We stopped by Fonner Park on our way to Kearney to catch some live thoroughbred racing, and it made for a fun and memorable spring stop. A few quick tips: admission is free, gates open at noon, and races usually start around 1:30 PM. There is a hut looking thing at the gates where you can pick up a program for $1 but it's not necessary if you're not bidding. Now, something I think more people should know: horse racing isn't as fancy as it sometimes looks on TV. The horses are beautiful, and yes--you can dress up and lean into that vibe--but the setting itself is pretty casual and real. Think concrete floors, the smell of horses, smoking, and plenty of people enjoying drinks while they watch the races. It's more laid-back, community hangout than polished event--and honestly, that's part of the charm. We arrived early and visited the paddock first--it's a great spot to see the jockeys prepping the horses and gives kids (and first-timers) a closer look at the action. The paddock area is fairly simple (just an enclosed space on the lower level with a wall of windows), but still worth checking out. On this floor, you'll find concessions, picnic tables, and access to the paddock. The upper floor is where the indoor seating and restaurants are. Seating can be a little confusing at first--there's a mix of benches, first-come spots, and reserved sections--but if you stay flexible and ask questions, you'll figure it out. We ended up watching races from the outdoor area on the lower level, which we preferred. The crowd is a mix of all ages, and it felt very family-friendly overall. We grabbed lunch at the on-site Finish Line Restaurant. The food was just okay, but the service really stood out--our servers were busy but one gal went above and beyond for our kids (the applesauce and cookies were a nice touch). We stayed for a couple of races and headed out, but it's easy to see why this is a go-to spring tradition for a lot of people. Whether you're there for the horses, the atmosphere, or just a casual day out, it's a unique Nebraska experience. read more

Race tracks. This one draws packed houses on a regular basis. Live races run in the spring. Bar food, bud lights, and bad bets flow freely. If you are into horse races, come and try it. I am not, so I am a bit dazed and confused by this all. read more

Fonner Park Race Track - Horse Racing Near Me - Grand Island, Nebraska

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Is it possible to have good powder for a race track? The opening day here was delayed due to a snow-storm, but come Saturday the course was cleared and the track condition good. They've been having meets here for 56 years now, and thus the place has the feel of a real old-time horse track, notwithstanding the moderne turf club and OTB areas. For comparisons I can only gauge it by Nebraska horse tracks and New York horse tracks, apart from the few slimy dog-tracks and jai-alai frontons which have come across my path. The erstwhile Ak-Sar-Ben in Omaha was this track's bold bigger brother, a place you could even park your car in the in-field it used to be that crowded. State Fair Park in Lincoln just never had the right feel to it, too clean and upholstered. People on Yelp like Saratoga and Belmont (and even give these joints 5 stars) cos they can't believe it's so fun to have a drink and gamble maybe, or even worse they like the fact that "you can bring a cooler, food and a lawn chair." Which is why I despise the NY tracks--is this a 4-H picnic or a gambling hall? Only a damn fool would bring a lawn chair to Fonner (and no other self-respecting Nebraskan betting man or woman would either) and if you are so cheap you bring your own food and cooler, you are too cheap to even lay down a $2 show bet or buy a racing form. Stay home and watch NASCAR. And even though Saratoga is some kind of grande olde dame, Fonner blows it all to hell. read more

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