Disability Assistance
The Iowa State Fair, America’s classic state fair, welcomes everyone to its celebration of pride and achievement held annually in August. The Fair Board is committed to making the grounds, facilities and services accessible to all. No qualified individual shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participating in or be denied the benefits of public services, programs or activities held on the Fairgrounds. Suggestions for improvements and additional services are always welcomed by the Fair Board and the ADA Coordinator who will continue efforts to make the Fairgrounds accessible to everyone.
Renovation always complies with federal specifications and guidelines related to accessibility. As maintenance and modernization funds become available, the special needs of all Iowans will be kept foremost in mind. For a copy of the Iowa State Fair's ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan, please contact our ADA Coordinator at 515-262-3111 ext. 213. During the Fair, hard copies of the complete Accessibility Guide are available at the Administration Building as well as all information booths.
Wheelchair & Scooter Rentals
HomeTown Mobility is proud to be the exclusive scooter and wheelchair rental provider for The Iowa State Fair. HomeTown Mobility accepts reservations online or by calling 712.938.2029 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. They are also open 7 days a week during the Fair to accept call-in reservations and answer questions. There is an additional $5 processing fee for all call-in reservations. To avoid the processing fee, reserve online at htmia.com. A limited number of wheelchairs and scooters are held for walk-up customers on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations will ONLY be accepted for full-day scooter and wheelchair rentals. Reservations need to be made 24 hours in advance. A driver’s license or state ID is required for all rentals. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance to receive a full refund, less a $5 cancellation fee.
Rental locations are: Gate 8, 10, 11, 13 & 15.
| Scooters | Wheelchairs |
|---|---|
| $75 per full day (8 a.m. to close) | $30 per day |
Iowa State Fair Scooter Policy
Three or four wheeled, manual or electrically driven (at a walking pace) OPDMDs are permitted to be used in all areas open to pedestrian use so long as these devices are 1) designed by the manufacturer for single rider use only; 2) occupied by only one rider while in operation; and 3) not pulling or towing any trailer-like object. Scooters are available for rental, during the fair, at Gates 8, 10, 11, 13, and 15.
ADA/Accessible Parking
Parking spaces designated for vehicles are available in Lots A, B and C on the Iowa State Fairgrounds on a first come, first served basis. Please note that these lots often fill up early each day, and there is no guarantee that space will be available. Proper decals or license plates must be displayed.
Enter Gate 2 (East 33rd and East University Ave) to access Lot A and Gate 3 (East 36th St and East University) to access Lots B and C. Lot A contains both paved and hard-packed surface parking. Lots B and C contain hard-packed surfaces. Designated accessible parking spaces on main streets in the inner grounds will not be available during the Fair.
Parking personnel will do their best to direct visitor vehicles to the closest, most convenient parking available.
Assisted Listening Devices
Available for the Penningroth Media Center Cattle Barn, Pioneer Livestock Pavilion, Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center, Sheep Barn Sale Ring and Swine Barn Sale Ring when the State Fair sound system is being used. For more information, call 515/262-3111, ext. 322, at least 72 hours in advance.
During the 11 days of the Fair, a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) will be available 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. for outgoing local/credit calls located in the Administration Building.
Buildings
Ramps, curb cuts, street-level entrances and observation ramps make most buildings and facilities accessible to those using mobility aids. Accessible seating is available in the Grandstand, Pioneer Livestock Pavilion and Jacobson Center. Donations from Iowans across the state have paid for the replacement of many blocks of sidewalks each year to help eliminate and reduce barriers that impact those with mobility aids.
DART State Fair Park & Ride Buses
All DART Park & Ride shuttle services are ADA accessible, including for wheelchairs and other electric mobility devices. For more information visit ridedart.com or email dart@ridedart.com.
First Aid
The Hy-Vee Health and First Aid Center is located east of the John Deere Agriculture Building, and a satellite station is located at the Robert G. Horner & Sheri Avis Horner Service Center just west of the Administration Building. Locations are staffed by the Des Moines Fire Department EMS.
Grandstand Seating
When ordering Grandstand tickets through www.etix.com or the State Fair Ticket Office, please request ADA/accessible seating; room for one person and one companion will be provided in an accessible seating area. For information on Grandstand shows and ticket-buying procedures, call 515.262.3111 ext. 305.
On-Ground Transportation
- COURTESY CARTS: Golf cart mini-shuttle service (not wheelchair accessible) from north parking lots to inner gates is available. Golf carts are not available for rent for reasons of safety and liability.
- SHUTTLES: For Fairgoers' convenience, the Fair will now provide the Blue Line Parking Shuttle sponsored by Chevron, which is a free shuttle that runs daily from 5:30 a.m. until 1 a.m. The Blue Line Parking Shuttle has 5 routine stops and will stop at Gates 13 & 15 for entry to the Fair.
- Campground shuttles will run from the First Church to the campgrounds and will be stopping at Pioneer Hall.
- It's the 60th year of the Clearfield Lions shuttles running from the First Church to the Campgrounds. Shuttles are open to all Fairgoers and stop at Pioneer Hall. Scooters and wheelchairs are available for rent from HomeTown Mobility. Call 712.938.2029 to reserve a scooter ahead of time or scooters and wheelchairs are available at Gates 8, 10, 11, 13 and 15.
- Personal golf carts are not allowed on the Fairgrounds.
Paging
Representatives of the Iowa State Fair Public Safety Department offer paging for lost children, senior citizens and emergencies ONLY from 9 a.m. to midnight from the Iowa State Fair Public Safety headquarters, located at the west end of the Grand Concourse.
Restrooms
Facilities with ramps, widened doorways, handrails and stalls built to accommodate those using mobility aids are available in major buildings across the Fairgrounds. They include the Robert G. Horner & Sheri Avis Horner Service Center, Grandstand, Walnut Center, Patty & Jim Cownie Cultural Center, Elwell Family Food Center, Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center, Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building, Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center, William C. Knapp Varied Industries Buildings, Stalling Barn, Putney Family Cattle Barn, Pioneer Livestock Pavilion, plus facilities east of the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, north of Gate 15 and north of Ye Old Mill.
Service Animals
The only animals allowed on grounds and in buildings are those that align with the ADA's service animal classification for animals specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are therefore not allowed on grounds or in buildings.
During non-Fair time, pets are welcome on the Fairgrounds. During pet-specific events, there may be a waiver to this policy allowing pets in the show building.
Sign Language Interpreters
To arrange for a sign language interpreter for a specific event, please call 515.262.3111, ext. 287, at least two weeks in advance.