Rollag Steam Show

Howard H. · Aug 30, 2010

I was thinking about running up to the Rollag Thresherman's show for this weekend.

But I can't seem to find much on their website as far as tips or advice on what to expect...

For example, do the camping grounds fill up quickly?? Or is there plenty of space that anyone driving in could get a spot??

If camping near the site is out - would Fargo still have hotel space?? Or would hotels all around be sold out??

Is everything out to the show area paved?? Or could muddy roads/parking be a huge problem for low clearance cars?

How many people tend to be there?? Are we talking 3,000, 30,000, or 300,000?? (in other words, this country boy was shocked at the size of the Oshkosh air show last year and the lines of traffic backing up the interstate there... I knew it was big, but I didn't know it was THAT big...)

If we stayed off-site in a hotel, are there 3 hour traffic delays getting in and out of the site - or is it not that bad??

Are there any "big" events a person shouldn't miss?? In other words, is Saturday the big day? Or everyone left out by Sunday afternoon?? etc...

Thanks for any tips or advice,
Howard

just another old geezer · Aug 30, 2010

been there twice. as I understand it, rough camping ( no hookups) is always avaiable. a shuttle buss prowls the campground looking for people to take to the admissions gate.
Likley 15,000- 20,000 people a day. they move
them arround well with a good shuttle system.
100 permiant buildings on 200+ acres show grounds. don't miss the starting of the 140 ton snow engine. hot air engine shed is also interesting. dont miss the parade. busy all day fir- sat-sunday, don't know about mon. we headed for home.
hope this helps

M Nut · Aug 30, 2010

We went in 2008. I hate big crowds, and I didn't feel uneasy while there. Roads leading to the site are paved roads, no problem with parking a car. We camped at a state park west of Rollag about 15 miles, but the camping at the site looked fine if you didn't need electric or water hookups. I'd sure think you'd find a hotel within a 30 mile radius or so. I would go if you have any interest at all. I don't think you'd regret it.

Anonymous-0 · Aug 30, 2010

get there early because it will take all day to see most of it, stop at the church food stand by minature land for an excellent breakfast, lots of neat stuff to see.

brian(MN) · Aug 30, 2010

When we go we stay at Mandan, ND. about 30 miles away. They always have room. Rollag is in the country so no trafic jams. get there early, the first parade is a 10:00. One of the first things to do is ride the train that circles around the place. Pick out what areas you want to see, you can't see it all in one day. It is hilly but there is alot of shade in the engine area. It has been a couple of years since I have been there, they do get large crowds but the place is large.
Brian(MN)

brian(MN) · Aug 30, 2010

You mentioned a low clearance car. It should not be a problem. Parking is usually on the hills and, I believe, they have gravel paths in the lots. Of course, if it rains, all bets are off. I have been there twice on rainy days. I'd watch the radar before you leave home. I have only been there on Saturdays and sundays. Costs more to get in, but worth it. Last time I was there they were making a big thing of "no dogs alowd", must have had some problems.
Brian(MN)

DWF · Aug 30, 2010

(quoted from post at 00:22:33 08/31/10) When we go we stay at Mandan, ND. about 30 miles away. They always have room. Rollag is in the country so no trafic jams. get there early, the first parade is a 10:00. One of the first things to do is ride the train that circles around the place. Pick out what areas you want to see, you can't see it all in one day. It is hilly but there is alot of shade in the engine area. It has been a couple of years since I have been there, they do get large crowds but the place is large.
Brian(MN)

You must mean Fargo, Mandan is west of Bismarck 200 or more miles away.

I haven't been for a few years, but it's a great show with many things to see and lots of good eats.
DWF

brian(MN) · Aug 31, 2010

Whoops, I mean Wahpeton, ND, across the river from Breckenridge, we take highway 9 to Barnsville and then over to Rollag. We come from southern MN so this is convenient for us.
Brian(MN)

Rollag Steam Show

Howard H.

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just another old geezer

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M Nut

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Anonymous-0

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brian(MN)

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brian(MN)

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DWF

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brian(MN)

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