Altoona, Iowa, is located in the central region of the state, close to the state capital of Des Moines. There are many family activities in this town, with the most well known being Adventureland, a local amusement park. Altoona and the surrounding area is home to over 20 golf courses, as well as a wide array of restaurants, hotels and one casino: The Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino.
Prairie Meadows Racetrack
The Prairie Meadows racetrack is just one part of the Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino. The racetrack at Prairie Meadows runs live races from the months of April through October. The races are varied, as thoroughbred, quarter horse and harness racing all take their turns in the spotlight. This is the only racetrack in Altoona. The Racetrack is on the edge of town, and within a 10- to 15-minute drive of most of the area golf courses.
Prairie Meadows Racetrack
1 Prairie Meadows Dr.
PO Box 1000
Altoona, IA 50009-0901
(800) 325-9015
prairiemeadows.com/racing.cfm
Prairie Meadows Casino
The Prairie Meadows Casino is the only major casino in Altoona, and in 2009 was named by the Iowa Board of Tourism as Iowa's "Attraction of the Year." This casino and racetrack also offers fine dining and shows for entertainment. This combination allows the only casino in Altoona, Iowa to offer a variety of entertainment options. The casino is located outside of town and is within easy driving distance of several of the local area golf courses. The Prairie Meadows Casino offers nearly a thousand slot machines, as well as a poker room and multiple table games like roulette, blackjack and Pai-Gow.
Prairie Meadows Casino
prairiemeadows.com/casino.cfm
Entertainment & Dining at Prairie Meadows
The Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino offers several dining and entertainment options beyond gambling and racing. Prairie Meadows offers a wide range of concession stands around the track for those individuals who like a good old-fashioned hot dog or hamburger. There are two fine restaurants in the casino: AJ's Steakhouse and Triple Crown Eatery, which is more of a general family restaurant style as opposed to formal steakhouse.
There are many shows brought in for entertainment at Prairie Meadows, as well. B.B. King, Tom Jones, Kenny Rogers and ZZ Top are just a few of the bands that have been booked for shows at the Prairie Meadows Casino in Altoona. There are local bands lined up weekly, and lounge acts as well. A list of visiting bands can be found on the main Prairie Meadows website.
Prairie Meadows Dining
prairiemeadows.com/dining.cfm
About The Author
Shane Dayton is a professional freelance writer who has worked for the ACLU, Touchstone Publishing LLC, the University of Fairbanks Alaska, as well as many other employers. He takes pride in being a jack of all trades as a writer.
