Olmsted County breaks ground on future Graham Park exhibition center

Olmsted County officially broke ground on the future Graham Park exhibition center on July 30, 2025. A large crowd gathered at the future site to mark this significant milestone, including local legislators, members of the Olmsted County Fair Board, University of Minnesota Extension, and other community partners. 

The new exhibition center is poised to become a year-round hub for agriculture events, trade shows, cultural celebrations, and more in southeast Minnesota. The 80,000-square-foot facility will feature a 125-by-250-foot main show ring, a warm-up arena, space for 250 portable stalls, and modern accommodations for visitors, exhibitors, and animals. 

“This moment is the culmination of years of planning, listening, and reimagining what’s possible at Graham Park,” said Olmsted County Board Chair Mark Thein. “We’re not just building a structure—we’re building opportunity. This project will expand economic activity, create more inclusive community spaces, and honor Graham Park’s century-long legacy.” 

The vision for the exhibition center has been years in the making, shaped by community feedback and supported by key investments—including $8 million in state funding secured in 2023. Construction is set to begin in August 2025, with the building expected to open in early 2027. 

The groundbreaking ceremony included remarks from Commissioner Thein, former Olmsted County Commissioner Sheila Kiscaden, and other local legislators. The event reflected the collaborative spirit that has guided this project and the excitement surrounding its future impact on the region. 

For more information on the exhibition center, visit the Graham Park exhibition center FAQ page.