by Tesha M. Christensen
Count on family-friendly fun at Running Aces Harness Park
just off the I35 exit in Columbus. Admission to the park is free, and when you
pair that with the various discount days offered, it is an affordable night out
on any budget.
Horse racing at Running Aces is different from the
Thoroughbred racing found elsewhere in Minnesota. It’s much more fast-paced,
with only 10 to 15 minutes between each race. As soon as one race is done,
there are more horses on the track warming up for future races, so kids and
guests are always entertained by what is happening on the track.
This year’s racing season begins in mid-May and runs through
mid-September with racing on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sundays at 6
p.m.
Live programs list the leading drivers and trainers in the
early pages of the program. Noting the top five drivers and trainers at a
racetrack will always help drive successful wagers, recommends Aaron Bedessem
of Running Aces. “Kathy Plested, Nick Roland, Tim / Denise Maier, and
Gerry Longo are just a few of our leading trainers each year who plan on
returning for the 2018 race season,” he added.
Running Aces attracts horse owners, drivers and trainers from
across the country, and will continue to look for more barn space in the
community to attract more horses to the track.
GREAT
INFLATABLE RACE, OTHER EVENTS PLANNED
Monthly comedy shows, car shows, 5k races and vintage antique
and craft shows give the non-gaming guest a great experience.
Running Aces prides itself on being a good community partner
and working with many local organizations to create fun events for everyone.
The Great Inflatable Race returns on April 28. During
this obstacle fun run, contestants make their way through a series of giant
inflatable obstacles spread throughout the racecourse. “This fun but
challenging race will not only leave you smiling, but sweating, as well!”
promised Bedessem.
The Vintage Antique show will return in October.
Look online for nightly promotions for the race season.
CLOSEST
CASINO TO TWIN CITIES
Long accustomed to driving north to get to the cabin,
Minnesotans now turn their cars north for evening entertainment. Friendly staff
and the intimate, smoke-free facility makes Running Aces the most comfortable
and fun casino in the area, and the one closest to downtown Minneapolis and St.
Paul. Gaming is available 24/7.
Running Aces offers a cutting-edge, Las Vegas-style card room
with year-round Simulcast wagering and no commission or ante on any game. The
card room has a warm elegance with all of the hottest games, including $1
Blackjack, Pai Gow, 3- and 4-Card Poker, all limits in Texas Hold’em and more.
FISH
FOR TROUT, DINE ON SITE
Trout Air built a strong presence in the area from 1965-1998,
and Running Aces has brought back the nostalgia and traditional favorites they
once had.
The Trout Air Fishing Experience gives people a true
Minnesota experience without all the hassle. Catch the fish then let staff
clean and cook it just the way you want it! Or, opt to take home the fresh
fish. No fishing license required, and the fish are always biting.
Enjoy a cold drink or your fresh trout at the new outdoor Pub
on the Pond.
Trout Air Tavern restaurant has a downtown Minnesota taste,
and selection of local favorites with the pricing and service of a great
neighborhood restaurant. The open feel of the restaurant paired with gaming
sets it apart from anything in the area.
Trout Air Tavern uses a variety of locally sourced
ingredients. Fill your appetite every day with the famous Trout Air Recipes, a
Sunday Breakfast menu, and an expanded beer selection.
Last year’s new menu was very well received by guests. The
Trout Air chef created many new favorites that spin off traditional recipes,
such as the Tator Tot Hot Dish, that is made with steak bites. New items
added in fall 2017 include Chicken and Waffles and Smoked Pheasant Pot Pie, and
more are coming once the race season begins.
A new bar area in the Atrium is coming this year, and a
buffet option will be offered on race nights.
While there, keep a look out for the original wood art piece
entitled “Minnesota Grown.” Artist Leah Bedford used pieces of wood that were
donated or repurposed, including some that came from wine barrels and planks
from the old city hall in Columbus.
UPCOMING
HOTEL, ROAD CONSTRUCTION
This spring, Running Aces will break ground on a five-story,
120-room hotel. Rooms will overlook the track.
“There is a lot of potential for our land to develop even
more, and to bring some of the goals the comprehensive plan for the city of
Columbus has,” commented Bedessem. “We will continue to modify what we offer to
our guests to make sure we are the premier choice when people think about
entertainment options in Minnesota.”
Also this year, I-35, the 97 bridge and the frontage road
will all be going through major construction, which will pose some hurdles for
the north metro. Running Aces staff will make sure guests are informed of
construction updates.
“It has been fun to continue
to grow through the years and be able to expand our offerings,” said Bedessem.
“We have been able to develop great relationships with all of our guests because
of the personal experience we can give everyone.”
Printed in the 2018 Forest Lake Community Guide.
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