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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 sandbox, oversized chess board, hopscotch, bag toss, and tree-lined playground area. New this year, the Stumpery Garden is made up of tree stumps and logs artfully arranged around shade-loving plants.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is waiting to help you find your way to the great outdoors in the North Building. Check out fish galore and knowledge even more with them!
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 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
Check out this garden featuring drought-tolerant plants courtesy of the Master Gardeners.
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
Rest your feet a bit and challenge your brain instead. Play a round of giant chess on this larger than life gameboard.
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
Kids and adults alike can take on the challenge of hopping through the multiple hopscotch patterns located throughout Exploratory Park.
Japanese Garden
Zen in the woods…have a seat, relax, and take it all in by the tranquil waterfall and pond.
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
Relax in this tranquil oasis on the east side of Exploratory Park and take in the serene beauty of this area.
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.
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.
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.