Driving and parking

• Main approaches: From downtown St. Louis take I-70 / I-64 east, merge to I-55 N / I-70 E, exit IL-203 N, then turn left at Ohio into the track. From STL airport, remain on I-70 east across the Stan Musial bridge before merging to I-55 N.
• Use your color: Parking is divided into Red Reserved, Orange, Gold VIP/ADA Preferred, Lot A, Tailgate, ADA. Each has specific gate recommendations and opening times - follow the color printed on your pass and highway signs.
• General guidance: Unless you have a dedicated or ADA pass, you will be directed to the best available lot on arrival. Arrive early for the closest spaces.

Free race shuttles - easiest on NASCAR weekend

• Pickup hubs: Emerson Park MetroLink Station and an additional signed site (for example Old Vatterott College) run free shuttle buses direct to the track. Standard fares apply only if you ride MetroLink to the hub.
• Madison County Transit shuttles: MCT operates free ADA accessible shuttles to the raceway with published times.
• When they run: Shuttle offerings are event specific and primarily for the Enjoy Illinois 300 weekend. Always check the current year s schedule before you travel.

Tip: After the checkered flag, let the first shuttle wave clear or walk to the farther stop to reduce wait time.

Rideshare and taxis

• Set destination: 18 Golf Drive, Madison, IL 62060. This is the only official drop off - pick up point with event signage to and from the gates.

Public transit note

• MetroLink to shuttle hubs: Ride MetroLink to Emerson Park then transfer to the free raceday shuttles when they are operating. There is no regular train directly to the gates.

Walking from lots and drop zones

• From on-site lots: Most spectator parking is adjacent to the venue with stewarded routes to the grandstands and midway.
• From rideshare zone: Follow the signed pedestrian paths from 18 Golf Drive to your printed gate.

Airports and long distance travel

• St. Louis Lambert Intl. STL → raceway: roughly 17.5 miles by road, around 25-35 minutes in normal traffic.
• From downtown St. Louis: the raceway is about 5-10 minutes’ drive depending on closures - use I-70 east across the Stan Musial bridge.

Quick guide - what is nearest

• Georgetown Rd - IL-203 side entries: best for Red Reserved, Gold VIP/ADA Preferred and main grandstand access.
• Collinsville Rd entries: used for Lot A and Tailgate parking on selected events.
• Rideshare users: head for the signed path from 18 Golf Drive into the venue.
• Shuttle arrivals: shuttles set down at the same track-side hub every year for easy return after the race - follow the color on your wristband to the correct pickup.

Always follow the lot and gate printed on your e-ticket and the race week traffic advisories for last minute shuttle times, closure changes and rideshare routing.

Family friendly highlights near the circuit

• Gateway Kartplex at the track: Arrive and drive sessions on select non event days for teens and adults, plus special junior programs on scheduled dates.
• Gateway Arch National Park: Ride the tram to the top, visit the museum and walk the riverfront lawns - a classic skyline moment.
• St. Louis Union Station attractions: St. Louis Aquarium, mirror maze, indoor ropes course and The Wheel for night views - easy multi hour bundle.
• City Museum: Wildly creative slides, tunnels and climbers inside a historic building - great for kids and adventurous adults.
• Saint Louis Zoo - Forest Park: One of the best free zoos in the country with trains, a children’s zoo and shady paths.
• Saint Louis Science Center: Hands on galleries and a planetarium connected by a skybridge over the highway.
• The Magic House - Kirkwood: Big hands on children’s museum for younger families.

Many venues use timed entry on weekends and holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.

Culture hits and rainy day winners

• Missouri Botanical Garden: Historic orchid houses, a Japanese garden and summer evening programs.
• National Blues Museum: Downtown music history with interactive exhibits - pair with a meal on Washington Avenue.
• Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour: Classic St. Louis tour with heritage stables and tasting for adults.
• Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site - Collinsville: UNESCO listed pre Columbian city and interpretive center on the Illinois side - a short drive from the track.
• St. Louis Art Museum - Forest Park: Major collection with free general admission in a grand hilltop building.
• Old Courthouse and Riverboats: When open, the Courthouse offers history exhibits. Riverboat sightseeing cruises depart nearby for relaxed skyline views.

Eat and drink like a local

• BBQ trail: St. Louis style ribs and snoots at local pit stops - perfect after qualifying.
• Pizzerias and toasted ravioli: Iconic local comfort foods around The Hill and downtown - great for groups.
• Schlafly - 4 Hands - Urban Chestnut: City breweries with family friendly dining rooms and easygoing patios.
• Illinois side casuals: Collinsville and Edwardsville have handy grills, diners and dessert spots near the hotels.
• Race week tip: Prime tables downtown, the Hill and near Union Station book out Friday - Saturday - reserve ahead for larger parties.

Active outdoors between sessions

• Forest Park loop: Lakes, meadows and museum lawns on flat paths - rent bikes or paddle boats for a breezy hour.
• Chain of Rocks Bridge: Historic span over the Mississippi with river views - easy photo walk on the north side of town.
• Horseshoe Lake State Park: Close to the track for short shoreline strolls and birding on a calm morning.
• Grant’s Farm: Trams, animal encounters and shaded beer garden for a family half day.

Easy day trips if you are extending your stay

• Meramec Caverns - Stanton - 1 to 1.25 hours. Guided cave tours that stay cool in summer - pair with a river float in season.
• Pere Marquette State Park - Grafton - 1 to 1.25 hours. Great River Road bluffs and short hikes with Mississippi - Illinois river views.
• Hermann wine country - 1.5 to 2 hours. Missouri River hills, wineries and a small historic downtown - best as a long lunch day.
• Shaw Nature Reserve - Gray Summit - About 45 minutes. Prairie and woodland trails managed by the Botanical Garden.
• Historic St. Charles - 25 to 35 minutes. Brick Main Street, riverfront walks and family friendly restaurants.

Times are approximate and can rise on headline weekends. Caves, river cruises and some parks use timed tickets or have last entry cutoffs - check before you go.

When to go and what to expect

• Peak motorsport - Late spring through early autumn usually hosts NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA headliners. Hotels in downtown St. Louis, Collinsville and Edwardsville fill Thursday - Sunday.
• Weather - Hot sun and humidity are common. Pack sunscreen, a hat and a light rain layer for quick afternoon showers. Evenings cool comfortably by the river.

Practical notes during race weeks

• On site extras: The drag strip and kartplex often run special schedules or pause during headline events - check the calendar if you want to fit them around sessions.
• Traffic patterns: Follow event maps for designated routes off I-55 - I-64 - I-70. Post race departures are staggered - consider a dinner stop before heading out.
• Family packing list: Ear protection for kids, refillable bottles, cooling towels and comfortable shoes for concrete and gravel paths.