The Illinois State Capitol dome

Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack

Harness
Find the official site ↗Directions ↗Hotels nearby ↗

Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack is a harness racetrack in Springfield, Illinois. It races on a 1-mile clay oval.

Its signature race is the Illinois Colt Stakes.

The same mile oval is a famous dirt auto racing track that has hosted national championship races since 1934.

Track facts

Location
Springfield, Illinois
Racing
Harness
Track
1-mile clay oval
Racing season
Illinois State Fair (August)
Operator
Illinois Department of Agriculture (Illinois State Fair)
Nickname
The Springfield Mile

Signature races at Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack

Race day

When to go. Live racing runs illinois State Fair (August). Check the official site for post times and the current stakes schedule.

The view. Our illustration shows the Illinois State Capitol dome in the background.

Getting there. Directions to Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack and parking nearby.

Plan your trip to Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack

Hotels near Illinois State Fairgrounds RacetrackBook a stay for race day on ExpediaRace schedule & post timesLive racing dates and stakesParkingLots near the trackDirectionsMap to Illinois State Fairgrounds RacetrackTours & things to do in SpringfieldSightseeing, tours and more on ExpediaFood & drinks nearbySpots to eat before or after the races

Tracks near Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack10

  1. 1ThoroughbredFairmount Park Casino & Racing — St. Louis Derby (Collinsville, Illinois)84 mi
  2. 2HarnessDu Quoin State Fairgrounds Racetrack — Illinois Colt Stakes (Du Quoin, Illinois)130 mi
  3. 3ThoroughbredHawthorne Race Course — Illinois Derby (Stickney, Illinois)169 mi
  4. 4ThoroughbredEllis Park — Groupie Doll Stakes (Henderson, Kentucky)174 mi
  5. 5ThoroughbredHorseshoe Indianapolis — Indiana Derby (Shelbyville, Indiana)204 mi
  6. 6HarnessHarrah's Hoosier Park — Dan Patch Stakes (Anderson, Indiana)212 mi
  7. 7ThoroughbredChurchill Downs — Kentucky Derby (Louisville, Kentucky)236 mi
  8. 8ThoroughbredPrairie Meadows — Iowa Derby (Altoona, Iowa)237 mi
  9. 9HarnessOak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel — Harness racing (Oak Grove, Kentucky)250 mi
  10. 10ThoroughbredTurfway Park — Jeff Ruby Steaks (Florence, Kentucky)273 mi

Questions about Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack

Where is Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack?

Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack is in Springfield, Illinois.

What kind of racing is at Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack?

Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack hosts harness racing. Live racing runs illinois State Fair (August).

What is the biggest race at Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack?

The signature race at Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack is the Illinois Colt Stakes.

What other racetracks are near Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack?

The closest is Fairmount Park Casino & Racing in Collinsville, Illinois, about 84 miles away. See the full list of nearby tracks on this page.

Facts are for the 2026 racing season. Distances are straight-line miles. The illustration is original artwork, not a photo. See something wrong? Let us know. Is this your track? Get the “Listed on HorsetrackAtlas.com” badge for your website.