MERIDIAN, Idaho — Meridian Speedway has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, where it is now nationally recognized as a property worthy of preservation. The recreational property was officially listed in the register on February 28, 2024.
The privately owned 10.7-acre site was created in 1949 to function as a recreational site boasting an automotive racetrack, as well as community grounds for agricultural exhibitions. That same year, the grounds hosted Meridian Dairy Show Park and was later adopted as the permanent site for the event.
According to the City of Meridian, Meridian Speedway was selected because its many associations with local agricultural and recreational history in Meridian and Ada County.
"Meridian Speedway has been an integral part of Meridian's culture and history for nearly 75 years. It has drawn crowds from all over the Treasure Valley and beyond and has certainly impacted the city in a positive way," explains Blaine Johnson, president of the Meridian Historic Preservation Commission.
The property was nominated by the City of Meridian's Historic Preservation Commission, Idaho State Historic Preservation Office, the National Parks Service and The Arrowrock Group (TAG).
Meridian Speedway, located at 335 S. Main Street, is the Gem State's only circuit racetrack that is continuously in operation and is one of only four paved quarter mile racetracks to exist in the state, according to the city. The speedway was sanctioned by the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) in 2022.
The National Register of Historic Places was established by the National Parks Service under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The purpose of the register is to protect the historic and archeological resources in the United States.
With the addition of Meridian Speedway, Meridian has a total of eight properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Click here to learn more about the National Register of Historic Places in Idaho.
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