Running Aces
Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
Running Aces 15201 Running Aces Blvd Columbus, MN 55025
Year Opened: 2008
A-OK in Minnesota
Running Aces racetrack in Columbus, Minnesota features live harness racing from May through September on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings. There is no clubhouse seating or grandstand, but visitors can reserve dining tables, either inside or out, to watch the races while they eat. There is also a casino taking up part of the space inside.
Food & Beverage 4
The restaurant inside Running Aces has table service both inside and out, but tables must be reserved for $10 each at least one day in advance. Walk ins for those tables may be accepted after the first or second race, if patrons don’t show up for their reservation.
If you don’t have a restaurant reservation you can order food from the Trout Air stand, located behind the wall after you walk around the bar. There are also two food trucks outside, on a patio to the left of the apron. The Trout Air stand offers items such as smoked trout dip, tacos, flatbread, wings and chicken tenders, wraps and burgers, fried rice and noodle bowls, and pot roast. The restaurant also offers patrons the unique opportunity to fish for their own dinner; visitors can literally catch their own trout on the property and have the kitchen prepare it. This feature is only offered seasonally, however, and I am not sure it is offered on race nights.
The food trucks by the apron offer basic fare such as hot dogs and burgers, or Asian cuisine such as egg rolls and giant bao buns. Running Aces also offers all-you-can-drink fountain soda from the fountain next to the Trout Air stand; restaurant patrons also get free non-alcoholic beverages in return for their $10 reservation fee.
The food here can be a bit hit or miss, and the restaurant staff did not appear very friendly toward walk-ins; it would have been helpful to better explain the food options to those who didn’t have a reservation.
Atmosphere 3
For those without dining reservations there are only a few tables outside, which fill up quickly, so most of us were relegated to the benches – at least they have backs, though. There is also no upper level to get a better view of the action on the far side of the track; you either have to watch from the apron or from the first floor inside the venue. There are plenty of betting machines but only two cashiers I saw, so the line to cash out was very long, and the lines for the betting machines were also long at times.
The staff does offer some unique activities on featured racing nights, such as a reptile petting zoo where you can hold snakes, lizards, and turtles. You can also pet the lead ponies in between races if you stand along the fence line. In addition, there are giveaways on certain nights; on my most recent visit they handed out free Running Aces-branded work gloves with your purchase of a program.
Neighborhood 3
Running Aces is about 25-30 minutes north of Minneapolis and St. Paul, with most of the local attractions centered around wildlife and nature, such as Blaine Wetland Sanctuary or Coon Lake County Park and Beach. There are also a few restaurants in the area, as well as several lodging options, including Running Aces Hotel on the racetrack’s property.
Fans 3
Running Aces racetrack gets pretty crowded during featured race days, but is less busy on a typical night. There is a lot more money in play on featured nights, but you might prefer going when it is less crowded. During my most recent visit I saw lots of families with kids, including some large parties inside the restaurant. And as at all horse tracks, the most crowd noise occurs at the end of a race, as fans cheer on their favorite or bemoan the huge betting windfall that got away – if only!
Access 4
Getting to Running Aces is simple enough, as it is located along a major highway and is not far from the Twin Cities. The crowd size did make it a little hard to move around during my most recent visit, but you should still be able to find a spot along the fence or a seat on one of the benches. There are bathrooms inside the facility, and the racetrack has its own entrance, so you won’t have to meander through the casino to get here.
Return on Investment 4
There is no cost to get into Running Aces; the $3 programs are helpful but not required. There is also no cost for parking, so the only thing you might have to pay for is the food. Skipping the dining tables will save you $10, although that does mean you won’t have a guaranteed place to sit. The free soda is definitely a plus, especially if you are bringing a large group.
I would definitely visit Running Aces again; now that I know the score, I can plan ahead to reserve a table. I also enjoyed the special activities they had on site, as well as the more relaxed atmosphere here vs. at some other horse tracks I have been to.
Extras 3
The back of the program has a map of the venue, which is helpful in finding the different food options and seating (be sure to read it early in the evening). The staff also brings in a red trailer on the patio next to the apron, which has a couple of betting machines plus the second cashier. This makes it easier to place a bet right before the off, although there are lines out here just like inside.
