What the CHS Miracle of Birth Center Is
The CHS Miracle of Birth Center is a barn at the Minnesota State Fair where visitors watch farm animals being born. Calves, lambs, goats and piglets arrive during the fair's twelve days, and eggs hatch on site. It is one of the most popular free exhibits at the fair, and an estimated half or more of all fairgoers come through. Its purpose is to show city and country visitors where food animals come from and what veterinarians do. In 2026 the center marked its 25th year with 160 newborns: 10 calves, 125 piglets and 25 lambs.
What You See
- Births. Sheep lambing and swine farrowing take place during the fair, along with egg hatching. Around 200 calves, lambs and piglets are born there in a typical year.
- Veterinary care. Volunteer veterinarians work and sleep on site, and visitors learn the role vets play in births and animal care.
- Food animal production. Displays cover egg production systems and the work of raising food animals.
- FFA activities. The adjoining FFA Chapter House and Leadership Center hosts daily hands-on activities led by FFA members from across the state.
How It Works Behind the Scenes
- Animals come in before the fairFarms across Minnesota send animals to the center, some arriving a couple of days before opening. They go back home after the fair.
- Around-the-clock careStaff and volunteers work long days, typically 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and animals are checked about every hour. Some volunteers sleep in the building.
- Keeping coolKeeping animals comfortable is key during births and hatching.
- Visitors watchFairgoers file through and see the births and newborns up close.
Who Runs It
The center began in 2001 as a collaboration between FFA, the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, and moved to its current spot in 2006. Volunteers from FFA, the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association and the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine staff it. In 2026 Minnesota Pork Board volunteers also helped staff the barn.
Cost
The exhibit is free to visit once you are inside the fairgrounds. Fair admission in 2026 was $20 for adults 13 to 64, $18 for seniors and kids 5 to 12, and free for children 4 and under. Discount tickets were $17 before the fair opened.
Where
Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Avenue N, Saint Paul, MN 55108. The center sits next to the Lee and Rose Warner Coliseum.
Key Dates
The 2026 fair ran August 27 to September 7. The 2027 fair is set for August 26 to Labor Day, September 6, 2027.
Questions
Is it free?
Yes. It is a free exhibit, though you need fair admission to enter the grounds.
Do the animals stay?
No. They come from Minnesota farms and return home after the fair.
Who staffs it?
Volunteers from FFA, the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association and the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.
Can kids join in?
The neighboring FFA Chapter House and Leadership Center runs daily hands-on activities led by FFA members.
Official Links
- Animals at the fair: Miracle of Birth Center and FFA Chapter House
- Fair schedule: Miracle of Birth Center: free exhibit, what it shows
- CBS Minnesota: inside the Miracle of Birth Center: history and daily routine
- 2026 fair wrap-up: 25th year, 160 newborns
- KSTP: 2026 ticket prices
Minnesota County Fairs and the State Fair: The Essentials
Minnesota county fairs ran from Hennepin's June 11 to 13 fair to Lac qui Parle's September 10 to 13 fair in 2026, per a county fair list. Dates may change.
State Fair
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair ran August 27 to September 7, and the 2027 fair is August 26 to September 6, per the fair's recap.
Ownership and entries
Animals must be identified in 4-H Online by May 15, and market animals cannot be leased, per Extension's animal ID page. State Fair 4-H registration goes through users.mnstatefair.org.
Livestock
The State Fair 4-H livestock departments include beef and dairy cattle, goats, poultry, rabbits, sheep and swine, per the 4-H page.
Auction
The Purple Ribbon Auction raised more than $1.35 million for 115 4-H members in 2026.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension office for your fair book and deadlines.
Weights, residency and sale rules differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Minnesota County Fairs and the State Fair
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Minnesota State Fair
The Great Minnesota Get Together runs twelve days ending on Labor Day, with 4-H and FFA livestock shows, the Miracle of Birth Center and the Purple Ribbon Auction. The 2027 fair is set for Aug. 26 to Sept. 6, 2027.
- Minnesota State Fair Purple Ribbon Auction
Auction of champion 4-H livestock held during the State Fair. The 2026 sale set six new record prices, raised more than $1.35 million for 115 4-H members and funded $130,000 in scholarships for 44 youth.
- Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show
The largest youth horse show in Minnesota, a statewide show and knowledge contest for qualifying 4-H Horse Program members. Admission is free. The most recent show ran Sept. 18-21, 2026.
1265 Snelling Avenue N, Saint Paul, MN 55108 | Organizer: Minnesota 4-H Horse PDC Official event details - Minnesota Beef Expo
Midwest beef industry event drawing nearly 5,000 people each year, with youth activities, educational sessions and a cattle sale. Admission is free. The most recent edition ran Oct. 15-18, 2026.
1265 Snelling Avenue N, Saint Paul, MN 55108 Official event details - Olmsted County 4-H Officer Training
Training for 2026-2027 Olmsted County 4-H club officers, 6-8 p.m., with a volunteer training held the same evening. Held each year; the most recent date was November 12, 2026.
Rochester, MN Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.