The project, years in the making, will begin construction in August 2025 following the annual Olmsted County Fair and is expected to be completed in early 2027.
At the heart of the plan is an 80,000-square-foot multi-use Exhibition Center that will replace several aging fairground structures, including the dairy barn, horse barn, and Miracle of Life Center. Designed to host a wide range of events from agricultural shows to community gatherings the new facility is seen as a vital step in revitalizing the park's year-round appeal.
The state of Minnesota allocated $8 million in bonding dollars for the project in 2023, with the remaining $24 to $26.5 million coming from local sources, including county-issued bonds. The project is part of a broader $41.5 million master plan that stretches over the next decade and includes multiple enhancements across the park.
Among those enhancements are:
The Activity Pad – A flexible concrete surface, built atop the former grandstand site, capable of supporting dirt-based events like autocross or demolition derbies.
Graham Commons – The restoration of historic Works Progress Administration (WPA)-era buildings, with exterior work scheduled to begin in spring 2025.
Program Support Plaza – A dual-purpose parking and event space designed to accommodate markets and community events.
Arena Renovations – Scheduled exterior upgrades to Graham Arena One and Two, including new roofs and walls, to be completed by mid-2025.
The phased rollout allows portions of the fairgrounds to remain functional while the new infrastructure takes shape. Notably, the activity pad and plaza are expected to be available in time for the 2026 fair.
Olmsted County’s vision for Graham Park has been guided by a master plan developed in 2018, aiming to balance the park’s historic legacy with modern utility. Once complete, the Exhibition Center and its surrounding improvements are expected to attract a new level of regional engagement, economic activity, and year-round use.
For the community, the project signals more than just bricks and mortar it’s an investment in Rochester’s identity as a vibrant, inclusive hub for connection, culture, and celebration.
This article was made with assistance from AI