17. PRAIRIE MEADOWS
City: Des Moines, IA
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (515) 967-8544 or (800) 325-90
Address: 1 Prairie Meadows Dr.
Description: Play the ponies from Apr through Oct at this 1-mile thoroughbred and quarter horse track located just east of Des Moines off I-80. There’s also simulcast racing from top tracks all over the country. Just as big an attraction is the large casino with slots, poker. and blackjack. The Iowa Derby is a race for 3-year-olds, held every June and with a purse of $250,000.