A $35 million campaign has been launched to renovate the historic 4-H Building at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds and expand statewide Minnesota 4-H programs.
The Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota 4-H announced the partnership last week, calling it the largest project of its kind in the history of both organizations.
Organizers said 60% of the fundraising goal has already been secured. That includes a $10 million donation from Kathy and Jim Cargill to the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, along with major gifts from the Ames Family, Compeer Financial, Riverview LLP and the Rosen Family Foundation.
The three-story 4-H Building opened in 1939 and has served generations of young people from all 87 Minnesota counties. Nearly 5,000 Minnesota 4-H youth earn trips to the State Fair each year to showcase projects, while the building’s dormitories can house up to 700 youth each night during the fair.
Exterior construction is already underway, with most renovation work set to begin after this year’s fair. The project is expected to be completed in time for the 2027 Minnesota State Fair.
Planned upgrades include new performance stages, updated STEM and agricultural education spaces, a teaching kitchen, media studio, and flexible areas for workshops and community events. Officials said the renovated building will also host camps, career exploration programs and other youth activities throughout the year.
More renderings of the planned upgrades can be found here.
