Iron County Fair

The Iron County Fair brings classic county fair fun to Michigan's Upper Peninsula each summer with thrilling carnival rides, games of chance, and authentic agricultural exhibits. Kids can get up close with farm animals, watch exciting competitions, enjoy live entertainment, and indulge in all their favorite fair foods from corn dogs to cotton candy.

• ✓Classic carnival rides ranging from kiddie attractions to thrilling rides for older kids and parents
• ✓Agricultural exhibits featuring local farm animals, 4-H displays, and livestock competitions
• ✓Midway games where kids can win prizes and stuffed animals
• ✓Live entertainment including musical acts, demolition derbies, and special performances
• ✓Traditional fair food favorites like funnel cakes, corn dogs, and freshly squeezed lemonade

1. 1.Purchase ride wristbands online in advance if available to save money and skip ticket booth lines.
2. 2.Arrive early in the day (right when gates open) for shorter ride lines and cooler temperatures, especially during the heat of summer.
3. 3.Bring hand sanitizer and wipes since kids will be touching animals at the petting zoo and eating fair food throughout the day.
4. 4.Check the fair's schedule ahead of time for special events like tractor pulls, demolition derbies, or live music that your family won't want to miss.
5. 5.Park in the main lot on Franklin Street and wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll cover a lot of ground throughout the fairgrounds.

Visit on weekday evenings (typically Tuesday through Thursday) for smaller crowds and shorter ride lines. Opening day can be busy with locals, while weekend afternoons draw the biggest crowds. The fair typically runs for one week in mid to late summer.

Admission is moderately priced ($$) with separate costs for rides, games, and food, though multi-ride wristbands offer better value. Free parking is available on-site, and the fairgrounds feature traditional fair food vendors plus shaded seating areas.

The Iron County Fair is a seasonal event held annually for approximately one week during the summer months (typically July or August). Check the official website or local listings for exact dates each year as the fair does not operate outside of this limited timeframe.

Head to Gustafson's Smoked Fish & Beef Jerky in nearby Iron River for a unique Upper Peninsula treat, or visit Mr. B's Family Restaurant on US-2 for kid-friendly comfort food and generous portions after a long day at the fair.