Kentucky Derby Museum & Churchill Downs Track Tour

Two floors of Derby history, a 360-degree film, and the legendary dirt track itself

Kentucky Derby Museum admission includes access to two levels of interactive exhibits, a guided 30-minute track visit of Churchill Downs where you stand at the rail of the historic dirt track, and "The Greatest Race," an 18-minute immersive film projected with laser technology. A live guide leads the outdoor track portion, which involves approximately 0.3 miles of walking and runs rain or shine. You can visit the museum anytime during open hours and join the next available track tour after arrival.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Kentucky Derby Museum and Track

• Explore two floors of exhibits
• Watch 360-degree movie experience
• Join guided track visit at Churchill Downs
• Meet resident Thoroughbred and pony
• Shop at Museum Store
• Enjoy Kentucky fare at Derby Cafe

The experience

The museum sits on the grounds of Churchill Downs itself, so your day moves between indoor exhibits and the actual racetrack. Start with two floors of displays covering Derby history, fashion, and legendary trainers and Triple Crown winners, then step into "The Greatest Race": a 360-degree film that puts you at the center of Derby Day action using state-of-the-art laser projection. The immersive experience is designed to get your heart racing as you watch the race unfold around you.

After the film, a tour guide leads you outside for the 30-minute guided track visit. You walk to the rail of the dirt track itself, the same stretch where every Kentucky Derby winner has raced from Aristides through the most recent champion. The guide provides the history and context as you stand there. This portion is outdoors and covers roughly a third of a mile. The museum will reschedule the tour if severe weather hits, though it otherwise runs rain or shine.

The museum also includes access to the Museum Store and the Derby Cafe, which serves Kentucky fare. You can arrive anytime during open hours and will be scheduled on the next available guided track tour after you check in. Free parking is available in designated lots off Taylor Boulevard and Central Avenue, with drop-off in front of the museum. Wheelchair rentals are free on a first-come, first-served basis, and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

• General admission to the Kentucky Derby Museum with two floors of exhibits.
• 30-minute guided track visit of Churchill Downs with a live guide.
• 18-minute "The Greatest Race" 360-degree immersive film.
• access to the Museum Store and Derby Cafe.
• free wheelchair rentals available upon request.

Information

Lasts 30m–2h, runs every day with no fixed time, from US$ 24 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Kentucky Derby Museum

Is this one for you?Walk the legendary Churchill Downs dirt track and explore its racing history through museum exhibits and a guided tour: all in one visit.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is "The Greatest Race" film experience?

"The Greatest Race" is an 18-minute immersive film projected in 360 degrees using state-of-the-art laser technology, putting you at the center of the action on Derby Day so you experience the race from inside the excitement.

Do I need to book a specific time for the guided track visit, or can I just show up?

You can visit the museum anytime during open hours on your ticket date, and you'll be scheduled on the next available guided track tour after you arrive: no advance time slot needed.

What's involved in the guided track visit of Churchill Downs?

The 30-minute guided track visit takes you to the rail of the historic dirt track where every Kentucky Derby winner has raced. Your tour guide leads the walk, which covers approximately 0.3 miles and runs outdoors rain or shine.

Is there parking at the museum?

Free parking is available in designated lots off Taylor Boulevard and Central Avenue in front of the museum. On non-racing days you can use the Red, White, or Black lots, and on live racing dates additional lots are available.

Can I bring a wheelchair or mobility device?

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. Free wheelchair rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and you're welcome to bring your own manual wheelchair, motorized wheelchair, or electric mobility scooter.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day I visit?

The guided track tour runs rain or shine, but in the event of severe weather the museum will do its best to reschedule your tour experience.