Driving Directions
The Benton County Fairgrounds are located in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, just east of the Mississippi River.
From Highway 10
- Take the Benton Drive exit.
- Travel approximately 1 mile and turn left onto 2nd Ave S.
- Follow detour signs to the fairgrounds. (see Alternate Route Map for recommend route marked in green)
From Highway 23
- Turn north onto Wilson Avenue. Coming from the west, turn left onto Wilson Avenue. Coming from the east, turn right onto Wilson Avenue.
- Continue north and turn right onto Searle Street.
- Turn left onto 3rd Ave S.
Fairgrounds Entrances
Main Gate: 3rd Ave S
Pit Entrance: Searle Street
North Entrance: 12th Street N
Please note that traffic patterns may change during the fair. Watch for event signage and parking attendants upon arrival.
Detour Information
See the "2026 Road Construction Alternate Route Map" for reference.
The city of Sauk Rapids is going to be doing road work to 2nd Ave (from 9th ST S to SEARLE ST NE). It will officially be closed Friday, June 12, 2026 until late fall.
At the same time, 9TH ST S (from 2nd AVE S to Lincoln Ave), will be closed as well. It is scheduled to be back open by August 1st, 2026.
There will be detour signs marking the path along the way. There should also be signs indicating where to turn to get to the fairgrounds once you are on Wilson Ave.
- If coming from the south, use Wilson Avenue, then turn right onto Searle Street NE and then left onto 3rd Ave S.
- If coming from the North, use 2nd Ave S, turn right onto 9th St S, turn left onto Broadway Ave S, turn left onto 7th St NE, then left onto Wilson Ave, then right onto Searle ST NE, and then left onto 3rd Ave S.
Parking
On-grounds parking is not free. Attendants will assist (and collect money) along the fairground perimeter fence. Paid parking is also available by entering the fairgrounds via 12th Street (north edge of the fairgrounds).
Free Shuttle Bus
A daily shuttle bus is provided during the fair.
The bus picks up and drops off at the main entrance to the fairgrounds from the Sauk Rapids VFW
Shuttle service runs every 30 minutes.
Shuttle Hours:
Tuesday 2pm - 11pm
Wednesday 2pm - 11pm
Thursday 2pm - 11:30pm
Friday 2pm - 11:30pm
Saturday 10am - 11:30pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm
Metro Bus
The fairgrounds are accessible via Saint Cloud Metro Bus. The Sauk Rapids route stops just one block from the main gate, at the intersection of 14th Avenue South and 2nd Avenue (aka Wilson Avenue).