Iowa State Fair Interactive Map
Explore the Fair
- Anne and Bill Riley Stage
- Agriculture Building
- Expo Hill
- Fair Food
- Grand Concourse
- Grandstand
- Livestock Pavilion and Barns
- Midway
- Pioneer Hall
The first Iowa State Fair in Des Moines was held September 3-11, 1886. After the Iowa State Fair Board purchased the land in June, 1886, 67 buildings were constructed in three months. Of those, Pioneer Hall is the only one remaining today. Make your way to Pioneer Hall to browse antiques, watch demonstrations and to see your favorite Heritage Contests including the Beard Growing Contest, Tall Corn Contest, Accordion Contest, Ladies Rubber Chicken Throw and more.
Located on a high hill on the east side of the fairgrounds is Expo Hill. The location was named for Exposition Hall, one of the first and most majestic buildings on the fairgrounds that originally sat on the site. Today, Expo Hill is the home to a stage area, a 133-foot tall wind turbine and renewable energy education center.
Since 1959, the Anne and Bill Riley Stage (formerly the Plaza Stage), has showcased the talents of Iowa youth ages 2 to 21. Bill Riley Sr., an Iowa Falls native, created the Iowa State Fair Talent Search in 1959 after years of emceeing Iowa State Fair variety shows on KRNT radio. Today, the Bill Riley Talent Search tradition continues under the leadership of Riley’s son, Bill Riley Jr.
Located at the intersection of Grand and Rock Island Avenues, the Agriculture Building is home to the Butter Cow, an Iowa State Fair icon and tradition since the early 1900s. You’ll also find jumbo vegetables, floral exhibits and horticulture displays. Built in 1904, the building was inspired by the exhibition halls constructed for the Chicago Columbian Exposition and is the finest example of Double Jeffersonian architecture remaining in the world.
The Livestock Pavilion hosts livestock judging, horse and cattle shows and more during the fair. It was the first brick and steel structure built on the fairgrounds in 1902. South of the pavilion along Rock Island Avenue are the cattle, horse, swine and sheep barns where fairgoers can view the livestock, including the Super Bull, Big Boar and Big Ram.
The Grandstand, built in 1909, is one of the most recognizable structures on the fairgrounds, covering four acres and stretching 600 feet along the Grand Concourse. Today, concerts are the main attraction at the Grandstand. On the street level of the Grandstand are the Shopper’s Mart, Hall of Law and Hall of Flame exhibitions.
This thoroughfare will take you from the Grand Avenue gate to the Agriculture Building. It's a great place to enjoy some live entertainment, street performers, people watching and fair food. Along the concourse are notable fair exhibits and buildings, including the Department of Natural Resources Building, Grandstand, Varied Industries Building, Midway and Ye Old Mill.
Now known as Thrill Ville, the Midway has long been a place for buckle-your-seat-belt rides and carnival fun.