If your stay will be for one or two nights, or a week-end visit, consider the Hannah Marie Country Inn just south of Spencer. They feature central air and heating, softened water, bubbles for your bath, and ironed top sheets.

Weekly lodging can be found at the Prairie Cottage just north of Spencer. It sleeps a small group of 4-6 adults in two bedrooms with a futon couch and rollaway bed, or is extremely comfortable for a family of 6. Fix your own meals and save $ with our apt-sized stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishes, silverware, cups, glasses, linens, coffee maker, grill, etc. Our cottage also includes a video collection, TV, a desktop computer and Wireless Internet access, games, puzzles, and cards available for your enjoyment.

Don’t wait until the last moment, visit the Web sites of each lodging establishment and make your reservation early!

Spencer, Iowa ~ The Clay County Fair has come a long way since it grew out of a series of homestead era fairs, agricultural society expositions, a state high-wheel-bicycle meet, a trotting association and community barbecues and picnics — held in Spencer in 1871, only five years after pioneer settlers drove their covered wagons from Wisconsin to Spencer Grove. For entertainment this first fair ran races with horses and riders from Sioux Rapids, Peterson and Emmetsburg. Today, the Clay County fair is the largest county fair in the state of Iowa. It has the second largest agricultural exposition in North America. Bringing in over 310,000 visitors a year, the Clay County Fair is one of the largest county fairs in the USA.

If you plan to visit the fair this year, you will want to consider lodging at one of these fine northwest Iowa bed and breakfast establishments — and, be sure to visit their booth in the Ag Building’s basement during the run of the fair:

Spencer, Iowa ~ The Clay County Fair has from an initial series of homestead era fairs and agricultural society expositions held in Spencer in 1871 into the largest county fair in the state of Iowa.  It has the second largest agricultural exposition in North America and attracts over 310,000 visitors a year.  Accord to Fair Association reports, the Clay County Fair is one of the largest county fairs in the USA.

If you plan to visit the fair this year, you will want to consider lodging at one of these fine northwest Iowa bed and breakfast establishments — click here for a regional listing. and, be sure to visit their booth in the Ag Building’s basement during the run of the fair.

The Clay County Fair is filled with fun, excitement and lots of family activities.  Here is an example of one of the free performances from the 2008 venue:  Counsin Grumpy’s Singing Pig