Fairgoer Services - General Info

1. Accessibility
2. Administrative Offices
3. Bus & Taxi Services
4. Cooling Stations
5. First Aid
6. Government Service Tents
7. Hotels / Motels & Places to Stay
8. Information Booths
9. Lost & Found Children’s Center
10. Police
11. Post Office
12. Restrooms
13. Sky Glide
14. Trams
15. Wagon/Wheelchair/Scooter Service

The Department of Agriculture wants every Fairgoer to have the best experience possible. This section contains information about some of the physical spaces on the Fairgrounds, and accessibility and reasonable accommodation.

The Illinois State Fairgrounds is nearly 300 acres and includes steep inclines. Terrain is not always even, and includes paved roadways and sidewalks, grass, and gravel. The Department makes best efforts to safely and properly cover extension cords, and clean roadways and sidewalks regularly, but cords (and their coverings) and livestock-related debris may be present throughout the Fairgrounds. Please feel free to bring to our attention any issues or concerns noted while on the Fairgrounds.

Any Fairgoer with questions about accessibility services not identified below should contact the Department of Agriculture’s ADA Coordinator at Heather.Humphrey@Illinois.gov.

Please see below for further details and links to additional information about accessibility assistance on the Fairgrounds:

• Accessible parking, with a valid placard, can be found in the following locations: Parking Lot 21, inside Gate 7; near the Hobbies, Arts, and Crafts Building, inside Gate 3, and in the parking lot along 8^th Street, east of the Campground, inside Gate 11. A map of accessible parking locations can be found here.
• Most restrooms and buildings on the fairgrounds are accessible. See the map at this link, where RA indicates an accessible restroom. Family restooms are available in the North and South end of the Coliseum. 
• Motorized wheelchairs are available for rent at the Senior Center inside the Illinois Building, and near Parking Lot 21 and the Goat Barn.

American Sign Language Interpreters

• An American Sign Language Interpreter is available on the Fairgrounds from 10am to 8pm every day of the Fair. This Interpreter will be at all public events on the Fairgrounds on the Governor’s calendar. The Interpreter, when not providing services to Fairgoers, has an office in the Illinois State Policy Safety Education Tent, on Grandstand Avenue, next to the FFA Barnyard. Fairgoers can stop by that office to request assistance while on site, or contact the Department’s ADA Coordinator prior to the Fair regarding specific advance requests.
• In addition, American Sign Language Interpreters are present at every concert at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand. Whenever possible, interpreters will be show on a picture in picture on the video screens, and on stage with a designated spotlight. Due to some artist restrictions, the picture in picture, spotlight, and location may not always be available or may need to change. In those instances, Department will find alternative methods to highlight the Interpreter’s location.

Entertainment Venue Accessible Seating

• The Illinois State Fair Grandstand has several accessible seating sections, which are shown on the seating map. Written descriptions of these areas can be found on the Grandstand Office page, under Accessible Seating.
• The Illinois State Fair Coliseum offers accessible seating at various locations throughout; simply take an elevator on the north or south end of the building to get to the seating level. 
• The Illinois State Fair Multi-Purpose Arena offers accessible seating throughout the first level of the amphitheater style seating structure, reachable via concrete ramps.

Service Animals

• Pets, emotional support animals, and therapy animals are not permitted on the Illinois State Fairgrounds outside of camping areas and State Fair competitions.  The definition of “service animal” is limited to a dog or miniature horse. 
• Service animals are permitted on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, in compliance with the criteria outlined in this Section.
• Fairgoers bringing service animals to the Fairgrounds are strongly encouraged to contact the Illinois State Fair Office  at 217-782-6661 or AGR.FairInfo@illinois.gov prior to arriving at the Fairgrounds, so the Department can provide credentials for the Fairgoer and obtain the required information about the service animal.
• Owners that intend to bring their service animal to the Illinois State Fairgrounds must register with the Department. A lanyard with accessibility credentials will be provided to the service animal’s owner/handler at the time of registration.

• Registration requirements:
  • Service dogs must have a current rabies inoculation. Proof must be provided to the Department when obtaining service animal credentials, and handlers should be able to provide proof of such upon request while at the Illinois State Fair. If your veterinarian has determined that your service animal cannot have a rabies inoculation, you must provide documentation from your veterinarian to the Department prior to arriving on the Fairgrounds.
  • Service animals must be under the control of their owner/handler at all times and must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered. If you are bringing a service animal to the Illinois State Fair and you utilize an alternate method of effective control, that information must be provided to the Department prior to arriving on the Fairgrounds.
  • After the Department has received the required information and confirmed it is current, the Department will make arrangements with the Fairgoer to pick up their accessibility credentials prior to the Fair.

• If you arrive on the Fairgrounds with a service animal and you have not registered in advance, proceed directly to the Emmerson Building after entering the grounds to complete registration.
• Fairgoers with dogs on the Fairgrounds that do not have the accessibility lanyard will be approached to ascertain whether the dog is a service animal or not. If the dog is a service animal, the Fairgoer will be directed to the Illinois State Fair Office to complete registration.

• Service Animals at Ticketed Events on the Fairgrounds
  • If you are attending a ticketed event with your service animal on the Fairgrounds (such as a Grandstand concert or an event in the Multi-Purpose Arena), please purchase tickets in the accessible seating areas or general admission/”standing room only” areas.
  • Service animals do not require their own ticket.
  • Due to the stadium seating style and narrow walk ways, service animals are not permitted in bleacher style seating at the Grandstand or Multi-Purpose Arena.

