Where To Park At The Olmsted County Fair in Rochester, Minnesota

If you're planning a trip to the Olmsted County Fair in Rochester this year, one of the biggest questions people have isn't "what should we eat first?" Nope - it is "where are we going to park?"

Whether you're looking for the closest spot or don't mind walking a little bit, below are a few parking options to know before heading to the fairgrounds at Graham Park.

Where To Park At The Olmsted County Fair in Rochester, Minnesota

As soon as the carnival rides pop up in the sky, your kids are going to notice that the Olmsted County Fair has started in Rochester. In 2026, the fair is running from July 27th until August 2nd. Admission is free, which means that thousands of people are expected to visit throughout the week.

If you are planning on attending, we've got a few recommendations on where to park your car.

Most Convenient Parking At The Olmsted County Fair

If you are looking for quick and easy parking, the most convenient option at the Olmsted County Fair is on-site. According to the Olmsted County Fair website, parking is just $5 per vehicle. Handicap spots are available, and you can also buy a season pass. Find those options here.

Other Parking Options For The Olmsted County Fair

If you are hoping to save $5 or try to park in the lots near the fairgrounds and they are full, there are some options available off-site, including:

the neighborhood area near Walgreen's
the neighborhood area near Rochester Pet & Country Store
the streets near Dave's Hot Chicken

Remember to watch for temporary "No Parking" signs and be courteous if parking on the streets in the neighborhoods. Blocking an intersection or driveway could cause your vehicle to get towed or ticketed.

Traffic can, at times, also get congested around the fairgrounds, so please have extra patience and keep your eyes open for pedestrians.

Y-105FM is Southeast Minnesota's go-to source for local news, events, and community stories. Whether you're a lifelong Rochester resident or just discovering everything this region has to offer, we're here to help you connect, explore, and stay in the know. Know something we should cover? Reach out to jessica.williams@townsquaremedia.com — we're always looking for something to talk about on the radio and write about.

13 Of The Worst Jobs To Have In Rochester When Temps Are Near 100 Degrees

Every summer, we always have a few days when "Extreme Heat" warnings are issued for Southeast Minnesota. While many jobs in Rochester are inside comfortable offices set at a nice 72 degrees, others are working in the elements...or in situations where the heat is enhanced due to working conditions.

Below are the top jobs that are some of the hardest to work through when the temperatures are nearing 100 degrees.

Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio