There are 36 new foods at the Minnesota State Fair in 2026, but there are also nine new vendors including a new, unique bar and restaurant.
For the first time since 2018, a new building has been constructed on the fairgrounds. It's the Summer Lakes Boathouse, and it offers up more than just grub and drinks.
"It has blue siding with white features and yellow lights," says the fair's food and beverage manager, Danielle Dellinger. "It really gives that feel of a lake house, a lot of nautical themes around it. There'll be a stage with free live entertainment all day long. Really, truly gives that vibe of Minnesota lake life at the Minnesota State Fair."
So, it will have a beach, right?
"No, no, no beach. No moat. But definitely some kayaks to look at," Dellinger says.
The building will be located on the southwest corner of Randall and Underwood Street, just west of the Great Big Wheel.
"They came out with a top notch proposal with a lake, Minnesota theme, with their cocktails and mocktails," Dellinger adds. "They have been a vendor at the fair before, just serving their drinks, but now they're also going to be serving food. We're absolutely thrilled to be launching this at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair."
Summer Lakes Boat House will serve a variety of food options.
That includes what is already a talked-about new item, Dockside Poppers. They are seasoned cream cheese, bacon, artichoke hearts and jalapeño peppers combined, breaded and lightly fried. Those are served with a side of homemade tomato chili jam. (Photo in the audio clip above)
But they offer quite a list of other items, including: Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers; Crispy Chicken Sandwiches; Riblets 'N' Chips; Hand-cut Chips and Dips; and sliders in two varieties: slow-roasted ribeye and wild rice walleye.
If you're thirsty, you can also get hard seltzer-based cocktails and mocktails made with Summer Lakes Beverage mixes in eight flavors (all gluten-free and vegan), plus a full beer menu. Also, they have bottled cocktail mixes available for purchase.
All in a brand-new building, with live entertainment daily.
