Oaklawn Racing and Casino

Oaklawn is Hot Springs' other great institution. Opened in 1904, it is one of the best-known thoroughbred tracks in the country, and each spring it hosts the Arkansas Derby, one of the key Kentucky Derby prep races. Stars including Smarty Jones and American Pharoah have won there on their way to the Triple Crown trail. The track sits on Central Avenue north of downtown, and over the years it has grown into a full entertainment resort, with a large casino, an event center that hosts concerts, a hotel, a spa and several restaurants and bars. Racing runs during a season that stretches from winter into spring, and on race days the grandstand, apron and infield fill with a mix of serious bettors, casual fans and families.

A day at the races is easy to enjoy even if you have never placed a bet. Arrive early to watch the horses warm up, grab a program and choose a seat in the grandstand or by the rail. Betting windows and machines are plentiful, staff will explain the basics and the minimum wagers are small.

The big days, including the Arkansas Derby, are festive and crowded, with hats, mint juleps and a party atmosphere. On quieter days you can wander the paddock and feel the track at ease. The infield is open on some days with food trucks and picnics, and kids are generally welcome in family areas during the day.

Outside racing season the casino and entertainment side keeps going. The gaming floor offers electronic games and table games, and the event center brings in touring acts. Check the calendar for concerts, comedy shows and sports events. The on-site spa and restaurants make it a possible overnight stay, and the hotel is a short drive from downtown and Bathhouse Row. Visitors should note that age rules apply to gambling areas, and that the schedule changes by season.

Plan around the live racing calendar, since dates, post times and special events are announced each season. Dress comfortably, bring sunscreen for sunny days and a light jacket for cold mornings. Ride sharing or a short drive from downtown is simple, and parking is plentiful. If you stay in town during racing weekends, book your hotel and baths early, because the whole city fills up. For a different pace, visit on a weekday when crowds are lighter and tickets are cheaper.

A few tips make the first visit smoother. Pick up a program and read the race descriptions; the notes on each horse make betting feel less like a guess and more like a puzzle. Watch the horses in the walking ring before the race to see who looks calm and ready. Set a small budget, treat it as the price of entertainment and enjoy the sound of the field coming down the stretch, which is a thrill whether or not you have a ticket on the winner.

Food at the track ranges from quick bites to sit-down meals, and on big days it pays to reserve a table. If you stay for the Arkansas Derby, plan transportation and parking early, since traffic on Central Avenue can build well before the first race.