Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
Experience thrilling horse racing, exciting casino gaming, and delicious dining at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the full thrill of the track
Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
Best Time
Experience the full thrill of the track
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience thrilling horse racing, exciting casino gaming, and delicious dining at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa.
"Phenomenal experience from start to finish! The steak was cooked perfectly—juicy, flavorful, and honestly one of the best I’ve had."
🎯 Free Racetrack Admission
Enjoy the excitement of horse racing without an entry fee! Great for families.
🏨 Book Hotel in Advance
Rooms can fill up, especially during events. Plan ahead for your stay.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Horse Racing
Racetrack
Experience the thunder of hooves and the thrill of a close race. Free admission makes it a great outing for all.
Casino Gaming Floor
Casino
Try your luck on a variety of slot machines and table games in a well-divided smoking and non-smoking environment.
Steakhouse Dining
Restaurant
Enjoy a perfectly cooked, juicy steak at reasonable prices, often cited as a highlight by visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Prairie Meadows
+1Navigating the Casino & Track
The casino is nicely divided into smoking and non-smoking sections. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Racetrack Admission
Enjoy the excitement of horse racing without an entry fee! Great for families.
🏨 Book Hotel in Advance
Rooms can fill up, especially during events. Plan ahead for your stay.
🎰 Slots Hit Well
Some visitors report good luck with slot machines, better than in neighboring states.
🍽️ Steakhouse Recommendation
Don't miss the steakhouse for a perfectly cooked, flavorful, and reasonably priced meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Racetrack Admission
Enjoy the excitement of horse racing without an entry fee! Great for families.
🏨 Book Hotel in Advance
Rooms can fill up, especially during events. Plan ahead for your stay.
🎰 Slots Hit Well
Some visitors report good luck with slot machines, better than in neighboring states.
🍽️ Steakhouse Recommendation
Don't miss the steakhouse for a perfectly cooked, flavorful, and reasonably priced meal.
🚭 Smoking/Non-Smoking
The casino is well-divided, offering comfortable options for both smokers and non-smokers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Prairie Meadows for its excellent steakhouse, friendly staff, and well-maintained hotel rooms. The free admission to the racetrack is a significant draw, and many find the casino slots to be more rewarding than in neighboring states. However, some guests have experienced issues with casino credits and found the slots to be 'tight' at times.
"Phenomenal experience from start to finish! The steak was cooked perfectly—juicy, flavorful, and honestly one of the best I’ve had in a long time. Prices were very reasonable for the quality, which makes it even better.
The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and our server was excellent—attentive without being overbearing and really made the experience enjoyable. Definitely a top spot I’d recommend to anyone looking for a great steak dinner. I’ll absolutely be coming back."
David Plask
"The hotel side is pretty solid. The rooms are well laid out and housekeeping is daily. No microwave in the rooms. All of the staff I interacted with were very friendly. Plenty of parking. Only downside is the slots are pretty tight. They do have the casino divided nicely between smoking and non-smoking though."
John
"Second time I've stayed here for a conference. Rooms are spacious and clean. Cleaning service is offered daily. Mini fridge and safe in room, but no microwave.
Staff very helpful and friendly.
Hotel bar, and very reasonable priced Cafe.
Casino has a steak house, additional bars, and I think a snack bar as well.
Actually, had some luck playing slots at the casino this time as well. Won two jackpots in 24 hrs!"
Sarah Rodriguez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Prairie Meadows is located in Altoona, Iowa. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors arrive from Des Moines and surrounding areas.
Public transportation options directly to Prairie Meadows may be limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services. Check local Des Moines transit for potential routes.
Use GPS navigation to 'Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, Altoona, Iowa'. It's a prominent landmark in the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the racetrack is free!
Casino hours typically extend late into the night, while racetrack hours vary based on the live racing schedule. Check their official website for the most up-to-date information on racing days and casino hours.
You must be 21 years or older to enter the casino and gamble. Minors are allowed in certain areas of the racetrack, but not in the casino.
Yes, Prairie Meadows has a hotel on-site. It's advisable to book rooms in advance, especially during peak seasons or events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Beyond horse racing and casino gaming, Prairie Meadows hosts live music, concerts, and special events throughout the year.
Yes, Prairie Meadows features multiple dining options, including a popular steakhouse, a cafe, and various bars.
The racetrack area is family-friendly, with free admission and activities for kids.
Hotel rooms are described as spacious, clean, and well-laid out, with daily housekeeping. They typically include a mini-fridge and safe, but no microwave.
The casino is divided into separate smoking and non-smoking sections, offering a comfortable environment for all guests.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Prairie Meadows offers a steakhouse known for its quality and reasonable prices, a cafe with affordable options, and several bars.
Many visitors find the prices, especially at the steakhouse, to be very reasonable for the quality of food served.
Yes, besides the steakhouse and cafe, there are likely snack bars or casual dining spots within the casino complex.
Yes, bars are available at the racetrack to enjoy beverages while watching the races.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the action of the horse races on the track, the vibrant casino floor, or the modern hotel architecture. The winner's circle can also be a great photo op.
Yes, you can take photos of the horses in the paddock area and during the races. Be mindful of safety regulations and avoid disturbing the animals or jockeys.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas, and it's always best to avoid photographing other guests without their permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are also concessions available for snacks and drinks. While the casino floor is strictly for those 21 and older, families can enjoy a day out by focusing on the racetrack events. The open spaces and the thrill of the races can be captivating for younger visitors. Just be mindful of the racing schedule and plan your visit accordingly to maximize family fun.
💰 Budget Travelers
You can also find reasonably priced food options, especially at the steakhouse, which offers excellent value for the quality. While gambling can be expensive, setting a budget and sticking to it can make the casino experience more affordable. The availability of free parking and the general accessibility of the venue further contribute to its budget-friendly appeal.
couples
If visiting during the racing season, the thrill of the horse races provides an exciting shared experience. The combination of good food, entertainment, and a lively atmosphere makes it a versatile spot for couples looking for an engaging evening out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Horse Racing at Prairie Meadows
+2The racing experience is enhanced by the various dining and bar options available around the track, allowing you to enjoy a full day of entertainment. For those interested in the sport, understanding the racing schedule is key to planning your visit. The track hosts different types of races, adding variety to the viewing experience.
+1Beyond the races themselves, the energy of the crowd and the visual spectacle of the jockeys in their colorful silks contribute to a memorable experience. It's a chance to witness the athleticism of the horses and the skill of the riders up close.
Casino Gaming and Entertainment
Beyond gaming, Prairie Meadows is a hub for entertainment. They frequently host live music performances, concerts, and special events, featuring a variety of artists and genres.
+1 This makes it a dynamic destination that offers more than just gambling, providing a lively atmosphere for an evening out. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, the casino also features several bars where you can enjoy a drink and soak in the energetic ambiance. The combination of gaming, live entertainment, and social spaces makes Prairie Meadows a comprehensive entertainment venue.
Dining Delights at Prairie Meadows
In addition to the steakhouse, visitors can find more casual dining options, including a cafe and various bars located throughout the property.
The reasonable pricing across its dining establishments makes Prairie Meadows an attractive destination for those seeking good food without breaking the bank. It’s a place where you can enjoy a satisfying meal as part of your overall entertainment experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit