The Wisconsin State Fair returns to Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis for its 2019 run from August 1-11. Dreaming of cream puffs? Looking forward to that can't-miss concert? Interested in the visual arts events at the fair? The Shepherd Express Wisconsin State Fair Guide has you covered! This special section is brought to you by the State Fair.
Wisconsin State Fair Park officials encourage fair goers to take advantage of a variety of transportation options to get to the Fair quickly and economically. Visitors can park in one of several Wisconsin State Fair Park owned lots or get to the Fair Park by bike, bus or shuttle.
For everyone’s safety and convenience, local authorities allow only right-hand turns in and out of the fair gates on S. 84th St. and W. Greenfield Ave. during the fair. Certain gates are restricted for special use, and gates may close if parking lots are full. Parking fees will be charged as vehicles enter the lots. Vehicles will be charged for re-entry if they leave and return to the parking lots. All parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Accessible Parking
Accessible Parking is available in all State Fair Park lots. Lots can be accessed via Gate 1 on S. 79th St. and W. Greenfield Ave., Gate 3 on 84th St. (accessible and permit parking only) or Gate 7 on Kearney Street (I-94 frontage road).
General Parking
General parking is $12 per vehicle, $6 per motorcycle, and available at Gate 1 on S. 79th St. and W. Greenfield Ave., Gate 7 on Kearney Street (I-94 frontage road) and Gate 9 on S. 76th St.
Preferred Parking
A limited number of $25 Preferred Parking spaces are available near the Main Stage Entrance via Gate 1, and near the U.S. Cellular Main Gate Entrance via Gate 7. For more details, and to purchase Preferred Parking prior to the fair, visit WIStateFair.com.
Parking Trams Presented by Jack's Pizza
A tram service in the Milwaukee Mile Infield Parking Lot to several admission entrances is available on a first come, first served basis. Visitors can look for the pizza-themed signage to mark the tram pick-up locations. Trams are available from approximately 9 a.m.–9 p.m. daily.
Pedal to the Park
Fair goers can get outdoors, save gas and get some exercise by riding their bicycles to the fair. Bicycle parking is free and is available in designated areas near the U.S. Cellular Main Gate on the north end of the Fair Park and at Gate 2 on Greenfield Avenue. A map of the bike trail is available here.
Uber, Lyft and Taxis
The Fair will offer rideshare users an improved drop-off and pickup area this year on the north end of the Fair Park, outside of SpinCity near the U.S. Cellular Main Gate. This area was previously located at the Gate 4 transit area just north of Greenfield Ave. on 84th St. However, due to the significant growth in the number of fair goers utilizing these services, it has been moved to provide a safer experience.
Milwaukee County Transit System Bus Service
MCTS Shuttles:
The Shuttle at the Watertown Plank Park-Ride Lot (Watertown Plank Road, west of U.S. Hwy 45) operates daily to the State Fair Transit Welcome Center at Gate 4. Shuttles from the Watertown Plank Park-Ride Lot run approximately every 15 minutes. Parking is free. Service begins at 7:30 a.m. until a half hour after fair closes. Shuttle fare is $3 cash roundtrip for adults or $2.50 using an MCTS M-CARD with Stored Cash Value. Children (6-11), seniors (65+) and persons with disabilities pay $1.50 cash roundtrip or $1.25 in Stored Cash Value with an MCTS M-CARD. Exact fare required.
MCTS Freeway Flyers:
Fair goers can park free at any of the following Park-Ride Lots:
- Brown Deer Road west of I-43
- College Ave. at I-94 (North and South lots)
- Whitnall/Hales Corners at I-43 east of S. 108th St.
- Loomis at Loomis Rd., south of Coldspring Rd.
Flyers operate between 7:30 a.m. until one half hour after fair closure to the State Fair Transit Welcome Center at Gate 4. Service is every half hour. Flyer fare is $7 roundtrip for adults, and $3 for children (6-11), seniors (65 & over) and persons with disabilities. Exact fare required. With Stored Value on an MCTS M-CARD, roundtrip freeway flyer fare is $5 for adults and $3 for children (6-11), seniors (65+) and persons with disabilities.
MCTS Local Routes:
Route 23 (Fond du Lac-National/State Fair) operates special daily local service between Wisconsin Ave. and the State Fair Transit Welcome Center at Gate 4. Local service to State Fair Park is also available on Routes 56 (Greenfield Ave.), 67 (N. 76th St.-S. 84th St.) and 76 (N. 60th St.-S. 70th St.). Regular bus fares apply. Exact fare is required.
More information on MCTS transportation to the fair is available at 414.344.6711 or RideMCTS.com.
Waukesha County State Fair Shuttle
The Waukesha County shuttle picks-up and drops-off from three locations along I-94. The first bus departs Goerkes Corners (I-94/Hwy 18 Park-Ride at Barker Road) at 7:25 a.m., with departures every 30 minutes until the last departure at 7:55 p.m.
Departures from the Nagawaukee Park-Ride in Delafield (I-94 & Hwy 83) begin at 7:30 a.m. and depart every 30 minutes until 7:30 p.m.
Departures from the Meadowbrook Park-Ride in Pewaukee (I-94 & Hwy G) begin at 7:40 a.m. and depart every 30 minutes until 7:40 p.m. Parking is free at each location. The shuttle drops off at the State Fair Transit Welcome Center at Gate 4 with return trips every 30 minutes at the top of the hour and every half hour. Regular round trip fare is $8. Seniors (65+) and children (6-11) are $6. Children 5 years and under and strollers are free.
For schedules and more details, visit statefairshuttle.com.
Read more of our coverage of the Wisconsin State Fair and enter to win a pair of tickets here.
