Du Quoin State Fairgrounds
Du Quoin State Fairgrounds is a 179-acre event venue in southern Illinois featuring Moderne and Art Deco buildings from the 1920s and an oval one-mile racetrack for automobiles. The grounds also include a separate horse racing track, multiple grandstands, and various structures that host horse shows, motorcycle races, truck pulls, demolition derbies, and seasonal festivals.
The grounds opened in 1923 under William R. Hayes, a horse breeder inspired by the World's Fair in St. Louis, who wanted to create a major racing venue when the Illinois State Fair banned gambling on horse races. The famous Hambletonian Stakes race ran here from 1957 to 1980, followed by the World Trotting Derby until 2009, establishing the site as a major harness racing center.
The fairgrounds serve as a gathering place where the community celebrates racing heritage and agricultural traditions through year-round events. Local pride in the site shows in how residents and visitors alike support the activities and keep the history alive through participation.
The fairgrounds host events year-round, including monthly flea markets on the first Sunday and seasonal attractions like Fourth of July fireworks and holiday light displays. Check local event listings or the fairgrounds website before visiting to confirm which activities are scheduled during your trip.
The racetrack earned the nickname Magic Mile for the speed records set by harness racing horses and drivers, attracting competitors from across North America and Europe. The red clay surface created ideal racing conditions where champions made their mark.
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