Maps & Directions

Download a .pdf map of the Fairgrounds.

For GPS and online mapping services, use the address 3000 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317. (For our mailing address, please see the Contact Us page.)

The Iowa State Fairgrounds are located at East 30th Street and East University Avenue, 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. The Fair suggests the following routes:

Northern Iowa

From I-35, take I-235 to Exit 10A then head east on E University Avenue approximately four miles to the Fairgrounds.

Southern Iowa

From I-35, take IA 5/US 65 to Exit 79 then head west on E University Avenue approximately four miles to the Fairgrounds.

Eastern Iowa

From I-80 take Exit 141 (Hwy. 65 Bypass), travel south on Hwy. 65 to Exit 79 and head west on Hwy. 163 (E University Avenue) approximately three miles to the Fairgrounds. 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 Exit 10A then head east on E University Avenue approximately four miles to the Fairgrounds.