Kentucky Derby Museum - General Admission and Guided Track Visit

Louisville , United States

Kentucky Derby Museum - General Admission and Guided Track Visit

Active

(857 reviews)

30m - 2h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Get ready to mark this off your bucket-list! Experience Churchill Downs Racetrack, the most well-known racing venue in the world. Kentucky Derby Museum includes daily historic walking tours, two levels of family-friendly interactive permanent & temporary exhibits, “The Greatest Race,” a 360-degree immersive sound and visual experience that’ll get your heart racing and emotions soaring, and a chance to meet the Museum's resident Thoroughbred and companion pony. You will also have access to the Gift Shop, Kentucky fare in the Derby Cafe, and much more!

Available options

Kentucky Derby Museum - General Admission and Guided Track Visit

What's included

30-Minute Guided Track Visit of Churchill Downs with Tour Guide

Museum General Admission Access

18-Minute 360 degree film, "The Greatest Race"

Detailed itinerary

Kentucky Derby Museum is the only place where every day is Derby Day!

Two floors of exhibits showcase the history and pageantry of the Kentucky Derby - from stunning fashions and hats to Derby legends like Hall of Fame trainer, D. Wayne Lukas and Triple Crown Winner, Secretariat.

The 360-degree movie experience, "The Greatest Race," will be sure to get your heart racing and emotions soaring as you are immersed in the excitement of Derby Day. Projected with state-of-the-art laser technology, "The Greatest Race" puts you at the center of the action—from the first thunder of hooves to the cheers of the crowd.

Cap off your visit with a Guided Track Visit on the grounds of historic Churchill Downs. Walk through the Grandstands where thousands of people roar with excitement on Derby day. Your Tour Guide will lead you to the rail of the legendary dirt track where every Derby winner has raced, from Aristides to 2025 Derby Winner, Sovereignty.

What's not included

Gratuities

Tickets to Racing at Churchill Downs

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

338 reviews

5★

260

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

519 reviews

5★

401

4★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Approximately .3 miles of walking is involved in 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.

On non-live racing days at Churchill Downs: Free Museum visitor parking in Red, White, & Black lots off Taylor Boulevard and Central Avenue in front of the Museum. On live racing dates at Churchill Downs: Free Museum visitor parking in Black, Green, Orange, Yellow, & Turquoise lots off Taylor Boulevard and Central Avenue in front of the Museum. The Red Lot closest to the Museum is available only on non-racing days. You may drop off guests in the round-a-bout in front of the Museum before parking.

Important notes

Departure Point: Kentucky Derby Museum
Address: 704 Central Avenue, Louisville, KY 40208
Dates: Daily

We recommend you arrive at least 90 minutes before we close to enjoy the full experience. The last historic walking tour of the day begins 30 minutes before we close.

About Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and the famous Kentucky Derby. Nestled along the Ohio River, it offers a unique blend of Southern charm and Midwestern hospitality, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Churchill Downs

Home of the Kentucky Derby, this historic racetrack offers tours and year-round racing events.

Historical/Entertainment 2-3 hours for a tour Free to enter, tours from $18

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

A must-visit for baseball fans, this museum offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Louisville Slugger bats.

Museum 1-2 hours $20 for adults, $15 for children

Muhammad Ali Center

Dedicated to the life and legacy of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, this museum offers interactive exhibits and a glimpse into his personal and professional life.

Museum/Cultural 1-2 hours $22 for adults, $15 for children

The Frazier History Museum

This museum offers a comprehensive look at Kentucky's history, with exhibits ranging from frontier life to modern times.

Museum 1-2 hours $14 for adults, $10 for children

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

A beautiful arboretum and forest offering hiking trails, scenic views, and a chance to see wildlife.

Nature Half-day to full-day Free entry, parking fee for non-members

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hot Brown

An open-faced turkey sandwich topped with mushrooms, bacon, and a rich cheese sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains dairy, meat

Bourbon Ball

A chocolate truffle-like candy filled with bourbon-infused cream.

Dessert Contains dairy, alcohol

Bourbon Chicken

Chicken marinated in a bourbon-based sauce, often served with rice and vegetables.

Dinner Contains meat, alcohol

Derby Pie

A chocolate and walnut pie, a traditional treat during the Kentucky Derby.

Dessert Contains nuts, dairy

Popular Activities

Cave exploration Hiking Horseback riding Spa treatments River cruises Park picnics Museum visits Art gallery tours

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The Kentucky Derby in May is a major highlight.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5:00, GMT-4:00 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Louisville is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious when using ATMs at night

Getting there

By air

Louisville International Airport • 10 miles (16 km) from downtown

By train

Louisville Station

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and reliable, with various routes covering major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown The Highlands Nulu (NuLu District) Old Louisville

Day trips

Mammoth Cave National Park

90 miles (145 km) • Full day

The world's longest known cave system, offering guided tours and stunning underground landscapes.

Bardstown

35 miles (56 km) • Half day to full day

A charming small town known for its historic sites, bourbon distilleries, and beautiful architecture.

Kentucky Horse Park

10 miles (16 km) • Half day to full day

A working horse farm and educational theme park dedicated to horses and horse-related activities.

Festivals

Kentucky Derby • First Saturday in May Louisville Jazz Festival • July Bourbon & Beyond • September

Pro tips

Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum even if you can't attend the Derby itself
Explore the NuLu District for unique shopping and dining experiences
Take a bourbon distillery tour to learn about Louisville's rich history in bourbon production
Check out local events and festivals for a taste of Louisville's vibrant culture
Use the TARC app for easy navigation of the public transportation system