Montana State Fairgrounds Racetrack, historic horse racing track located on the outskirts of Helena, Montana, in the United States
The Montana State Fairgrounds Racetrack is a historic horse racing venue in Helena featuring an oval dirt track and simple grandstands. The facility consists of the original racing course built in 1870 and modern buildings added later, with the original track layout still visible today.
The site was established in 1870 as one of Montana's first regulation horse racing tracks and attracted horses and riders from across the region. The grounds experienced major changes, from prosperity in the early 1900s through closures during Prohibition to restoration efforts beginning in the 1950s.
The racetrack has served as a gathering place for the community for over 150 years, reflecting Montana's deep connection to horse racing and rural traditions. The events held here have brought generations of families together and continue to shape Helena's cultural life today.
The grounds are easy to access and located on the east edge of Helena within a larger fairgrounds complex. Visitors can freely explore the historic racing area and modern facilities, particularly during regular events such as the Last Chance Stampede and the county fair.
A remarkable event at the fairgrounds occurred in 1911 when nineteen-year-old pilot Cromwell Dixon made the first-ever flight across the Continental Divide, taking off from this very location. This extraordinary achievement marked a significant moment in aviation history connected to this rural racing venue.
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