Kentucky Derby Museum General Admission Ticket
4.5
Full view
Kentucky Derby Museum General Admission Ticket
By Kentucky Derby Museum
Recommended by 93% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from per adult
₱1,034.64
from per adult
₱1,034.64
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 5-99
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
- Professional guide
- Entry/Admission - Kentucky Derby Museum
What's not included- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Return details
- Returns to original departure point
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 42090P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- A small amount of walking is involved if you choose to enjoy the historic walking tour 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.
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- Parking is available in front of the Museum. On race days during the Churchill Downs Racetrack events, there will be a charge for parking in this lot.
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- A note from Kentucky Derby Museum General Admission Ticket
- Due to COVID-19 and for the safety of our guests & staff, the Museum is restricted to smaller tour sizes. You must reserve your spot by booking your tour time in advance.
What you can expect during your visit- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Community- Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
- Which attractions will I visit with Kentucky Derby Museum General Admission Ticket?
- During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book Kentucky Derby Museum General Admission Ticket on Tripadvisor
- How much is Kentucky Derby Museum General Admission Ticket?
- Kentucky Derby Museum General Admission Ticket price starts from ₱1,020.75. Discover and book Kentucky Derby Museum General Admission Ticket on Tripadvisor
- What is the Kentucky Derby Museum General Admission Ticket cancellation policy?
- Kentucky Derby Museum General Admission Ticket cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Kentucky Derby Museum General Admission Ticket on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Kentucky Derby Museum General Admission Ticket?
- Kentucky Derby Museum General Admission Ticket is hosted by Kentucky Derby Museum. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Kentucky Derby Museum on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Kentucky Derby Museum General Admission Ticket on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 42090P1
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
PennyNgai
00Derby fans only
For Derby fans only. I love horses, and I heard this was the place to go. I could have skipped it... They just ta…
Wendy U
00Bourbon & Bridles Tour
Our favorite tour stop so far along the bourbon trail. Ferguson was our guide and he made the experience perfect. K…
Michadvise
00A glimpse into the history and tradition of the Kentucky Derby
The in depth tour of Churchill Downs is very interesting. I had no idea it had so many rooms and bars! There are so…
lrudolf
00backstretch breakfast tour!!
I highly highly recommend the Backstretch Breakfast Tour! The guide is excellent and you get to see the entire fac…
tmoore48
00Ultimate Churchill Downs Tour
We took the Ultimate Churchill Downs Tour, and with Barry as our guide, it was worth every penny! We got to watch t…
1CanTrav
00A Must Visit
Really enjoyed learning about Horse racing, Kentucky horse people and the history of Churchill Downs. 2 hours is a …
Ogthetravelman
00Breakfast and tour of stables
Took the breakfasts and backstage tour with our guide Barry. The guy was fantastic who knew everybody working at Ch…
Isa b
00Historic Tour
We were pretty saddened when our tour, the Barn and Backside, was canceled due to van issues at the museum. My dau…
saradeer
00A nice stop while visiting Churchill Downs
Very interesting to understand the history of Churchill Downs. Don't bother eating at the restaurant right near th…
gmb2213
00Excellent must see place
Even people with no interest i horse racing ill find this place a must see on vacation. Great history of horse ra…
V7814XUgailm
00Bourbon & Bridles Tour Unforgettable
When we decided to come to Kentucky we booked our trip around being at Churchill Downs on Friday to do this tour. …
Gregsky
00Museum is okay, but you're better off to go on a race day
My wife and I did the tour recently. It was okay, but we were lucky enough that it was a race day. We had a ton of …
juliefox2282
00Interesting Museum with Interactive stops
The teens in our group were not excited to go to the Kentucky Derby Museum. However, the tour was short and the mu…
Traveler723836
00Horse Racing History
We participated in the Historic Walking Tour. Our guide was friendly and very informative. We took an afternoon t…
Cyndi H
00Delighted with the museum, disappointed with the tour
The Kentucky Derby Museum is a must-see for thoroughbred horse racing lovers. Located on the grounds of Churchill …
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
299 reviews
Excellent
224
Very good
56
Average
9
Poor
6
Terrible
4
rs524
Macon, GA62 contributions
We booked an early morning visit so our group size was only 5 vs later groups of up to 60! We wandered around the museum for 15 minutes until the Derby film in the 360 theater started - excellent as expected.
