Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack

1964 — The Preiner family established a trout farm on the property that later became part of Running Aces.

1974 — The family opened Trout Haus as the Trout Air operation expanded to include dining.

1999 — Trout Air closed to make way for the Running Aces development.

2003 — North Metro Harness, Inc. applied for a Class A license to build a harness racetrack in Columbus Township.

2004 — The Minnesota Racing Commission initially denied the application. Its concerns included road access and transportation, horse stalls and accommodations, local opposition, and potential competition with Canterbury Park. North Metro later provided new information, including a proposed agreement with the horsemen’s association to supplement Canterbury’s purses, and the commission voted to reconsider.

2005 — The commission granted North Metro Class A and Class B licenses in January. During reconsideration, it found the revised stabling and transportation plans adequate and considered new information about competition and community support.

2006 — The Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld the commission’s decision to reconsider and approve the license, finding that the commission had authority to reconsider and that the record supported its approval.

2007 — After obtaining financing, North Metro began construction of the harness racetrack and card room.

2008 — Running Aces Harness Park began live harness racing on April 11. The inaugural meet ran for 53 days, through July 6. Minnesota law required 50 live-racing days before a racetrack could open a card club; after reaching that threshold, Running Aces opened its 24-hour card club on June 30. Minnesota also authorized simulcasting of all breeds at Running Aces and Canterbury Park that year.

2016 — Running Aces reopened its Trout Air fishing pond, bringing back the property’s catch-and-cook fishing experience.

2018 — Running Aces and GrandStay Hospitality held a groundbreaking for a planned 116-room hotel.

2020 — The 116-room hotel opened on March 11.

2024 — After substantial rainfall at the end of 2023 and a wet spring, the track introduced 1/8-inch crushed limestone. The track report said the material was selected to help manage wet conditions, reduce wear on horseshoes and equipment, and provide softer footing. Crushed granite and double-washed limestone sand were kept on hand for extreme conditions.

2025 — Following significant erosion in November 2024, the track applied 72 tons of stabilizer to each turn. It also worked to firm the Wiseman Way passing lane so its base would be more consistent with the rest of the track. The track was run with more cushion at the horsemen’s request.