For generations of families in Macedonia, Northfield, Sagamore Hills, and the surrounding communities, Northfield Park has been more than a place on the map. It has been a gathering spot, a piece of local history, and a familiar name passed down from parents to children. Its story stretches back to 1934, when the harness-racing track first opened in the Village of Northfield.
Harness racing has long held a special place in this part of Ohio. Unlike thoroughbred racing, harness racing features standardbred horses that trot or pace while pulling a driver seated in a light two-wheeled cart. The rhythm of the horses, the crowd along the rail, and the energy of race night gave Northfield Park a character all its own, and it became a well-known destination for racing fans across Northeast Ohio.
From Racetrack to Entertainment Destination
Over the decades, the track weathered changing times and shifting tastes, yet it remained a steady presence in the area. In more recent years, Northfield Park entered a new chapter when it became MGM Northfield Park. The change brought together the track's longtime harness-racing tradition with a gaming and entertainment venue, expanding what visitors could find on any given day or evening.
The result is a place that offers a little of the old and the new side by side. Racing continues to be part of the experience, honoring the heritage that reaches back to the 1930s, while the gaming floor, dining, and entertainment options give guests additional reasons to visit throughout the year.
What makes the site notable for our communities is not only its size or its offerings, but its staying power. Few local landmarks can trace a continuous history across so many decades, and fewer still have grown and adapted while keeping their original purpose alive. For longtime residents, a mention of Northfield Park often stirs memories of past outings, while newer neighbors are still discovering the venue for the first time.
As the area around it continues to change and grow, Northfield Park remains a reminder of how a single local institution can evolve with the times while holding on to its roots. From its beginnings as a harness-racing track to its present life as MGM Northfield Park, it stands as a lasting part of the community's shared story, and a place neighbors are likely to keep talking about for years to come.