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Directions

For GPS and online mapping services, use the address 3000 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317. (For our mailing address, please see the Contact Us page.)

The Iowa State Fairgrounds are located at East 30th Street and East University Avenue, 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. The Fair suggests the following routes:

Suggested routes to the Iowa State Fair

Northern Iowa

From I-35, take I-235 to Exit 10A then head east on E University Avenue approximately four miles to the Fairgrounds.

Alternatively, use DART Park & Ride location at the Iowa State Capitol (1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319). From I-235 W, take exit 9 toward E14th St and turn left on E 14th St. Turn right onto E Grand. Available lots will be marked with signs. Park & Ride boarding on E 12th St. on east side of Capitol building.

Southern Iowa

From I-35, take IA 5/US 65 to Exit 79 then head west on E University Avenue approximately four miles to the Fairgrounds.

Alternatively, use DART Park & Ride at Southeast Polk High School (7945 N E University Ave, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327). From US-65 N, take exit 79 toward Pleasant Hill. Turn right on IA-163 E and follow road signs to the Southeast Polk High School.

Eastern Iowa

From I-80 take Exit 141 (Hwy. 65 Bypass), travel south on Hwy. 65 to Exit 79 and head west on Hwy. 163 (E University Avenue) approximately three miles to the Fairgrounds. It is suggested that visitors enter the Fair parking lot at E 36th as a left-hand turn may not be allowed into the grounds at E 33rd at certain times.

Alternatively, use DART Park & Ride at Southeast Polk High School (7945 N E University Ave, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327). From I-80 W, take exit 159 and follow Hwy F48 turning left onto IA-117 S. From IA-117 S, turn right and merge onto IA-163 W. Follow IA-163 to SE Polk High School, at NE 80th St.

Western Iowa

From I-235, take Exit 10A then head east on E University Avenue approximately four miles to the Fairgrounds.

Alternatively, use DART Park & Ride located at 7th & Center St. (830 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309). From I-235, use exit 7A and enter the parking garage on 7th Street.

More Parking Info

Need more info about where to park? Find more detailed information on parking options on our Parking page.