Directions
Fairtime Disabled Parking
The largest area of parking reserved for visitors with disabilities is located on the north side of the Fairgrounds. Admission to this lot is through Gate #2, East 33rd and University Avenue. A vehicle with a DOT parking permit or a license plate designating a disabled driver or passenger may enter through Gate #2. The vehicle will then be directed to the reserved parking area north of the Grandstand racetrack. Vehicle parking fee is $5 on a space-available basis; some hard-packed surface parking is available.
Additional parking for people with disabilities is located on the inner Fairgrounds, accessible through Gate #10 at East 30th and Walnut. Vehicles must have DOT parking permits or license plates designating a disabled driver or passenger. Parking is $5 on a space-available basis.
Some hard-packed surface parking is available; however, the age of the Fairgrounds and the rolling nature of the terrain means that most of the parking area is unpaved. Designated accessible parking spaces on main streets in the inner grounds will not be available during the 11 days of the Fair.
Whether entering at Gate #2 or #10, parking personnel will do their best to direct disabled visitors' vehicles to the closest, most convenient parking available. As north parking lots fill on high attendance days, the Des Moines Police Department determines when outside gates to the Fairgrounds are opened and closed. When one gate closes, generally, another is opened to keep traffic congestion on city streets to a minimum.
Lodging
The Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau provides up-to-date lodging information. You may contact them by calling 800/451-2625 or search their online accommodations listings.
For information on camping at the Iowa State Fair's Campgrounds during Fairtime, click here.
State Fair Shuttles
Catch DART’s State Fair shuttle for the quickest and easiest ride to the Fair. Downtown Shuttles drop riders off at Gate #10, located at East 30th and Walnut Streets. Southeast Polk Shuttles drop riders off at Gate #9, located at East 30th Street and Logan Avenue. Parking is free at all shuttle locations. For more information, click here.
Travel Pointers
Physical Location: East 30th Street and East University Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa
Due to continuing construction on I-235, Fairgoers are encouraged to visit www.i235.com to plan alternate routes to the Fairgrounds.
The Iowa Department of Transportation suggests the following routes:
Eastern Iowa: From I-80 take Exit 141, travel south on Hwy. 65 to Exit 79 and head west on Hwy. 163 (University Avenue) approximately three miles to the Fairgrounds. During Fairtime 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.
Northern Iowa: From I-35, take I-80 eastbound, take Exit 141 (Hwy. 65 bypass), travel south on Hwy. 65 to Exit 79 and head west on Hwy. 163 (University Avenue) approximately three miles to the Fairgrounds. During Fairtime 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.
Western Iowa: From I-235, take the East University Avenue exit then head east on University Avenue approximately four miles to the Fairgrounds.
Southern Iowa: Take I-35 to Hwy. 5 to Hwy. 65 to Exit 79 and head west on Hwy. 163 (University Avenue) to the Fairgrounds. During Fairtime 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.
