Canterbury Park
A 24/7 entertainment hub featuring thrilling horse racing, a bustling casino, live concerts, and diverse dining options.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime horse racing season
Canterbury Park
Best Time
Prime horse racing season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 24/7 entertainment hub featuring thrilling horse racing, a bustling casino, live concerts, and diverse dining options.
"A place where anyone from serious horseplayers to families with kids can have a fun afternoon/evening."
🎯 Book Restaurant Tables
For the best viewing of races, call ahead to reserve a table in the restaurant. It's a small fee for a great experience .
🐎 See Horses Up Close
Visit the paddock area to see the racehorses before they run. Kids love this!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Horse Racing
The Track
Experience the thrill of live horse racing, with beautiful horses and exciting finishes. A must-see for any visitor!
Casino & Card Room
Casino Floor
Try your luck at the 24/7 casino, featuring slots, table games, and a popular poker room.
Concerts & Events
Event Center / Outdoor Stage
Enjoy live music and special events, from major headliners to local festivals like the Autumn Festival .
Paddock Area
Paddock
Get up close to the magnificent racehorses before they head to the track. A favorite for families .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Horse Racing & Entertainment Hub
Navigating Your Visit
Parking can be challenging during major events like the 4th of July.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Restaurant Tables
For the best viewing of races, call ahead to reserve a table in the restaurant. It's a small fee for a great experience.
🐎 See Horses Up Close
Visit the paddock area to see the racehorses before they run. Kids love this!
📅 Check Event Schedule
Don't miss out! Check CanterburyPark.com for racing schedules, concerts, and special events like the Autumn Festival.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be difficult during major events like the 4th of July fireworks. Plan accordingly or consider VIP options if available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Restaurant Tables
For the best viewing of races, call ahead to reserve a table in the restaurant. It's a small fee for a great experience.
🐎 See Horses Up Close
Visit the paddock area to see the racehorses before they run. Kids love this!
📅 Check Event Schedule
Don't miss out! Check CanterburyPark.com for racing schedules, concerts, and special events like the Autumn Festival.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be difficult during major events like the 4th of July fireworks. Plan accordingly or consider VIP options if available.
💸 Casino & Poker
Explore the 24/7 casino, slots, table games, and a popular poker room for gambling enthusiasts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Canterbury Park is widely praised as a versatile entertainment venue offering thrilling horse racing, a lively casino, and engaging concerts. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff, diverse food options, and the opportunity to see horses up close. However, parking can be a significant issue during major events, leading to congestion and delays.
"Always a great time at Canterbury! We live in FL and come up during the summer and this place is always on our list. They have plenty of delicious food options, drinks, cards, and a beautiful paddock! I was fortunate enough to attend both the beer fest and Uncorked wine fest and both were amazing!"
Dee Dyke
"Had a great time celebrating my mom's 60th birthday. My dad got two tables for 8 people, and it was around $45 to do so. My niece (11 year old) loved seeing the horses up close when we did go down by the track. She also enjoyed the mac and cheese along with ice cream. The flowers are gorgeous as well!"
Rachel Pietruszewski (TheRachelPie)
"What a wonderful & fun track. Bustling but not overcrowded, but more importantly it’s thoroughly staffed with helpful people. It’s a beautiful place to watch horses. Great amenities from clubhouse menu to numerous food stands. Bourbon chicken sandwich was very good. Had a basic turkey sandwich night before from Bo Diddley’s; hit the spot! A place where anyone from serious horseplayers to families with kids can have a fun afternoon/evening."
Mark Hillman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Canterbury Park is located at 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee, MN 55379. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is available, though it can be challenging during major events.
Information on public transportation options can vary. It's best to check local transit schedules for routes serving Shakopee, MN, or consider ride-sharing services.
Canterbury Park offers parking, but it can become congested during popular events like the 4th of July fireworks. Some areas might offer VIP parking for special events.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted. Canterbury Park has numerous food and drink options available for purchase throughout the venue.
Yes, Canterbury Park strives to be accessible. Reviews mention accessible bathrooms and food/drink options, especially during concerts.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission for horse racing is often affordable, with some sources suggesting a small fee for restaurant seating. Check the official Canterbury Park website for the most current pricing and any special ticket packages.
