Ready For Fried Butter on a Stick? These Are the 15 Best State Fairs in the US

Come for a bucket of Sweet Martha's cookies and stay to roam all 322 acres of fun. The Great Minnesotan Get-Together features everything from concerts and rides to 'grammable foods and speciality brews.

There's no shortage of amusement rides or fried Oreos at the California State Fair in Sacramento. You'll also find a significant amount of competitions including everything from the best California commercial craft beer and wine to fine art and photography.

You can't leave the Arizona State Fair without riding the La Grande Wheel XL. When you're not overlooking the fairgrounds on the wheel, check out (or participate in!) the annual dance competition or Esports Gaming World.

The Florida State Fair is usually the first state fair of the year in the United States. That means you have the chance to experience chocolate-covered bacon or a mozzarella stick (on a stick) as early as February. What more could you ask for, really?

Each year, the Texas State Fair highlights a new overarching theme. For 2019, it's "Celebrating Texas Creativity." In spirit of the theme, consider registering for one of the fair's many arts and crafts competitions.

The Great New York State Fair takes place in Syracuse. It first came to be in 1841, making it the country's oldest state fair. A special event you don't want to miss is the NY Food Truck Competition, in which 20 trucks will set up shop with $3 samples — all you have to do is text in your vote for favorite truck and you might win a special prize.

A trip to the Wisconsin State Fair isn't complete without the iconic Original Cream Puff, a sweet treat that's left fairgoers coated in the pastry since 1924. An average of 400,000 are eaten each year — and that's just one of the fair's stellar foodie-approved picks.

In addition to the classic state fair staples we know and love (aka food and amusement rides), the Kentucky State Fair is also known for its horse shows and free, big-name musical acts like Montgomery Gentry and For King & Country.

Formerly known as the Puyallup Fair, the Washington State Fair is a 21-day event that happens every September. There's also a four-day fair that happens every April, known as the Washington State Spring Fair. Must-see events include the rodeo, cattle drive, and live musical performances from stars like Keith Urban and Billy Idol.

For a view unlike any other, make your way to the Alaska State Fair. There's a competition devoted to record-setting fruits and vegetables, rides for days, and some awesome concerts such as Dustin Lynch and Cole Swindell.

The Big E is formally named the Eastern States Exposition, so think of it as the one state fair for all of New England. Upon entering, walk down the Avenue of States to find replicas of the six New England Statehouses, which include exhibits and vendors for each state. You can look for us by the lobster rolls in Maine.

The North Carolina State Fair is held in October and runs for 11 days. Schedule your day so that you're in attendance for the nightly fireworks display — otherwise the day is totally up to you. There are over 100 free things to do, including pig races, unique exhibits like a tractor display area, and the Flower & Garden Show.

Before you head to the Iowa State Fair, add the Butter Cow sculpture to your agenda. Take a photo with it, marvel at the fact that you're observing a cow made of butter, and then proceed to eat as many foods on a stick as you can.

Hang out in The Roost, the Delaware State Fair's beer and wine garden, to imbibe local beers and wines. For families, a trip to the carnival and to see the livestock is a must, along with eating all of the things.

The Ohio State Fair features a SkyGlider that'll bring you on a half-mile journey across the fair. Find over 200 food vendors, plus 32 different foods on a stick, if that's what your heart's set on.