Canterbury Park is located in Shakopee, Minn., and it is a very popular horse racing track in the state of Minnesota. Canterbury Park held their first race in 1985, and the original name of the race track was Canterbury Downs.
Even though horse racing is the big draw at Canterbury Park, several other attractions and events take place at the track. There is a card casino on the property that is open daily, and some family-friendly activities as well.
Minnesota has a very limited casino gaming industry, and betting of any kind is attractive to residents of the state. You won’t see a ton of traditional casino games at Canterbury Park, but there are plenty of betting opportunities.
Canterbury Park Horse Racing
Canterbury Park hosts nearly 70 racing days each year, and the racing season runs from May to September. Canterbury Park has hosted the Claiming Crown almost every year since the inception of the race in 1999.
The Mystic Lake Derby is also hosted at Canterbury Park, which offers the biggest purse of any race that takes place at the race track. The Canterbury Park website lists all of the upcoming horse racing events, and events usually take place every Thursday through Sunday during racing season.
Outdoor seating is the best way to enjoy the races at Canterbury Park, but there are also some indoor seating options. Simulcast betting is available at the racetrack, and guests can enjoy several food and drink options as well.
Canterbury Park Casino Games
Since Canterbury Park is not a casino, slot machines are not offered at the property. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t casino games, and many table games are offered in the casino card room.
Table games are offered each day, and all of the most popular games are available to customers. Numerous forms of blackjack, baccarat, and poker-style games are played at Canterbury Park, and tournaments are offered throughout the year as well.
Table games are open from 10 am until 4 am each day, and Canterbury Park will take your reservation at your favorite table. They also offer many tournaments, and customers can reserve their spot in one of these upcoming events.
The MVP Rewards Program is also available to frequent visitors of Canterbury Park, and rewards program members can earn great rewards for being loyal customers.
Canterbury Park Hotel Accommodations
Even though there aren’t any places to stay at Canterbury Park, there are several great locations just minutes away. Canterbury Park has a partnership with the Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel, and there are some great promotions for fans that visit the race track.
Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel is located just five minutes away from Canterbury Park, and there are close to 800 luxurious rooms on the property. Complimentary valet parking, free Wi-Fi, and an indoor pool are just a number of the amenities provided with a reservation.
The Canterbury Park website also offers eight other hotels that are close to the park and offer some deals for fans that visit the park. Staying at Canterbury Park might not be an option, but there are plenty of great hotels nearby.
Canterbury Park Dining Options
Horse racing might be the biggest draw at Canterbury Park, but the huge list of dining options attracts many guests as well. There are 11 different food and drink options that can be found at Canterbury Park, and each offers a different type of dining.
The dining options are located throughout the racetrack and in the casino card room, and guests can choose what option looks best to them. Live racing events offer additional dining options with some concession stands opening up for the fans.
The Canterbury Cantina, Chips Bar and Restaurant, and Triple Crown Restaurant are three of the sit-down type restaurants offered at Canterbury Park. The Triple Crown Buffet, Pizza and Pasta, and Chips Express give guests delicious food quickly.
Horse racing fans won’t leave hungry if they attend a race or visit the casino and Canterbury Park.
Canterbury Park Entertainment and Events
Horse racing is the biggest entertainment that takes place at Canterbury Park, but the racetrack is home to other large events as well. Live music concerts take place on the track during the offseason, and there are many other events that take place in the casino card room.
Canterbury Park also allows companies to host an event at the property, and they offer several different meeting locations. Catering options are available from the various restaurants located at Canterbury Park.
Canterbury Park Family Fun
Canterbury Park strives to create a family-friendly atmosphere, and there are many attractions geared towards the younger generation of fans. Anyone under the age of 17 is admitted free to Canterbury Park, and from there, they can enjoy many attractions besides the racing.
The Pepsi Playground is available at Canterbury Park, and it is a huge playground for kids of all ages. The playground area was originally designed for the movie “Jingle All the Way.”
Little Big Thrill Factory is only available on live racing days, but it provides several great attractions for all members of the family. Young fans can also have the opportunity to pet a horse or receive a free pair of goggles from the jockeys after the race.