Michigan State Fair
Be a part of the fair that has it all. From racing pigs to homebrew competitions and everything in between, the Michigan State Fair doesn’t disappoint.
Event information
Fans of agricultural demonstrations and displays and lovers of reading can meet local farmers and authors as part of this fair’s unique offerings. See animal babies who have recently arrived and learn how mother and babe bond.
The butter cow sculpture is a decades-old tradition you won’t want to miss. Imagine hundreds of pounds of butter formed into a sight to behold. Check out the canning, weaving, and quilting demonstrations and visit the livestock exhibitions.
Music is a big part of the festivities, so don’t miss the entertainment featured on the stages throughout the fair. There is a stage for fun competitive events like the milk mustache, pie eating, bubblegum bubble blowing, and marshmallow skyscraper contests.
Incredible canines show off their skills, and there is a thrilling circus for the kids to enjoy. Don’t miss the cooking demos and of course, there is a midway for all to try with a “tiny totville” for the smallest members of your gang.
The town of Novi is just northwest of Detroit, Michigan and offers outdoor activities like golfing and hiking. If you are a museum buff, the city has the Holocaust Memorial Center to see. There are quaint shops to explore downtown, and the food scene is a good one, too. Pack the RV and get set for adventure.
Tickets
Visit www.michiganstatefairllc.com to choose the ticket package that suits your family best. The Ultimate Wristband includes admission, circus entry, and unlimited carnival rides, an option the kids are sure to vote for at the Michigan State Fair. If you choose admission only and decide once there that you would like to have the package, you can upgrade at any time. Prices will range between $5 and $35.
Explore Michigan State Fair RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
When preparing for the trip, sign up for weather alert emails with WXYZ television to receive up to date information as you travel. There is also Mi Drive, an app that you can download on your smartphone. Interstate 96 will take you into the heart of the action in Novi. The road systems in Detroit and surrounding areas are described as being efficient; however, traffic may be busy, so keep your eyes on the road and ask your navigator for assistance.
Parking areas
Parking attendants will be on hand at the entrance to the lots, directing regular and oversized vehicles to their appropriate spots. If your rig takes up two places, you will be charged for two. ADA parking is closest to every gate. Have your placard visible as you approach. Shuttles will be available in the lots during peak times to facilitate movement of the crowds.
Public Transportation
There is no public transit system that serves the Michigan State Fair. Your best bet is to park in a location convenient to you and taxi or rideshare to the fair. This may be a preferable option if you do not want to maneuver your rig through the traffic and into the event parking lot.
Where to stay
Onsite
The onsite camping spaces are reserved for exhibitors who must be near their livestock and booths. There is nearby camping in New Hudson, Milford, and White Lake. Gather the family around to decide on the accommodation that ticks all of the boxes on your wish list.
Nearby
There are campgrounds with full amenities close to the Detroit area if you are looking to stay in an urban area to perhaps experience the nightlife and have a short drive back to camp. If you would like to drive further out to areas like Adrian, Vassar, Grass Lake, Albion, or Petersburg, you can claim a spot beside a lake and try your hand at fishing. Other options are to explore local museums or check out a winery.
Getting around
Scooters and wheelchairs are available for rent for those who need them, and there is accessibility for all exhibits. For those on foot, comfortable shoes are a must. Consider bringing two pairs in case of sore feet. A change is often what the feet need to feel rejuvenated. A stroller will come in handy, although maneuvering it through some of the exhibition barns could prove challenging.
What to pack
Clothing
Summer clothing and comfy shoes are ideal apparel items for the Michigan State Fair. Pack casual, easy-care clothing for every member of the family because fair-time slushies, popcorn, and cotton candy are treats that everyone has to try once, despite the chance of spills and stains. Back at camp, rock collecting and exploration for frogs will call for clothes that can take wear and tear. A favorite sweatshirt for evenings around the fire rounds out the packing list.
Gear
You cannot bring outside food or drink items into the fair grounds but be sure to put a refillable water bottle in your day bag before leaving camp, as well as a hat that gives good coverage from the sun. When packing the RV, remember that no trip is complete without flashlights for exploring in the dark, toiletries, towels and blankets, kitchen gear like utensils and pots, and a small radio to tune in to if inclement weather is on the horizon.
Health & Safety
Sunscreen and bug spray are two items that will be packed into the day bag for each excursion or visit to the fair. Pop in a bottle of hand sanitizer as well, since the kids will be petting the livestock at every opportunity. The family will be in non-stop mode but insist on several water breaks throughout the day and reapply sunscreen often. Have a contingency plan in case someone gets separated from the group. Michigan State Fair is a busy venue, and at peak times, crowds may be big.
Where to eat
Cooking
Keep your camp cooking area clean and be sure to store your hot and cold food properly. Don’t leave cooked food out on the picnic table or RV kitchen counter longer than two hours to be on the safe side. A busy venue like the Michigan State Fair will make for a tired family at night, including the cook. Keep the menu simple with dishes like chili, beans, or hearty vegetable soup. Stock up on farm produce while at the fair and let the soup simmer over the fire while you read a book.
Restaurants
If you are looking for a night of dining out while on vacation, Novi can satisfy the hungriest camper. Choose an Asian night and enjoy Japanese. Vietnamese, Chinese, Greek, and Korean fare can also fit the bill for an evening of trying a different cuisine than you may be used to eating. Perhaps it is the children’s night to choose the restaurant; if so, homey American dishes are easily found, too.
Vendors
Michigan State Fair is the place to shop if you want to buy artisan-made clothing, jewelry, and handcrafted items. Of course, one cannot resist the incredible variety of jams, jellies, pies, and cookies. Shop for the RV kitchen and savor the freshness of the baked goods. Don’t forget to visit the produce booths for farm-fresh fruit and treats from the garden. ATMs are on site at various locations in the event you want to top up your wallet.
Safety
Security
You are permitted to leave and re-enter the fair, but you must keep your wristband on, or you will have to pay the admission fee to get back in. Each gate has a supervisor who ensures that all fairgoers are wearing the wristband color that corresponds to the day. Expect to have your day bag checked, and remember that alcohol and outside food or drinks cannot be brought into the fairgrounds.
Weather
The Michigan State Fair goes on rain or shine, so pack a rain poncho and billy boots for splashing through puddles if rain makes an appearance at the fair. Back at camp, keep your shade cover open for protection from rain or the sun. Cool evenings will allow for a comfortable sleep as the crickets sing outside.
Medical
If you have a service dog, they are welcome at the fair as long as they are properly identified and credentialled. Be sure to keep your dog hydrated as often as the family. The Michigan State Fair has been designated as a smoke-free environment, making for a pleasant place for all guests. Keep the family feeling great by applying sunscreen and bug spray often, and make sure the first aid kit has ointment for bumps and scrapes, bound to occur when fun is being had.
