Exploratory Park

Packed to the brim with FREE fun for folks of all ages! Discover the calm, peaceful, and tranquil mainstays of this area like the Paradise Ponds, Japanese Garden, and Steven’s Springs. Play time awaits you with the oversized chess board, hopscotch, bag toss, the playground area, and find your artistic side playing in the sand box. Relax on the dragonfly wings bench and quirky toad stools.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is waiting to help you find your way to the great outdoors. “Out We Go” is the theme in the Department of Natural Resources display in the North Building.

And even more to do! Stroll down the path to the Master Gardeners’ area to ask gardening questions, enjoy their display garden, and learn about trees in the landscape. Visit the History Display at the south end of the park, a wonderful place to reflect on the Wisconsin State Fair history – over 170 years in the making.

Located on the south side of Main Street across from the Original Cream Puff Pavilion.

Inside Exploratory Park

Bears Wood Carving

Bears at the Fair

Can you find these cute bear cubs in Exploratory Park? Created in 2019 in honor of Smokey the Bear’s 75th Birthday, this wooden carving was created by local artist Bob Younger of Eagle, WI.

Cactus & Succulent Garden

Cactus & Succulent Garden

Check out this garden featuring drought-tolerant plants courtesy of the Master Gardeners.

Department of Natural Resources

Department of Natural Resources

Visit DNR experts in the north building in Exploratory Park. Explore the fish tanks featuring fish native to Wisconsin, learn about our state’s wildlife, and all of the breathtaking parks throughout Wisconsin.

Giant Chess

Giant Chess

Rest your feet a bit and challenge your brain instead. Play a round of giant chess on this larger than life gameboard.

History Display

History Display

As you wander the paths of Exploratory Park, relax a little in the south building and dive into years’ worth of Wisconsin State Fair history. Before you leave, test your State Fair history knowledge with the history quiz.

Hopscotch in Exploratory Park

Hopscotch

Kids and adults alike can take on the challenge of hopping through the multiple hopscotch patterns located throughout Exploratory Park.

Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden

Zen in the woods…have a seat, relax, and take it all in by the tranquil waterfall and pond.

Master Gardeners

Master Gardeners

Head to the south end of Exploratory Park to learn all sorts of gardening tips and tricks from southeastern Wisconsin’s very own Master Gardeners. Plus, get ideas for your garden about native plants that are well-suited for our climate.

Paradise Pond

Paradise Pond

Relax in this tranquil oasis on the east side of Exploratory Park and take in the serene beauty of this area.

Playground

Playground

Do the kids need to burn off a little energy? Let them play on the playground in the heart of Exploratory Park while you rest your feet in a relaxing atmosphere and plan the rest of your day at the Fair.

Sand Box

Sandbox

Let the kids dig in the sand a little bit at this feature in Exploratory Park. Buckets, shovels and more are available to help them build their dream sandcastle.

Smokey's School House

Smokey’s School House

What better way to learn about forest safety and fire prevention than the iconic Smokey the Bear! Kids will enjoy fun, educational activities here in Smokey’s School House.

Steven’s Springs

Steven’s Springs is a delightful water feature that commemorates the original farmstead of the Fair Park was constructed in Exploratory Park.