Canterbury Park

[Learned Hand35]

I will be in the Twin Cities on business through this weekend. Unfortunately, it looks like I will just miss the beginning of live racing at CP. I figure I will at least try to enjoy some simulcast one, (or two), (or three evenings). This will be my first time visiting CP-and the TC for that matter.

After checking out CP's website, it looks like a taxi will be the only way to get there.

1. Anyone have a guestimation what a taxi from my hotel near the airport to CP would cost? (13.5 miles per mapquest.)

2. Any suggested way to get there without paying for a taxi, minus hitchhiking?

3. Other tips, tricks, freebees at CP?

4. Other things to check out at CP or a particular menu item to sample?

Any comment or insight is much appreciated.

[Bettowin]

Your hotel might have a shuttle that would take you out there. Might have to get a taxi back. The drive from you hotel should be quick since it is mostly freeway. I spent a lot of time at Canterbury but never needed a taxi, lived about 7 miles away:)

[JohnGalt1]

Can't help with transporation ideas, but Canterbury is smoke free, but does have out door areas to smoke.

There is also a card club with live poker and blackjack on the first floor if you arrive early or stay after the races you bet.

They run daily food specials on the third floor simulcast area, and there is a snack bar in the card club. The food is usually good at both.

I hope you have a good time.

If you make it there, I'm interested in reading a follow up report.

[toddbowker]

I will be in the Twin Cities on business through this weekend. Unfortunately, it looks like I will just miss the beginning of live racing at CP. I figure I will at least try to enjoy some simulcast one, (or two), (or three evenings). This will be my first time visiting CP-and the TC for that matter.

After checking out CP's website, it looks like a taxi will be the only way to get there.

1. Anyone have a guestimation what a taxi from my hotel near the airport to CP would cost? (13.5 miles per mapquest.)

2. Any suggested way to get there without paying for a taxi, minus hitchhiking?

3. Other tips, tricks, freebees at CP?

4. Other things to check out at CP or a particular menu item to sample?

Any comment or insight is much appreciated.
The cab ride to Canterbury could be very expensive, because depending on when you travel, that 13.5 miles could take you an hour or more. Traffic on I-494 west from the airport is very bad around rush hour. You might find it cheaper (especially if going multiple days) to rent a car. Either that or try getting a town car at the airport, which might have a fixed price option.

You can check for shuttle service, and don't forget to check for shuttles to Mystic Lake Casino, which is just a couple of miles down the road. You could hop a cab easily from the casino to Canterbury.

Food at Canterbury is pretty good in general. Not sure which areas they keep open during the off-season, but the clubhouse always had a good selection during the meet. They also have a very nice poker room to check out. If you are a beer drinker, grab a glass of Leinenkugels (technically Wisconsin, but very prevalent).

[Learned Hand35]

Thanks for the insight, everyone.

JG1: If I make it CP, I will definitely post a review.

[cnollfan]

I visited Canterbury for the first time in 2003 and have gone back every year except one. Although the racing quality has suffered in recent years due to slow horses and not enough of them, I love the place. Whatever environment you like at a track -- outside seating, indoor seating, restaurant seating, milling on the apron, paddock/walking ring, simulcast-intensive, tavern -- Canterbury has it. Concessions are better than the norm for a track. Friendly staff. At least for live racing, the crowd is not as old and jaded as has become typical at many tracks. Hope you like it as well.

[Jay Trotter]

Canterbury is an awesome track! Too bad you'll miss the live racing.

If one were going specifically for the racing, Mystic Lake Casino is definitely the way to go. Top notch hotel for about 60% the cost of an upscale hotel near the airport. Last time we were there they were running a stay two days get the third day free on top of the low rate.

Ironically, the casino doesn't have Poker -- the track has a full scale Poker Room if you're into that. Valley Fair is right near the track as well (like Six Flags). The Casino runs free shuttles to the Mall of America which is near the airport.

Mystic Lake Casino (http://www.mysticlake.com/)

[Track Phantom]

Learned. I'm from Minnesota but moved to Austin Texas in 2004. Prior to that, I was at Canterbury maybe 150 out of 365 days per year from 1986 to about 2002. In other words, got to know the place pretty well.

It's a great track but, as previously mentioned, the racing has suffered in quality. However, word is it may get a huge jolt if a racino is passed this year.

Overall, everyone has mentioned the key things. The poker area is great, if you like that. They have one of the best simulcasting areas. Always loved the fact that they offer free scratch sheet/program numbers for all tracks running. This saves you the need to buy a program for each if you already have the racing form. Those scratch sheets are the multicolored sheets near the information booth on the top floor.

[billyball]

the scratch sheets have been gone for years---

[JohnGalt1]

They now sell books of scratch sheets for $.50 each with about 5-8 tracks per book.