A harness racing track that is notable for being one of the fastest dirt tracks globally. It is operated by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the state’s official “Illinois Blue Book,” with a purpose to “showcase Illinois agriculture and offer wholesome family entertainment”. Hence, the first Fair was held in Springfield, IL, in 1853, at a site on the west side of town, which promoted and enhanced agriculture and raised livestock, labor, industry, education, arts, and sciences. The Fair has been held in 12 cities throughout Illinois: Chicago, Alton, Peoria, Freeport, Jacksonville, Decatur, Quincy, Ottawa, Du Quoin, Olney, and Centralia.

On September 24, 1894, was the opening of the Fair in its first permanent location, which it ran for an extent of six days. Now, it runs eleven days, where viewers can also gather and learn the history of Illinois Agriculture. Aside from horse racing, it also facilitates motorcycle and car racing, horse shows, and rodeos throughout the year.

In 1894, it started to utilize a 156-acre (0.63 km2) parcel of land on the northern boundary of Springfield, which became the heart of the permanent Illinois State Fairgrounds. However, during the period 1942-1945, there was no state fair due to the utilization of fairgrounds as a U.S. Army Air Force supply depot. Moreover, it is also a venue for concerts and recitals. Noteworthy concerts were hosted at their Grandstand, including The Who, performing as an opening act for The Association in 1968. Nowadays, the fairground offers more than 100 permanent buildings