Specialty Tours at Churchill Downs and the Museum
Kentucky Derby Museum is proud to be Churchill Downs’ exclusive tour partner. Our knowledgeable and passionate tour guides share the colorful history of the world’s most famous racetrack. Enjoy the many photo ops on all our tours and create new memories from this bucket-list experience!
Barn and Backside Tour
- Daily, various times, non-racing days, through March 31
- 60 minutes
- Up to 6 guests within same group/household
- Age restricted (must be 8 and older, or taller than 57 inches)
- $75 flat fee for group up to six guests
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Twin Spires from the other side of the track. This is your chance to take in the Backside of Churchill Downs without any distractions. During the off-season, it’s peaceful, serene and as always--picturesque.
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Behind the Scenes Walking Tour
- Daily, various times, non-racing days
- 90 minutes
- Up to 25 guests each tour
- All ages
- $20/person
Gain special access to the exclusive areas of Churchill Downs, including where celebrities “do Derby,” from Millionaires Row to The Mansion.
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Black Heritage in Racing Tour
- Saturdays, 1:00 pm
- 90 minutes
- Up to 25 guests each tour
- All ages
- $15/person
Discover African Americans’ profound impact on Thoroughbred Racing, going back to the first Kentucky Derby in 1875 to present day.
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Black Heritage in Racing: Proud of My Calling Experience
- Monthly (Upcoming on March 27 and April 10) at 3:00 p.m.
- All ages are welcome, but historical content would be more suitable to children 7+
- Group bookings
Meet Black horsemen from the Civil War era through today, as live actors bring their incredible stories to life in this immersive performance.
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Bourbon and Bridles Tour
- Thursdays & Fridays, 2:00 pm
- 60 minutes
- Up to 10 guests each tour
- $75/person (includes General Admission to the Museum)
- Adults 21+
Immerse yourself in two of Kentucky’s most treasured icons: Bourbon and Thoroughbreds. Enjoy a visit to Churchill Downs, a Bourbon tasting, and learn how to make a Mint Julep in this interactive experience.
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Churchill Downs After Hours Tour
- March 15 through September 30
- Monday through Saturday, 5:00 p.m.
- 90 minutes
- Up to 25 guests each tour
- All ages
- $25/person
Relax and unwind at the end of the day beneath the Twin Spires—even right next to them! Get special access to historic and posh areas, including Millionaire’s Row and The Mansion.
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Derby Season Tours
- Daily, April 17 through 28
- Times vary
- Starting at $25/person
Enjoy some of our most popular tours but with the added excitement of Derby season and the chance to see Derby contenders.
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Groups
- Groups of 15 or more
- General Admission Benefits
- Exclusive VIP Tours, special discounts, and on-site dining
A variety of custom experiences available for groups of 15 or more. Wow your guests with breakfast while watching horses train, add on a hat-making workshop and more!
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Historic Walking Tour
- Daily, half past every hour
- Complementary with general admission
- 30 minutes
- Up to 25 guests each tour
- All ages
Stroll through the historic grounds of Churchill Downs as a tour guide takes you past the iconic Twin Spires and out to the world-famous Racetrack.
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Private Tours
- Groups of 1-14
- 30, 60 or 90 minute tour
- Book 48 hours in advance of your visit
- All ages
Take the tour you want, when you want, and with whom you want to experience it with, all with your very own tour guide.
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Morning Works Golf Cart and Walking Tour
- April 1 through June 30
- Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m.
- Watch Thoroughbreds train
- Two-hour experience
- 4 guests maximum on each cart
- Ages 10 and up
- $80/person (includes General Admission)
Horses training on the track will take your breath away as they come thundering by. Travel to the Infield and take in incredible 360-degree views of the Racetrack and Twin Spires.
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Race Day Golf Cart & Walking Tour
- Race days, Wednesdays through Sundays
- 9:00 a.m., 4-hour Tour; 1:00 Lunch and Races
- $150/person; includes fine dining lunch on Millionaire’s Row overlooking the track
- 4 guests maximum on each cart
- Ages 10 and up
- $150/person (includes General Admission to Museum)
Start your day as a tourist, finish it off as a spectator! This experience has it all! Explore Churchill Downs in a golf cart with your tour guide, watch Thoroughbreds train on the track, access special areas inside Churchill Downs, and enjoy a delicious meal inside Churchill Downs before taking in a day at the races!
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Racehorse Workout Tours at Churchill Downs
- Starting April 1, 2021
- Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m.
- Watch Thoroughbreds exercise
- 60 minutes
- Up to 25 guests each tour
- All ages
- $15/person
Take in the sound of hooves pounding the dirt as your tour guide teaches you the ins and outs of training a racehorse and how to handicap a race.
Learn MoreWheelchair users & strollers, please note: During times of inclement weather, we do our best to clear routes of snow and ice, but it’s not always possible. If there is inclement weather we suggest that you postpone your plans and visit another time.
Give the Gift of an Unforgettable Experience!
Gift cards are redeemable for store merchandise, general admission, tours, and memberships! Also redeemable in the Derby Cafe Express.