Frontier Saloon Closes After More Than 60 Years At MN State Fair

Now that the 2026 Minnesota State Fair is officially in the books, it’s time to start thinking about next year’s fair.

But when 2027 rolls around, one longtime fixture of the Minnesota State Fair will be missing.

GOODBYE 

Country music fans and longtime fairgoers may be disappointed to learn that the Frontier Saloon, located along Carnes Avenue, will not be returning next year.

The popular spot has been part of the Minnesota State Fair experience for more than 60 years, giving fairgoers a place to listen to live country music while soaking up a little bit of that old-school Nashville atmosphere.

THE FRONTIER SALOON HISTORY

The Frontier Saloon first became part of the fair in 1963, and over the decades, it became a familiar gathering place for music lovers. Generations of fairgoers have walked through its doors to hear bands, grab a drink, and take in all of the unique decorations that helped give the Frontier its personality.

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The business was owned by Dick Werner beginning in 1976. After Werner passed away last year, his son, John Jameson, took over the business.

Jameson says one of the things he will miss most about the Frontier is the people. After so many years at the fair, it became more than just a business. It was a place where he could see old friends, meet up with familiar faces, and be part of the Minnesota State Fair tradition.

THE LAST PERFORMANCES

The Frontier Saloon held its final performances this past Saturday and Sunday, bringing an end to a run that lasted more than six decades.

And if you have ever stepped inside the Frontier, you know there was plenty to look at.

The saloon was packed with signs, mannequins, antiques, and all kinds of unique decorations. So what happens to all of that stuff now that the Frontier is closing?

Well, you may actually have a chance to take home a piece of Minnesota State Fair history.

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THE FRONTIER SALOON AUCTION IN SEPTEMBER

The Frontier Saloon plans to auction off many of its decorations and other items later this month. If you have always loved the look and personality of the Frontier, this could be your chance to bring a little piece of it home.

The Frontier says more information about the auction, including what will be available and when the auction will take place, will be shared on its social media pages.

WHAT WILL BE TAKING OVER THE SPACE IN 2027?

So...What comes next?

Jameson says he hopes something similar will eventually occupy the location where the Frontier Saloon has stood for all these years.

We will have to wait and see what happens.

Could another saloon take over the space? Maybe another live music venue? Could it be completely remodeled into something entirely different?

Whatever eventually takes its place, it will have some pretty big shoes to fill. For more than 60 years, the Frontier Saloon was part of the sights, sounds, and memories of the Minnesota State Fair.

Now it is up to someone else to create the next chapter.

What would you like to see take over the Frontier Saloon space?