Two suburban Chicago tracks make a day at the races great entertainment. While the horses are the main feature, they are by no means all you’ll find to see and do while there. Two area B&B’s provide great places to stay before and after your outing.
Arlington International Racecourse, located about 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, is a long-standing favorite. The beautiful grounds provide a perfect setting for an afternoon of thoroughbred racing. The season is May through September, with races Thursday through Sunday afternoons. With each general admission ticket, visitors can enjoy up-close views in the areas along the track rails, and have access to area through the Paddock and Park, including the Picnic Grove lawn, the Apron Level—Arlington’s main level—where there are the betting tellers and concessions. You’ll find more food choices at Mr. D’s Sports Bar. The racecourse’s website has updated listings of race days and times.
Arlington International Racecourse
2200 West Euclid Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL
847-870-7223
About 30-minutes southwest of downtown Chicago is Cicero, Illinois, where you’ll find the Hawthorne Race Course. This track offers a variety of racing and entertainment year-round, including thoroughbred and harness racing. Hawthorne also provides simulcast racing. The family-friendly track feature a host of promotional events, such as the Night of Champions—scheduled for September 22, 2018—which is billed as Illinois’ biggest night of harness racing.
Hawthorne Race Course
3501 S. Laramie, Cicero, IL
708-780-3700
Nestled on the shores of Lake Zurich, Illinois, not far from Arlington Heights, is Shady Oaks Bed & Breakfast. Once a summer lake resort, the inn has five luxury suites that feature the charm of the earlier era and modern conveniences.
Shady Oaks Bed & Breakfast
15 Lakeview Place, Lake Zurich
847-438-6797
Located in the heart of downtown Naperville—about 45 minutes from Cicero—is Harrison House Bed & Breakfast. The historic Victorian inn has six guest rooms and offers delicious organic breakfasts.
Harrison House Bed & Breakfast
20 North Eagle Street, Naperville, IL
630-420-1117
Both B&B’s are members of the Illinois Bed and Breakfast Association … a unique lodging experience!