What's new at the Minnesota State Fair (besides the food)

🎡 At 230 feet tall, the "America Wheel," located at the North End, takes fairgoers a full 75 feet higher than last year's giant ferris wheel.

• At the top, riders will encounter panoramic views stretching 14 miles in each direction. The fair tells us both downtowns — and the Highland Park water tower — are in view.

🏟️ The Coliseum's glow-up is complete, thanks to a $24 million renovation.

• Pro tip: Even before the remodel, the Coliseum was a great place to cool down and recharge while taking in animal shows.

🎥 Pet Pavilion will transform into an outdoor cinema on weekend evenings, showing a series of Minnesota-made short films.

🦖 Dinosaurs will roar into the fairgrounds via a new interactive exhibit run by the Minnesota Science Museum.

• In addition to life-size skeleton casts, visitors can get a sense of how tall the new state fossil towered back when it was, well, not just a fossil!

🚲 Cyclists can expect even more capacity at the fair's bike corrals, which feature staffed attendants and secure helmet storage.

⏰ The fun on the final day ends one hour earlier than last year, with closing time on Labor Day set for 8pm, the Pioneer Press notes. Final admission that day is 6pm.

Worth noting: One thing that isn't changing is ticket prices: Like last year, admission is $20 for adults and teens, and $18 for seniors and kids 5-12.

• Wednesday is the deadline for buying tickets at the discounted pre-fair rate.

Go deeper with the fair's full list of new vendors, rides and exhibits.