Canterbury Park

Canterbury Park — Gaming Floor

Canterbury Park occupies a unique position in Minnesota’s gaming landscape as the Minneapolis metro area’s premier card club and live horse racing facility. Operating under a state license since 1994, Canterbury Park Holding Corporation has developed this 60,000-square-foot gaming destination into something distinctly different from traditional tribal casinos. The facility operates as a card club, offering electronic games and unbanked table games rather than conventional casino banking games. However, this distinctive regulatory framework has allowed Canterbury Park to establish itself as a significant player among Minnesota casinos, attracting gaming enthusiasts from across the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

The gaming floor houses over 1,500 electronic gaming machines, creating an expansive environment that rivals many traditional casinos in scope and variety. Furthermore, Canterbury Park features approximately 60 gaming tables offering unbanked games where players compete against each other rather than against the house. The poker room stands as a particular highlight, consistently ranking among the finest poker destinations in the Upper Midwest region. Regular tournaments draw serious players from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and surrounding states, with events ranging from daily low-stakes competitions to major weekend series featuring substantial prize pools.

Notably, the facility’s unique legal status allows for 18+ gaming, making it accessible to a broader demographic than most gaming venues. Canterbury Park operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing round-the-clock gaming action for dedicated players. The non-smoking environment ensures comfortable conditions for all patrons, while the Canterbury Rewards loyalty program provides regular players with points, comps, and exclusive tournament access.

Horse Racing Heritage

Canterbury Park remains Minnesota’s only active thoroughbred and quarter horse racing facility, maintaining a proud tradition that predates the gaming expansion. Live racing seasons run from May through September, featuring both thoroughbred and quarter horse meets that attract substantial crowds and significant parimutuel wagering handle. The track’s one-mile oval and modern facilities provide an authentic racing experience that has sustained itself in an increasingly challenging industry environment.

The simulcast center operates year-round, allowing patrons to wager on races from major tracks across North America including Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, Santa Anita, and Gulfstream Park. In addition, international racing from venues like Royal Ascot and the Dubai World Cup provides additional wagering opportunities. The Canterbury Park racing program has produced numerous stakes winners and maintains strong purse structures that attract quality horsemen from throughout the Midwest region.

Dining & Nightlife

Dining options at Canterbury Park cater to diverse tastes and budgets, anchored by the Canterbury Food Court which offers quick-service options perfect for gaming breaks. The Racehorse Bar & Grill provides a full-service dining experience with American cuisine favorites, craft beers, and specialty cocktails. Meanwhile, the Turf Club offers upscale dining with track views during racing season, creating an authentic thoroughbred racing atmosphere that combines fine dining with the excitement of live racing action.

The nightlife scene centers around Canterbury Park Live, the facility’s entertainment venue, and the Infield Bar, which provides a casual atmosphere for drinks and socializing. Canterbury Park Live hosts regular concerts, comedy shows, and special events that draw audiences beyond the gaming clientele. The venue’s strategic location and diverse entertainment programming have made it a significant cultural destination for the south Minneapolis metropolitan area.

Amenities & Entertainment

Canterbury Park’s 2,500-capacity outdoor concert venue represents one of the most significant entertainment amenities among casinos in Minneapolis Area. This amphitheater-style facility hosts major touring acts, local festivals, and corporate events throughout the warmer months. The venue’s excellent acoustics and sightlines, combined with ample parking and easy highway access, have made it a preferred destination for both artists and audiences.

Event spaces throughout Canterbury Park accommodate trade shows, private parties, corporate meetings, and community gatherings. As a result, the facility serves multiple functions beyond gaming and racing, establishing itself as a versatile entertainment and event destination. Free parking remains available throughout the property, a significant advantage in an urban market where parking fees are increasingly common at entertainment venues.

Furthermore, the facility’s location provides easy access to both Minneapolis and St. Paul, making it convenient for residents throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The combination of gaming, racing, dining, and entertainment creates a comprehensive destination that can accommodate diverse groups and interests within a single visit.

Plan Your Visit

Canterbury Park welcomes guests 18 and older, operating continuously throughout the week with no closing hours. The non-smoking environment ensures comfort for all visitors, though designated smoking areas are available outside the gaming floor. Free parking eliminates one common concern for budget-conscious visitors, while the Canterbury Rewards program provides immediate benefits for first-time guests who sign up upon arrival.

During racing season (May through September), visitors can combine gaming with live thoroughbred and quarter horse racing, creating a unique entertainment experience unavailable elsewhere in Minnesota. Off-season visits still provide full gaming access plus simulcast wagering from tracks nationwide. The facility’s location south of Minneapolis provides convenient highway access while avoiding downtown traffic congestion.

Special events and tournaments are regularly scheduled, particularly in the poker room where weekend series and holiday tournaments offer enhanced prize pools. Concert schedules and special dining events are typically announced well in advance, allowing visitors to plan comprehensive entertainment experiences that extend beyond gaming activities.

Frequently Asked Questions