Our young guide walked us to gate 124 to view the track and infield up close as there were a few horses warming up. She pointed out the starting gate , finish line, Jumbotron, winner’s circle and bleachers, owner’s suites and “where the celebrities sit.” The grandstands expansion to almost 100K capacity is underway.
We headed to the Paddock area and received a detailed history lesson about the founders, early winners, and the successful publicity and marketing strategies.
Afterwards we browsed the awesome museum for almost an hour. Highly recommended to visit early.
Our young guide walked us to gate 124 to view the track and infield up close as there were a few horses warming up. She pointed out the starting gate , finish line, Jumbotron, winner’s circle and bleachers, owner’s suites and “where the celebrities sit.” The grandstands expansion to almost 100K capacity is underway.
We headed to the Paddock area and received a detailed history lesson about the founders, early winners, and the successful publicity and marketing strategies.
Afterwards we browsed the awesome museum for almost an hour. Highly recommended to visit early.
Written 1 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DMR53
Buchanan Dam, TX120 contributions
Enjoyed our visit. Bought general admission tickets, $16 for seniors, which is just a couple of dollars less than full price. Interesting movie on large oval 360 screen; seats are bar stools that swivel so you can rotate to watch the screen. After the movie, a tour guide leads the group outside giving info about the beginnings of Churchill Downs. Then the group is lead to a section of the track where facts about the track are shared. After this, you’re free to go through the museum, which has LOTS of information about horse racing: the history of Churchill Downs, derby winners, the jockeys, the trainers, horses, fashion, etc. Tour guide was knowledgeable. Cool to see the track but would have been nice if the tour would have taken us to an area closer to the spires instead of at the far end. No races during October and construction around the tracks. Did not visit the cafe. Gift shop clothes were pricey but other items available to purchase.
Written 18 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We're so glad you enjoyed your visit. Thank you so much for leaving helpful feedback, we'll pass along the details of your visit to the team!
Written 26 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kyle-Kayla
Florida426 contributions
I will start by saying I am not a horse racing fan, I just never could get into it. BUT I definitely recommend the race fans AND Non-fans should visit if you are near Louisville. It was a rainy cold day when we went but they still did tours. I said the above about my Churchill Down review too. I will add that the museum was well maintained and the staff was excellent!! My only suggestion is maybe have a museum ticket that is a little bit less without the tour (just for someone who may just want to see the museum)
Written 15 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BoxCanyonOrig
High Ridge, MO33 contributions
Sep 2022
The Museum, "The Great Race" movie and Walking Tour for the general admission price was amazing! Kyle was a great tour guide, very informational. I've never been to a Kentucky Derby race, but after this visit to Churchill Downs it made me want to be a part of this spectacular experience and try to get to one or more in my lifetime. I recommend visiting early in the day, there is so much great history here and lots to see and learn! The gift shop was a huge disappointment. I waited to buy Kentucky Derby shirts at the end of our trip for family back home. Just a few rounders of hanging tees and collared shirts and both choices were very expensive. A woman next to me to me said she waited her whole trip for this visit to buy a Kentucky Derby shirt for her father, but there were so little choices and no way she could afford what they have :(
Don't miss the General Admission tour, it's worth every cent!! Find a local souvenir shop in Louisville first for possible choices of shirts and souvenirs before you go.
Don't miss the General Admission tour, it's worth every cent!! Find a local souvenir shop in Louisville first for possible choices of shirts and souvenirs before you go.
