Updates from Graham Park – August 2025

News
Aug 5, 2025

Exhibition Center groundbreaking

Olmsted County officially broke ground on the future Graham Park exhibition center on July 30, 2025, drawing a large crowd that included local legislators, Olmsted County Fair Board members, University of Minnesota Extension staff, and other community partners. The 80,000-square-foot facility will serve as a year-round destination for agricultural events, trade shows, cultural gatherings, and more. Key features will include a main show ring, warm-up arena, space for 250 portable stalls, and modern accommodations designed to welcome both people and animals.

A group of seven people, dressed in business and casual attire, participate in a ceremonial groundbreaking event. Each person is smiling and holding a shovel, tossing dirt into the air. They stand in a row on a dirt lot under a partly cloudy sky, with buildings and event signage visible in the background.

The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks from County Board Chair Mark Thein, who emphasized the project’s potential to spur economic growth and foster inclusivity, as well as comments from former Commissioner Sheila Kiscaden and other legislators. The event highlighted the strong partnerships that have driven the project forward and the enthusiasm for its future impact.

This long-anticipated project has been shaped by years of planning and community input, with $8 million in state funding secured in 2023 to help bring the vision to life. Construction is underway and expected to be completed in early 2027.

During construction of the exhibition center, we are encouraging visitors to access the area using Broadway or 3rd Ave. SE. The driveways along 16th St. SE will either be blocked or dedicated to the contractors. We intend to preserve sidewalk access along Graham Arenas 1 & 3, but parking will be limited in the area.

Look to the Graham Park page for the latest updates on the Graham Park exhibition center. A special page showcasing construction progress will debut in September 2025.

Olmsted County Fair success

Graham Park was proud to serve as the host site for the 2025 Olmsted County Fair, welcoming thousands of visitors throughout the weeklong event. Olmsted County was pleased to support and help make this beloved community tradition a success. Several Olmsted County departments also took part in the festivities, connecting with residents through interactive booths, educational displays, and hands-on activities. The fair offered a vibrant opportunity to celebrate agriculture, creativity, and community—right in the heart of Graham Park.

Preservation and other project updates

An exterior preservation project is underway at the former Public Works Highway Shop. We recently replaced the roof on both sections of the building. Tuck pointing was completed on the masonry, and it was all washed. Contractors are in the process of installing new overhead doors in the west wing of the building and new windows will be installed this fall.

A low-angle view of a tan brick building with two large black-framed garage doors and metal panels covering parts of the facade. A single brown door with a small awning is visible on the right. The sky above is bright and partly cloudy, and construction materials like gravel and dirt are seen in the foreground, indicating ongoing work.

New wall panels and stone wainscoting are being installed at Graham Arena 1 to address issues with the existing concrete block exterior.

Advertise with us!

A new digital display at the corner of 14th Street and Broadway SE is now available for advertising—offering businesses, event organizers, and community groups a high-visibility platform to reach thousands of daily viewers. With a full-color, dynamic display in a prime location, this billboard is a powerful tool to make your message stand out. For details or to reserve your advertising spot, contact 507-328-7180 or email grahampark@olmstedcounty.gov.

Celebrate your special day at Graham Park

Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a large celebration, Graham Park offers flexible, affordable venues like Floral Hall, Aune Hall, and Crawford Hall to make your event unforgettable. Our team is dedicated to exceptional service and professionalism to ensure your day goes smoothly from start to finish. To learn more or schedule a tour, contact grahampark@olmstedcounty.gov.

Interior of a rustic event hall with exposed brick walls and wooden beams, decorated with string lights. Tables are set with white linens and chairs arranged for a large gathering.