Entry to the casino floor itself is typically free, but you will need to purchase chips or credits to play games. Specific events or concerts held within the park may require separate tickets.
Yes, depending on the event (concerts, festivals, racing), there can be various ticket tiers, including general admission, VIP packages, and reserved seating. Always check the event details on CanterburyPark.com.
Yes, tickets for most events, including concerts and special festivals, can be purchased online through the official Canterbury Park website or authorized ticketing partners.
Canterbury Park features a 24/7 casino. Horse racing schedules and other event hours vary. It's essential to check the specific schedule for racing days, concerts, and festivals on their official website.
🎫 🏇 Onsite Experience
Canterbury Park offers a 24/7 casino, live music, concerts, special events like craft sales
Yes, Canterbury Park is considered family-friendly. Visitors mention kids enjoying seeing the horses up close in the paddock and specific food options like mac and cheese. Major events often have activities for all ages.
The atmosphere is often described as bustling and fun, especially on race days and during major events. It can be lively with a mix of serious bettors, casual observers, and families.
Absolutely! Canterbury Park is a premier horse racing venue where you can place bets on live races. They also offer simulcast racing from other tracks.
For the best viewing, consider booking a table in the restaurant. You can also get close to the track or watch from various seating areas throughout the park.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Canterbury Park offers a wide range of dining options, from casual food stands with items like bourbon chicken sandwiches and turkey sandwiches to more upscale restaurant menus. They also cater to kids with options like mac and cheese.
While specific buffet details can change, Canterbury Park has historically offered buffet options. It's best to check their current dining offerings on their website.
Yes, numerous bars and drink stations are available throughout Canterbury Park, offering a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Some events may have dedicated bars.
Dining options can vary. It's advisable to check menus at specific food outlets or inquire with staff about vegetarian or vegan choices.
Yes, reserving a table, especially in the restaurant, is highly recommended for prime race viewing and can be done by calling ahead.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the excitement of the live horse races, the beauty of the horses in the paddock,
Yes, you can take photos of the horses, especially in the paddock area before races.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require special permits. Always check with park management if you plan extensive shoots.
Late afternoon and early evening during racing hours often provide beautiful lighting. For concerts, consider the stage lighting and crowd energy.
The paddock area offers close-ups of the horses.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the casino and poker rooms are adult-oriented, the main attraction of live horse racing is engaging for all ages. Consider booking a restaurant table for a comfortable viewing experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for food specials or casual dining options rather than fine dining. While some events might have higher ticket prices, many racing days offer a full day of entertainment for a modest cost. Checking the schedule for free events or promotions can also help save money.
💑 Couples
Consider attending one of their concerts or special events for a more lively date night. The park's diverse offerings mean you can tailor the evening to your preferences, whether it's a relaxed afternoon of racing or an energetic night out with live music.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Horse Racing Experience
Visitors can place bets on various races, from win and place to more complex exotics. The paddock area is a highlight, allowing guests to see the horses up close before they enter the starting gate, a feature particularly enjoyed by families.For an enhanced viewing experience, consider booking a table in the Canterbury Park restaurant. This often involves a nominal fee but provides excellent sightlines of the track and access to dining services.
Reviews often praise the well-staffed and helpful nature of the park's employees, contributing to a positive overall experience. Whether you're a serious handicapper or just looking for an exciting afternoon out, Canterbury Park delivers a comprehensive horse racing experience.
Beyond the Track: Entertainment & Casino
Throughout the year, Canterbury Park hosts a diverse range of concerts and special events. From major musical acts like Three Dog Night
and craft sales, there's always something happening. These events often draw large crowds and offer a different kind of excitement compared to the races. The park also features various dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants, ensuring visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the entertainment.Reviews highlight the park's ability to cater to different audiences, from serious gamblers to families enjoying a day out.
Planning for Special Events
These occasions offer unique experiences but also require careful planning. Parking can become a major challenge during these high-attendance events, with reviews noting difficulties navigating out of the venue.For major events, consider arriving early or exploring any available VIP options, which might include dedicated parking, seating, and amenities like private bars and restrooms.
Community discussions and reviews emphasize that while these events are often fantastic, being prepared for larger crowds and potential logistical hurdles is key to maximizing enjoyment. The Autumn Festival, for instance, is noted for its arts and crafts vendors, providing a family-friendly shopping and entertainment experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit