend loved the Thunder Bolt, in fact they rode this one three times! It was a very smooth ride. They took them forwards for a good while and then backwards. They enjoyed the Crazy Mouse, Ferris wheel, the log ride and the pink slide. I even rode a ride with them — unfortunately it was our least favorite. The Blizzard is definitely for die-hard riders (which I was in the day). It jerks you around a lot. I even felt a little light headed when it was over and that is unusual for me. The boys also gave Tomb of Doom a thumbs down as the ride only lasted about 30 seconds. The Midway offers wristband specials throughout the run of the fair. Just purchase a wristband and ride all the rides you want during special hours. For prices and details, visit in.gov/statefair for details.
International Pavilion Willkommen to Germany
We learned about historic and modern Germany; saw a “piece” of the Berlin Wall; and even talked to Sankt Nikolaus — that’s Santa to you and me. We browsed the German shop. This is a great place to learn a little about the world and also cool off as it is air conditioned.
Little Hands on the Farm is great for preschoolers.
Other Must Sees
We did not do the following this year as we just didn’t make it around the entire fairgrounds. I honestly think it would take at least two days to see it all. Also my kiddo has outgrown some of these things, but we enjoyed them once upon a time.
Little Hands on the Farm: This is located in Riley Fun & Fitness Park and it gives your preschoolers a chance to be farmers. The children put on aprons and caps and get to work. They “plant” seeds, ride mini tractors and “harvest” their crops. They then get to “sell” it at market, finally getting to spend their “earnings” in a fun little shop. Parents — this is an awesome photo opp.
International Circus Hall of Fame: The Peru, Indiana, Circus performs three shows daily in the Riley Fun & Fitness Park.
It's fun to catch a fish at the DNR Fishin' Pond.
DNR Fishin’ Pond: The 312,000-gallon fishing pond returns for the sixth year. My son has fished in the DNR pond the last few years. He chose to do some other things this year. I still highly recommend it. It’s free, however, you have to pre-register and they’ll give you a time to return. I recommend registering first thing you arrive at the fairgrounds. The children first listen to a DNR volunteer discussing fishing guidelines. Then each child is directed to his/her own spot around the pond. DNR volunteers help the kids put the bait on. After tears several years ago about not catching a fish, I came up with a strategy. My strategy is to go early in the run of the fair and early in the day. I think the fish get tired on being caught and thrown back so they aren’t as easily fooled later in the week. I also observed that the fish do not seem to bite as much on the hottest of days.
There is so much more, so I recommend getting an Indiana State Fairgrounds Map and reading through it. I just noticed that have a LEGO® Creation exhibit that we missed. My son LOVES LEGO®…so we might just be going back next week for $2 Tuesday.
