Minnesota State Fair and CLA 2026
If you’re heading to the Great Minnesota Get-together, check in with CLA at two locations:
- University of Minnesota Crossroads building, located two blocks west of gate 5/main Snelling entrance, at 1674 Dan Patch Avenue
- D2D: The Driven to Discover Research Facility at 1367 Cosgrove Street.
Learn more about some of our rich, robust programs and the amazing people who make liberal arts CLA-style a world of possibilities.
Visit the University's State Fair website for more information about other U of M activities. The University's presence spans multiple locations featuring free giveaways, educational and entertaining events, and exciting opportunities to participate in research.
| Date | CLA at the U of M Crossroads Building |
|---|---|
| Thurs, Aug 27, 9:00 AM |
How Do Scientists Study the Self-Control of Eating? We will talk to visitors about the unusual challenges that come with studying people's self-control of eating by demonstrating some problematic methods and then showing them our solution to those problems. We will set up a fake taste test (which is the solution to the problematic methods), and we will help guests appreciate why every odd aspect of the fake taste test is necessary to prevent people from feeling observed or self-conscious about their eating, and thereby not eating naturally. |
| Thurs, Aug 27, 11:00 AM |
Center for Premodern Studies Explore the evolution of the written word with the Center for Premodern Studies, where you can inspect replica scrolls, try out a traditional wax tablet, and leaf through manuscript facsimiles. |
| Thurs, Aug 27, 3:00 PM |
Language Center Come get a taste of the world—no deep fryer required! Fairgoers will discover the many languages offered at the University of Minnesota, chat with Language Center representatives, explore ways to learn and practice languages, scan QR codes to take the next step, and pick up colorful materials and stickers. It’s language learning with all the curiosity and connection of the Great Minnesota Get-Together! |
| Thurs, Aug 27, 5:00 PM |
SPEAK-OUT & Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences Connect with UMN speech-language pathologists to discover how our clinic helps children and adults build skills, find their voice, and overcome communication, language, and feeding challenges. Come talk with us at the fair and try out a word-twister activity to test your listening ears and brain power! |
| Wed, Sept 2, 9:00 AM |
Immigration History Resource Center Fairgoers will learn about the work of the Immigration History Research Center and will have the opportunity to ask questions about Minnesota's immigrant population. |
| Wed, Sept 2, 11:00 AM |
Anthropology Labs Step into human history at the CLA booth to meet graduate students from the Evolutionary Anthropology Lab and discover how scientists use bones, fossils, and artifact analysis to piece together the human story. |
| Wed, Sept 2, 5:00 PM |
American Indian Studies Celebrate culture and academic innovation by exploring the renowned Ojibwe People's Dictionary and learning how new graduate programs are elevating American Indian and Indigenous education. |
| Thurs, Sept 4, 9:00 AM, 3:00 PM |
Theatre Arts & Dance Visit with the Dept of Theatre Arts & Dance! Kick up your heels with interactive line-dancing demos, watch a theater professor sketch live costume designs on the spot, and discover how our dynamic alumni are making big moves across the globe! |
| Thurs, Sept 4, 1:00 PM |
Linguistics Be a language detective! Come learn how linguists put their skills to use to investigate familiar and unfamiliar languages. We'll have word games and linguistics facts galore! |
| Thurs, Sept 4, 3:00 PM |
Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences Join Dr. Matt Winn from the UMN Listen Lab to explore the science of sound and hearing! Learn how speech acoustics work, why listening can sometimes take so much effort, and how research is improving care for people with hearing loss. |
| Thurs, Sept 4, 5:00 PM |
Classical & Near Eastern Religions & Cultures
Embark on a heroic quest with the Department of Classical & Near Eastern Religions & Cultures to tackle Odyssey trivia, hear live readings of Homer's classics, and challenge a classics professor with your burning questions about the ancient world
|
| Date & Time | CLA Researchers in the Driven to Discover building |
|---|---|
|
Aug 27 Sept 2 Sept 6 |
CLA on a Stick: A Fair Assessment We’d love to hear your thoughts about the liberal arts and the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) at the University of Minnesota. This short survey asks about your connection to CLA and your views on the value of a liberal arts education. Created by CLA faculty and staff, the goal is to better understand public perspectives. The survey includes 16 questions and takes 10 minutes or less to complete. Participation is voluntary and confidential - no identifying information is collected, and you may skip any question. Thank you for your input! |
| Sept 3 2:30 PM - 9:00 PM |
COVID-19 and Politics: What's Your Story? We want to learn how people form political opinions. We want to hear from you! This survey should only take around 10-15 minutes to complete and will ask you to reflect on your beliefs about topics such as COVID-19. This research is being conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota and is open to U.S. residents aged 18 and older. We hope to hear from people of all different backgrounds. Please participate so that our data is representative of all Americans. |
