The Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota 4-H have partnered to begin a major renovation of the iconic three-story 4-H Building at the State Fairgrounds and an expansion of the statewide 4-H program. This is the largest project of its kind for both the State Fair and University of Minnesota Extension.
To date, 60% of the $35 million fundraising goal has been raised, thanks in part to a $10 million donation to the Minnesota State Fair Foundation from Kathy and Jim Cargill, which jump-started the
campaign. Significant gifts have also come from the Ames Family, Compeer Financial, Riverview
LLP and the Rosen Family Foundation.
The 85-year-old, 100,000-square-foot 4-H Building has been a cherished space and launching pad for generations of Minnesota youth from all 87 counties since it opened in 1939. That tradition continues with the nearly 5,000 Minnesota 4-H youth who earn trips to showcase their projects at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds each year. The building’s dormitories provide lodging for up to 700 4-H’ers a night during the State Fair, and a cafeteria serves thousands of healthy meals daily to 4-H’ers during the fair and other events. The first floor is open to fair guests during the 12 days of the State Fair to see project displays, demonstrations and live musical performances.
Exterior work is currently underway, with the majority of building renovations beginning immediately
after this year’s fair. The updates will be completed in time for the 2027 State Fair.
As part of the building transformation, fair guests and participating 4-H’ers will see new stages for performing arts, public speaking and demonstrations; updated spaces for STEM activities,
entrepreneurship, agricultural education and judging; a teaching kitchen; a media studio; and flexible
spaces for workshops and community gatherings that will make programming possible April through
October. Beyond the State Fair, the building will house community workshops, camps and career-
exploration activities for youth from across the state.
Critical functional updates include replacing all the windows; repairing and repainting the exterior;
installing new elevators and other accessibility features; updating fire alarm and life safety systems;
enhancing ventilation; improving electrical and technological capacity; and renovating and expanding
building restrooms and shower facilities.
4-H is part of University of Minnesota Extension, which is an important contributor to the University’s
mission of educating Minnesota’s future leaders. “The 4-H Building is more than a structure and its
potential expands far beyond the 12 days of the fair,” said Bev Durgan, dean of Extension. “Through this campaign, we are making an investment in the future of 4-H and young people for generations to
come.”
Minnesota 4-H reaches nearly 58,000 youth across the state. 4-H enrollment has increased by a
third in the past four years, and the program is aiming to reach 100,000 young Minnesotans, with the
newly renovated State Fair building serving as a premier center for youth leadership and development. “The skills Minnesota’s youth need to succeed in life and careers are changing rapidly, and Minnesota 4-H ensures they are ready to meet those challenges,” said Jennifer Skuza, Minnesota 4-H Director and University of Minnesota Extension Associate Dean. “This renovation will allow us to improve how we showcase youth achievement and innovation and build connections to future opportunities by linking fair activities to year-round programs, educational pathways and community engagement.”
“We’re deeply grateful for the early generosity that has helped launch this effort,” said Minnesota State Fair CEO Renee Alexander. “The 4-H Building is an iconic part of our historic fairgrounds, and this investment is about making sure it continues to serve Minnesota’s youth for generations. There’s
still work to do, and we’re hopeful Minnesotans will step forward to help us reach our goal to fully
realize what this space can be.”
The Cargills said they are excited to offer their support for the project and hope to inspire broader
community engagement in the missions of Minnesota 4-H and the Minnesota State Fair. “At its heart, this initiative is about the students,” Kathy and Jim Cargill said in a statement. “The young people who emerge from the 4-H program demonstrate exceptional strength in agriculture, STEM, and the arts — and they grow into leaders who serve communities across the state. The activities housed within the 4-H Building on the fairgrounds represent the culmination of their dedication — showcasing the very best of their work and achievements throughout the year. We are honored to support a new generation of young people who embody the values of hard work, perseverance, and integrity, while never losing sight of the joy and camaraderie that make the journey meaningful.”
Learn more about the renovation project and fundraising campaign, including how to donate, at
4hbuilding.org. Donors who contribute $1,000 or more to the campaign will be recognized on a first-
floor donor wall inside the newly renovated building.
