See for yourself world-famous Churchill Downs Racetrack! 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 Secretariat, and many more. Have your camera ready to take pictures of the historic track. Your Guide will share stories of the early days of the Kentucky Derby through its transformation into the iconic event it is today.
The Guided Track Visit (complimentary with General Admission) has been rerouted, due to one of the most significant construction projects in the history of Churchill Downs Racetrack. Please note, prime viewing of the Twin Spires™ on this specific tour is limited.
The Museum offers access to prime viewing and photo opportunities of the Twin Spires™ and other behind-the-scenes areas on these Special Access tours.
Purchase Tickets December 6 is free admission!
Daily, half past every hour
$20 per person
Approximately 25 minutes
Approximately 2.4 furlongs of walking (.3 miles)
All ages
Includes General Admission to Museum and a viewing of our epic 360° film, “The Greatest Race”
You may enter the Museum at any time on the date of your ticket. The time you select is the departure time for your Guided Track Visit. All tours depart on schedule and unfortunately, cannot be delayed for tardy or missing ticket holders.
When choosing a time for your tour, please make sure that if you are purchasing additional tours that the start and end times do not overlap.
Tours are conducted rain or shine. Umbrellas are prohibited for the safety of Thoroughbreds and riders on the track. In the event of rain, we suggest bringing ponchos and rain boots. Ponchos are available for purchase in The Kentucky Derby Museum Store.
Please note: On rare occasions, tours are subject to change without advance notice and may be rerouted. Check our calendar to view amendments to our normal hours of operation.
All tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE. For our ticket policy, please check here.
Make sure to do the tour that’s included with your ticket price. They take you to the track and show you the horse staging area. Great museum with interactive exhibits.
— Teakwo23, Dunedin, FL., Tripadvisor
April, 2021
My husband and I took the general admission tour. Neither of us how much knowledge of horse racing, so looking through the museum and watching the accompanying movie was very informative, yet fun. The tour was great, and seeing the track was a must see in Louisville. You can't beat the general admission price!
— Heather B., Harrisburg, PA, Tripadvisor
March, 2021
Definitely worth the trip! We had never been to Churchill Downs so decided to take the general tour and we couldn’t have been more impressed, especially with the hospitality of the team at the museum. Special thanks to Zachary for his assistance with our tickets and Linda at the gift shop who helped us find the best selections of gifts for us and the kids. Very informative tour (just long enough) and the self-guided areas of the museum were amazing. Plenty of free parking and we were even lucky enough to see a race at Churchill Downs, right after our tour! One helpful hint...book your tickets for the tours on-line in advance to make sure you have a reserved time. If not, you may have to wait for an opening when you purchase same day. Will certainly recommend the Kentucky Derby Museum to our friends and hope to be back again soon!
— Scott4boys, Asheville, NC., Tripadvisor
May, 2021
The General Ticket comes with a 30 minute tour and Museum entry. Definitely worth the money! Buy tickets in advance because they fill up quickly!
— Anna H.
March, 2022