July 19, 1984
Prairie Meadows is granted a license from Iowa State Racing Commission for horse racing facility.

August 25, 1987
Groundbreaking ceremonies are held on-site in Altoona for Iowa's first horse racing facility.

March 1, 1989
Inaugural day of racing at Prairie Meadows.

May 17, 1994
Polk County voters approve referendum allowing the addition of slot machines at Prairie Meadows.

April 1, 1995
Opening day of new slot machine casino at Prairie Meadows.

January 2001
Prairie Meadows grand reopening of new $26 million casino expansion project.

November 5, 2002
Polk County voters reaffirm gaming referendum by 67% to 33%.

July 15, 2004
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission grants Prairie Meadows permission to add table games. December 15, 2004 Following approval by the 2004 Iowa Legislature, table games open at Prairie Meadows.