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi there, we're so glad you had a fantastic overall experience! We have sent your feedback about price points to our director of retail. We do keep an assortment of Kentucky Derby themed gifts in stock at varying price points. You can also check out the clearance tab on derbymuseumstore.com!
Written 9 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MsJlg
Madison, AL69 contributions
Mar 2023
It wasn't even crowded but they didn't have tour times available until late in the day. The clerk said we could wait in the cafe & they would make announcements 10 minutes before. While in the museum we heard announcements for other tours, but if they announced ours it could not be heard in the cafe. We noticed it was time & ran only to learn we just missed it.
The museum is basically just pictures and a few trophies & dresses. The cafe where we spent most of the day waiting for our tour, which we missed, was a nightmare. Most of the tables were reserved for a group*. That left us stuck at a table in the middle of the room where the line to order was - meaning we ate with strangers' butts in our face. It's not difficult to use rope guides to route the line to the side instead of along diners' tables. *(probably the same group that kept blocking pathways & displays making it difficult to navigate the museum & gift store)
The food was flavorless. The "chicken salad" sandwich was just a few chunks of meat and a slice of lettuce on plain bread. There was no "salad" about it, just chicken. I had to get packs of mayo & mustard and beg for salt & pepper so I could give it some flavor.
Having missed our tour, when leaving there was a photo shoot of hat modeling out front so we couldn't even get pictures of ourselves in front of the building. I've experienced better organization & common courtesy in dive bars full of drunks than here.
The museum is basically just pictures and a few trophies & dresses. The cafe where we spent most of the day waiting for our tour, which we missed, was a nightmare. Most of the tables were reserved for a group*. That left us stuck at a table in the middle of the room where the line to order was - meaning we ate with strangers' butts in our face. It's not difficult to use rope guides to route the line to the side instead of along diners' tables. *(probably the same group that kept blocking pathways & displays making it difficult to navigate the museum & gift store)
The food was flavorless. The "chicken salad" sandwich was just a few chunks of meat and a slice of lettuce on plain bread. There was no "salad" about it, just chicken. I had to get packs of mayo & mustard and beg for salt & pepper so I could give it some flavor.
Having missed our tour, when leaving there was a photo shoot of hat modeling out front so we couldn't even get pictures of ourselves in front of the building. I've experienced better organization & common courtesy in dive bars full of drunks than here.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Trish N
Norfolk, VA78 contributions
Jun 2022
If you go to Louisville, you have to go to the track. Honestly, even if you aren't into racing, the history of the building and the horses and jockeys that have been through it is worth it. On a day without a major race, you can have dinner at Millionaire's Row for $40 (don't quote me) and it'd be worth it.
Written 8 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
akat411
San Francisco, CA125 contributions
Had a nice time at the museum looking around before heading over to the racetrack to watch a couple races. I bought our timed tickets of the general tour a couple days ahead of time. The video to start off was a nice overview of the Derby. Since there were races going on and the timing was just right, our tour guide took us out to the side of the track and we got to see the start of a race up close. Then she took us to another area where horses were being brought out and shown (it was for some purpose but I didn’t catch what) I can’t say if this is all the normal set up of a tour, and I can’t say I walked away knowing a ton about the derby or the grounds from the tour specifically, but to me seeing the start of the race and horses up close was even better! Afterwards we spent some time looking at the exhibits. The museum has a small gift shop (Churchill Downs has a separate gift shop) and a cafe. I had also bought general admission tickets for the the track so you do have to walk over to the actual entrance for Churchill Downs. Not sure if our experience was unique, but it was fun and I learned more about horse racing than I ever knew!
Written 24 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
It sounds like you hit the jackpot on your tour! What a wonderful experience, we're so glad you shared details of your visit with us. Come back and visit soon, and take one of our more in-depth tours for more Derby history!
