Kentucky Derby Museum & Churchill Downs Track Tour

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/14

Duration30m–2h

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

30m–2h

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair 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.