DNR Stocks State Fair Fish Pond Ahead of Opening Day

Something fishy is happening at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

The D-N-R will stock its popular outdoor fish pond Tuesday ahead of the fair’s opening Thursday. The pond will feature about 40 native Minnesota fish species, ranging from familiar sunfish and walleye to much larger lake sturgeon.

The pond outside the D-N-R building has been a State Fair tradition for generations, giving visitors an up-close look at fish found across Minnesota.

The 2026 Minnesota State Fair runs August 27th through September 7th.