• Service animals that are disruptive and unable to be effectively controlled by their handlers may be required to leave the Fairgrounds.
• Owners/handlers are responsible for taking care of the service animal and all of its needs, including but not limited to food, water, protection from the elements, waste cleanup, and providing all necessary accessories/items for such.
• The Department strongly encourages service animals to wear vests or other highly visible accessories that identify them as service animals.

The administration offices are located in the Emmerson Building on Main Street, diagonally across from the Exposition Building. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the Fair. Phone: 217/782-6661

For bus schedule information, please call 217/522-5531, TDD 866/782-6661. Taxi service will also be available outside the Main Gate. 

The following locations are air conditioned:

• Artisans Building
• Emmerson Building Lobby
• Hobbies Arts and Crafts
• Illinois Building
• Illinois Fire Museum
• Orr Building

Volunteers from SIU Medicine operate a First Aid Station in the Emmerson Building Annex, across from the Dairy Building on Central Avenue.  

The State Fair First Aid Station volunteers are trained medical personnel who are experienced in treating injuries or sudden illness before the arrival of EMS personnel. The State Fair First Aid Station is designed to provide free, immediate, and temporary care for injuries and sudden illnesses

Emmerson Building First Aid Station hours are from 11:00 am to 11:00pm Daily.  

Attorney General Tent
Located on Grandstand Avenue..................................................10am-7pm
Visit Attorney General's tent to learn more about the many programs and services they provide. Responsible for protecting the interestes of the state and its residents, the Attorney General's office works to protect consumers, help crime vicitms, advocate for older residents, safeguard communities, preserve the environment, promote government transparency and defend the rights of Illinois residents.  Stop by to see how they can help you. 

Comptroller's Tent
Located on Brian Raney Avenue...................................................9:30am-8pm
Visit the Illinois State Comptroller's tent to witness an interactive and informative experience that will help visitors see exactly where their tax dollars are going.

First Lady's Tent
Located on Main Street at Brian Raney Avenue....................10:00am-6pm
Experience family-friendly activities like arts and crafts projects, games and more with the Illinois State Museum and Illinois Art Council.

Governor's Tent
Located on Main Street at Brian Raney Avenue.....................10:00am-6pm
The Governor's Tent features displays from several state agencies including, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Central Management Services, Department of Innovation and Technology, Department of Labor, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Lt. Governor's Tent
Located on Brian Raney Avenue...................................................10:00am-6pm
The Lt. Governor invites you to stop by and discover how #AgConnectsUsAll!  Fairgoers can goers to experience interactive displays and demonstrations geared toward rural affairs.

Secretary of State's Tent
Located on Brian Raney Avenue...................................................10:00am-8pm
Fairgoers can renew their driver's licenses and vehicle registration stickers as well as join Illinois' Organ Tissue/Donor Registry. 

Treasurer's Tent
Located on Brian Raney Avenue...................................................10:00am-8pm
The Illinois Treasurer's tent highlights several office programs including, but not limited to, the I-Cash database for unclaimed property.  The tent will also showcase the winning photos from the Cream of the Crop photography contest. 

The Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau has a complete list of places to stay for your visit to the Illinois State Fair.  In addition to hotels, there are several campgrounds available.

Information Booths have been conveniently placed throughout the fairgrounds. Fairgoers can inquire at five locations: near the entrance of the Main Gate, on Main Street at the four-way stop, across from the north end of the Grandstand and at the three-way stop near the Livestock Center, and at the south end of the Pedestrian Tunnel. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. 

The Lost and Found Center is located inside the Emmerson Building on Main Street.  Here, Illinois State Police can broadcast emergency announcements about lost children.   

When the Emmerson Building is closed, Illinois State Fair Security operates 24/7 at Gate 3 next to the Fire House.  Personnel here can help you get in touch with State Troopers to help start the reunification process.

The Police Station is located south of the Grandstand on Grandstand Avenue and is open during regular Fair hours. 

The U.S. Postal Service is located in the Exposition Building and offers all regular mailing services. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed from 12:00 to 1:00 pm for lunch, during the Fair. 

Restrooms are located throughout the fairgrounds.

The Sky Glide runs from the south end of the Grandstand to the corner of Gate #2. It offers an excellent aerial view of the fairgrounds. The Sky Glide operates from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.  This is an extra ticket is required for this attraction.  Tickets can be purchased only at the Sky Glide. 

Two complimentary trams will operate on a dedicted route during the 11-days of the Illinois State Fair.

The tram will make stops at eight locations on the outside perimeter of the fairgrounds.  

Hours of Operation:

Wagons, wheelchairs and electric scooters will be available to rent daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Grandstand Avenue near the Goat Barn. They will be available at the IL Building from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday-Thursday) and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Friday-Sunday). Driver’s license will be required for deposit on all rentals. All rentals must be returned to the same rental location to retrieve driver’s license. Rentals must be returned by 12:00 midnight each day.

Rental rates:

• Scooter  (300lb capacity)                      $70.00
• Deluxe Scooter (500lbs capacity)         $130.00
• Wheel Chair                                          $20.00
• Deluxe Wheel Chair                              $30.00
• Wagon                                                  $20.00

Rentals are at a first come, first serve basis. There are no reservations.