Henderson, Kentucky, is home to Ellis Park, a racetrack on the Ohio River that has hosted horse-racing events since 1922. The race track grand stand has a capacity of 6,000 spectators. It is one of the few remaining horse race tracks with a one-mile chute, or a stretch of track that prevents races from having to start on one of the course's turns. Hotels in Henderson and Evansville, Indiana, are within 10 minutes of the riverfront race track.
Ellis Park is a five-minute drive from the Comfort Inn in Henderson, the closest hotel to the racetrack. Atkinson Park, a Henderson park on the Ohio River, is a five-minute drive south of the hotel; this riverfront park features an L-shaped swimming pool with a waterfall, nine-hole municipal golf course and the one-mile Riverwalk trail, which has two overlooks of the river. Comfort Inn amenities are an outdoor pool and fitness room; the pool is only open during the summer months. Some rooms have whirlpool tubs, dining tables and sofas. Downtown Henderson restaurants and shops are a 10-minute drive from the hotel.
Situated in Evansville, Le Merigot is a 10-minute drive from the Ellis Park racecourse. This boutique hotel is on the northern banks of the Ohio River and offers views of the river from some of its rooms. The five grand suites include complimentary bathrobes and slippers, dining tables and living room areas. Other hotel features are a fitness room, on-site lounge named Blush, concierge desk and valet parking. Blush has a vibrant atmosphere and full-service bar. Walking and bicycling paths are at Riverside Park, within walking distance of the hotel. Le Merigot is a five-minute drive from the Vanderburgh Auditorium, a performing arts venue that hosts music and dance concerts.
The Sugar Creek Inn is a budget-conscious accommodation in Henderson, less than 10 minutes from Ellis Park. This locally owned hotel provides a breakfast area in the lobby and RV spaces in the parking lot. The Sugar Creek Inn has 65 rooms; some of the king rooms have whirlpool tubs in the bedroom area. John James Audubon State Park is less than five minutes from the hotel; this 692-acre recreation area features walking trails and a large collection of the nature-theme artworks created by Audubon during the early 19th century. Restaurants on U.S. Highway 41 are within five minutes of the Sugar Creek Inn.
Aztar is the only casino in Evansville, Indiana, and is a 15-minute drive from the Ellis Park racetrack. Gaming opportunities at Aztar's riverboat casino include slot machines and table games, such as blackjack, roulette and craps; the casino also has a poker room that hosts seven-card stud and Texas Hold 'Em tournaments. The casino's hotel provides on-site dining at Cavanaugh's, a fine-dining establishment with steak and seafood entrees. Live music entertainment at the hotel is available at Cavanaugh's Piano Bar and the Hoosier Lounge; music is usually karaoke or regional bands.
