Renovations and Improvements

Nothing Compares to the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds! The Iowa State Fair was first held at its current location in 1886, and buildings and landmarks have changed over time. As a result, projects and renovations are regularly taking place on the Fairgrounds.

Over the next two years, more than $20 million will be spent on various capital improvement projects across the 400-acre Fairgrounds.

Projects Planned for the 2025 Fair:

• Old Mill exterior renovation (Final Phase)
• Construction of the Ron and Bev Shivers Family Plaza
• Additional picnic tables and seating west of Riley Stage
• Lighting improvements west of the Administration Building
• Ag Building roof replacement (Final Phase)
• New doors for Ag Building and Pioneer Hall
• New windows for Hillcrest Dorm
• Repairs to the Youth Inn porch
• New staircase from the Cultural Center to Fairview Hill
• New carpeting in the Administration Building
• New display fixtures in the 4-H Building (Phase I)
• New paved handicapped parking in Lot B
• New sound system in the Livestock Pavilion
• New pedestrian gate at East 30^th and Maple to access Gate 13
• New grounds-wide public address (PA) system for emergency announcements
• Campgrounds Restroom #4 renovation (Phase I)
• New accessible Variety Club playground in Fun Forest
• New dirt for Jacobson Exhibition Center
• Horse Barn Renovation Phase 1

Livestock Barns Renovations

The livestock barns - sheep, horse, swine and cattle - are undergoing extensive renovations over the next few years. The structures will be renovated from top to bottom with updated roofing, flooring, lighting, restrooms and offices.

• Each barn will have additional upgrades for specific needs. Current livestock barn progress:

• Horse Barn – Phase I of the project (exterior painting, window replacement, masonry repairs, and north restroom renovation and construction) will occur prior to the 2025 Fair. Phase II, which is the rest of the project, will begin immediately following the 2025 Fair and be completed in time for the 2026 Fair. The two-year, $13.1 million renovation project will include the following:
  
  • Masonry, sheet metal, and roofing restoration
    
  • Exterior and interior painting
    
  • Repair and replacement of exterior doors and windows
    
  • New concrete floor with radiant heat
    
  • New relocated offices on the west end
    
  • Remodeled existing restrooms and brand-new restrooms to meet current accessibility standards
    
  • Relocated covered outdoor wash rack and new interior wash rack area
    
  • New portable stalls
    
  • Enhanced ventilation
    
  • New electrical service and lighting
    
  • New fire suppression system

• Sheep Barn: the two-year, $6.2 million renovation was completed in the fall of 2024.
  • Restoration of brick and terracotta masonry
  • Remodeled office spaces
  • Installation of new underground storm sewer on the north, west, and east sides
  • New roofing on all lower level areas including wood sheathing repair and replacement
  • Remodeled existing restrooms and brand-new restrooms to meet current accessibility standards
  • Repainting of the entire interior of the building
  • New sun-shading for the show arena

The Blue Ribbon Foundation received a $5 million donation from the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation to begin the renovation project. Iowa Select Farms and Jeff & Deb Hansen have committed $2 million specifically for the Swine barn portion of the renovation. The Foundation will also receive $12 million from the state’s “Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund.” All Iowans are welcome to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s fundraising efforts needed to complete the project. Learn how you can "Back the Barns" with the Blue Ribbon Foundation.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation was established to raise funds to help preserve and improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Learn how you can contribute to America's favorite fair and what renovations and improvements have been made since the foundation's inception in 1993.

Questions about renovations and improvements at the Iowa State Fair? Email info@iowastatefair.org or the Blue Ribbon Foundation.