Kentucky Derby Museum: Interactive Churchill Downs Experience
4.6
584 Ratings
Louisville
Experience the thrill of Churchill Downs Racetrack at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Take a historic tour, enjoy interactive exhibits, and immerse yourself in the excitement of the races.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kentucky Derby Museum - Located in Louisville, the Kentucky Derby is one of America’s most exciting horse racing events in the world and takes place at Churchill Downs Racetrack. It is the first leg of the American Triple Crown and is known as ”The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports” because of the actual duration of the race.  Some like to call the race “The Run for the Roses” for the blanket of roses draped over the Derby winner.

When you visit, you will enjoy a self-guided tour of the Kentucky Derby Museum, which includes two levels of family-friendly interactive permanent & temporary exhibits.  Ten minutes past each hour, you will have the opportunity to see “The Greatest Race,” an 18-minute movie about the Kentucky Derby and its history, a story that puts you right in the heart of the first Saturday of May.  Immediately following “The Greatest Race” and at 30-minutes past every hour, you will experience an exhilarating 30-minute guided walking tour of historic Churchill Downs Racetrack and witness where some of the most famous teams of jockeys and Thoroughbreds competed such as Secretariat, Barbaro, Big Brown, California Chrome and the most recent Triple Crown winner in 2015- American Pharoah. 

What's Included
  • Expert-led tour
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Prepare to cross this off your checklist! Get immersive at Churchill Downs Racetrack, the world’s most recognized racetrack. The Kentucky Derby Museum is teeming with daily historical guided walks, two tiers of engaging permanent and temporary exhibits apt for family visits, “The Greatest Race,” a 360-degree audiovisual treat that will escalate your heartbeat and elevate your spirits, plus an opportunity to meet the Museum’s residing Thoroughbred and accompanying pony. Additional services include access to the Souvenir Store, Kentucky-themed delicacies at the Derby Cafe Express, and a whole lot more!

  • A small amount of walking is involved if you choose to enjoy the Guided Track Visit of Churchill Downs.
  • Wheelchair accessible: Free wheelchair rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis upon request. You are welcome to bring your own manual wheelchair, motorized wheelchair or electric mobility scooter.
  • An induction loop is available for hearing impaired.
  • Tours are outdoors and will depart rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, the Museum will do its best to reschedule your tour experience.
  • Parking is available in front of the Museum. On race days during the Churchill Downs Racetrack events, there will be a charge for parking in this lot.
Location
Kentucky Derby Museum
704 Central Ave,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(584 Ratings)
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Karen_r
May 22, 2024
Churchill Downs Tour - Excellent tour guide, very knowledgeable. Loved learning about the history of the Kentucky Derby. Great value.
Review provided by Viator
Genea
May 20, 2024
And they’re off!!! - We had the most wonderful time and checked a box off the bucket list for my whole family. Youngest is 8 oldest was 67 in our group of 7. We had an incredible time that we well remember till the end of time. Beautiful displays. Kid friendly places to ride mechanical houses and weigh scales were fun. Scavenger hunt as well. Fun for all ages. Loved the surprise race!! Totally recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ellen_d
May 17, 2024
The video was very... - The video was very moving. Would’ve appreciated a way to but senior tickets rather than full price on your site.
Review provided by Viator
Joevy6682ek
May 15, 2024
Churchill Downs, a beautiful and inspiring place. - This was something I have viewed on tv for years and it was such an exciting experience to see it in person. So much thought and feeling went into this and obviously money was no obstacle.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ireneko1280wk
May 14, 2024
Churchill Downs tour - Very knowledgeable guide. I wish I had bought the tickets directly on museum website as I would have saved money with their senior rate.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jncalvert28
May 14, 2024
The Museum is a great way... - The Museum is a great way to relive the history of a race that is well known but few of us have had the opportunity to attend. The tour of the actual derby stadium provides incite to how the racetrack looks on Derby day.
Review provided by Viator
Quest636426
May 13, 2024
Wonderful Visit - Enjoyed our visit. Very informative, the Movie was great and absolutely loved being able to get up close to the track!! We will be planning another visit to experience a race
Review provided by Tripadvisor
86carlaf
May 13, 2024
Great experience - Great experience. Enjoyed the video before the tour started. Loved the second floor of info on Secretariat. Kids aged 20 and 11 enjoyed it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Terry_b
May 10, 2024
Racing and non racing fans must see! - We had s great time! Beautiful museum and loved the interactive horse racing exhibit. The Shoemaker and Secretariat exhibits were excellent.
Review provided by Viator
Kenzie
May 14, 2024
First time in Kentucky - It was a really cool and fun experience, the track was really fun to see, the weather was nice when we went. Definitely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
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May 2024
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