Kentucky Derby Museum: Interactive Churchill Downs Experience
4.6
633 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
(633 Ratings)
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I5531tnrobynb
Jul 26, 2024
Kentucky derby - The tour was very interesting. Great movie about the history and a lot of interesting memories. The tour of the the race area was so cool without the huge crowd to fight your way through. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend see the Kentucky derby
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jay_b
Jul 25, 2024
Glad I visited - I enjoyed the historical aspect of the tour. The guide was enthusiastic. The museum was great. The only thing lacking was a tour of the stables area.
Review provided by Viator
Colliel2021
Jul 23, 2024
Wonderful Museum - Wonderful museum! Enjoyed every minute of my time there! Went for a tour and enjoyed the museum almost as much! Also check kit the Ultimate Churchill Downs Tour and make sure Ferguson is your guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mightytro
Jul 22, 2024
Fun time! - The 3 of us thoroughly enjoyed the 360 degree movie about the Derby, then took the track tour. Great docent, very interesting tour. Would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jimbp277qc
Jul 22, 2024
The Churchill Downs Perspective - It was awsome to see the facility in person along with the history of the Kentucky Derby. It gave me the perspective for when I see the Derby on TV or when friends that were there talk about it. It was worth the time, I'm glad I went.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H1071gpcarolynm
Jul 21, 2024
Bucket list item - The video on surround screen was fabulous. I watched it twice. I enjoyed all the displays. I went on a walking tour of Churchville downs. Well done! Unfortunately the tour in a shuttle to tour barns was filled.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adrian_s
Jul 17, 2024
Beautiful place.. - We couldn't imagine what it would be like with 170,000 on Derby Day. It's a beautiful place and tons of great history. So worth the price of admission. Unique Collectables that you can only get at Churchill Downs. Great stop on our trip.
Review provided by Viator
Kathleen_s
Jul 16, 2024
A definite place to visit - Our tour guide was engaging and knowledgeable. She held the groups interest on a very hot day! Even the teenagers in the group enjoyed all the fun facts about the Kentucky derby.
Review provided by Viator
Pamela_r
Jul 14, 2024
Good tour and lots of information - Reading about Secretariat Seeing Churchill Downs and learning all the history on the race and the Downs
Review provided by Viator
Karen_t
Jul 22, 2024
Working with viator was... - Working with viator was horrible. The clerk at viable wasn’t capable to do her job didn’t understand how to answer any questions
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
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July 2024
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