Are you planning a trip to the Wisconsin State Fair? Amtrak offers convenient routes to Milwaukee, the gateway to this iconic event. Whether traveling from nearby cities or further away, here’s everything you need to know about reaching the Fair by train.
The Wisconsin State Fair takes place from August 6-16, 2026.
At a glance: Amtrak to the Wisconsin State Fair
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Fair dates | August 6–16, 2026 |
| Fair location | Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, Wisconsin |
| Best Amtrak station | Milwaukee Intermodal Station, station code MKE |
| Airport station | Milwaukee Airport Rail Station, station code MKA |
| Does Amtrak stop at the fairgrounds? | No. You will need a local connection from Milwaukee to West Allis. |
| Best train from Chicago | Hiawatha |
| Other Amtrak options | Borealis and Empire Builder, depending on where you start |
| Local transit option | MCTS Routes 18 and 33 serve stops near State Fair Park |
| Other last-mile options | Rideshare, taxi, hotel shuttle, or rental car |
| Best for a day trip? | Chicago, Glenview, Sturtevant, Milwaukee Airport, and Milwaukee riders have the easiest options |
The main point to remember is that while Amtrak can take you to Milwaukee, it does not take you directly to the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. For most travelers, the Milwaukee Intermodal Station (station code MKE) is the most convenient Amtrak stop. From there, you can take MCTS, a rideshare service, a taxi, a shuttle, or rent a car to reach State Fair Park in West Allis.
Amtrak Routes and Trains
If you’re considering taking Amtrak to the Wisconsin State Fair, you have several options. Three trains and one connecting bus route can take you to Brew City.
Booking tip: There are two Amtrak codes for Milwaukee. The one you need is MKE, which is the Intermodal Station. MKA is the Milwaukee Airport.
- Borealis: A comfortable and scenic route with modern amenities, traveling between the Twin Cities and Chicago.
- Departure: Daily round-trip.
- Arrival: Arrives in Milwaukee in the early afternoon from Chicago, perfect for heading straight to the Fair.
- Fares: Typically range from $30 to $70, depending on the booking time, class, and where you are starting from
- Hiawatha: A frequent and convenient service between Chicago and Milwaukee.
- Departure: Multiple daily departures from Chicago’s Union Station.
- Arrival: Reaches Milwaukee in about 1.5 hours from Chicago.
- Fares: Typically range from $25 to $35 for a one-way ticket.
- Empire Builder: A long-distance train traverses beautiful landscapes from the Pacific Northwest to Chicago, stopping in Milwaukee.
- Departure: from Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, and more.
- Arrival: Arrives in Milwaukee after a scenic journey through the northern United States.
- Fares can vary significantly depending on the distance traveled, the time of booking, and the type of accommodation desired.
Onboard Amenities
Amenities may vary by the train or bus you take.
- Wi-Fi: Available on the Hiawatha and Borealis trains, as well as the Connecting Service Bus, to stay connected.
- Cafe and Dining cars: The Hiawatha does not offer food service. However, you can enjoy meals and snacks during your Borealis and Empire Builder trips. Both trains have cars, and the Empire Builder also has a dining car.
- Seats: Spacious, comfortable, with ample legroom.
- Scenic Views: Large windows offer unobstructed views of the passing landscape.
Train Travel Tips
- Book Early: Secure the best fares by booking promptly.
- Pack Smart: Bring snacks, entertainment, and a pillow for a more comfortable trip.
- Stay Informed: Check the Amtrak app or website for real-time updates on your train’s status.
Getting to the Fair
Amtrak does not drop you off at the Wisconsin State Fair but takes you to Milwaukee Intermodal Station, the city’s surface transportation hub.
Once you arrive at the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, getting to the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds is easy:
- Local Transit: The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) offers direct routes to the Fair.
- Shuttles: Special shuttle services may be available during the Fair. Check if your hotel, local bar, or restaurant offers shuttle services.
- Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are convenient options.
Rent a car
If you’re considering renting a car during your visit, arrange to get dropped off at the Gen Mitchell Airport Amtrak Station, MKA.
From there, you can take the free shuttle to the airport, where several car rental companies are located at the terminal. Note that the Empire Builder does not stop at this depot. Here are the car rental companies at Milwaukee Gen Mitchell International Airport.
Lodging for a visit to the Fair
If you are traveling from out of town, you may need to arrange lodging. Some of these could provide shuttle service to and from the State Fair. Here is a list of hotels suggested by the Wisconsin State Fair.
About the Wisconsin State Fair
The Wisconsin State Fair, dating back to 1851, is a must-visit event from August 6-16, 2026. If you’ve never been to Wisconsin, it’s a great way to experience what the State has to offer.
The fair is great for beer, corn on the cob, cream puffs, and deep-fried treats. Don’t forget your antacids!
It features:
- Exhibits: Agricultural displays, crafts, and educational exhibits.
- Food and shopping: What is a fair without things to buy that you didn’t know you needed, as well as iconic fair foods, including the famous cream puffs?
- Entertainment: Live music, rides, and shows for all ages.
For more details, visit the official Wisconsin State Fair website.
You can purchase your tickets in advance and be sure to visit the Fair’s Deals and Discounts page for additional savings.
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Personal Experience
As a seasoned Amtrak traveler, I find train journeys a fantastic way to start a trip to the Wisconsin State Fair. Amtrak’s convenience and comfort make the travel part of the adventure. Arriving relaxed and ready to enjoy all the Fair has to offer is a great feeling!
When planning your trip, ensure you allow sufficient flexibility to accommodate delays and travel back and forth.
The links on this page are provided as a courtesy to readers and should not be considered endorsements.
Safe Travels and happy planning!
Kev
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