Written 26 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Diantha W
Salt Lake City, UT115 contributions
Barnyard and Backside Tour + general museum tour
Keana was our guide for the early morning barnyard and backside tour. She was so informative and answered all of our questions. She was excited with us despite a steady rain. What a great introduction to the Derby and Churchill Downs. The tour is conducted from a van. Easy to hear our guide and see the grounds. Really neat to see the starting gate used in the Derby, the stables, the backside of the track (looking at the iconic grandstand), AND most importantly watch the horses and riders during an exercise block.
The museum is of manageable size and laid out well with more information about the Derby and specific race winners.
The general admission tour was somewhat repetitive after the previous tour, however, it was raining harder then and our movement was somewhat limited. Definitely recommend checking out the tours above and beyond the general admission.
Parking was a bit confusing in the early AM dimness but ample and included. Recommend reference the website, check by phone the day prior, and give yourself a bit of time.
For equestrians, I would love a tour that included information about vet care, farriers, saddle making, and hearing from someone with a trainer’s experience.
I think more could be said (either through an exhibit or on tour) about the care of the horses, especially after their racing career. Rehoming them is a major effort. Like all purebred horses and athletes in high level competition, they are susceptible to significant disease and injury. The racing industry must commit huge resources to R&D on improving conditions etc, it would be good to learn more about what they are doing to keep the horses safe and healthy.
Overall good experience at iconic KY destination.
Keana was our guide for the early morning barnyard and backside tour. She was so informative and answered all of our questions. She was excited with us despite a steady rain. What a great introduction to the Derby and Churchill Downs. The tour is conducted from a van. Easy to hear our guide and see the grounds. Really neat to see the starting gate used in the Derby, the stables, the backside of the track (looking at the iconic grandstand), AND most importantly watch the horses and riders during an exercise block.
The museum is of manageable size and laid out well with more information about the Derby and specific race winners.
The general admission tour was somewhat repetitive after the previous tour, however, it was raining harder then and our movement was somewhat limited. Definitely recommend checking out the tours above and beyond the general admission.
Parking was a bit confusing in the early AM dimness but ample and included. Recommend reference the website, check by phone the day prior, and give yourself a bit of time.
For equestrians, I would love a tour that included information about vet care, farriers, saddle making, and hearing from someone with a trainer’s experience.
I think more could be said (either through an exhibit or on tour) about the care of the horses, especially after their racing career. Rehoming them is a major effort. Like all purebred horses and athletes in high level competition, they are susceptible to significant disease and injury. The racing industry must commit huge resources to R&D on improving conditions etc, it would be good to learn more about what they are doing to keep the horses safe and healthy.
Overall good experience at iconic KY destination.
Written 22 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark S
2 contributions
Aug 2022
...Enjoyable and educational. The museum is laid out in an organized manner and entertaining to a point 2.5 hrs went by quickly. The movie in the great hall was well-done and creatively put together on the 360 degree screen that left attendees spinning in chairs to watch the pageantry of Derbies Past. Our tour guide inside Churchill Downs was well informed and carried the momentum forward with his passion toward the location and history. Nice Lunch topped off with a Mint Julep. Well done. We'd recommend.
Written 11 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kristina
Huntington, IN48 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
We had a great experience here at the Kentucky Derby Museum! The staff were all very friendly and welcoming, very well-educated on the history as well. We learned a lot on the general admission walking tour. You could just imagine what it would be like to be there the day of the Kentucky Derby after experiencing the tour and the movie. Our kids really enjoyed the video game horses you could race on as well. The gift shop had great discounts and very friendly staff as well. The cafe was also very good, clean, and reasonably priced. I recommend the quesadilla if you have children. It is $4, and you can choose from cheese, or add chicken or bacon for the same price. It is a good portion size, and comes with sour cream & salsa. My son loved it! The cheeseburger was also good, as well as the turkey club. There is also a bar in the cafe where you can book a tasting, or just relax and enjoy a drink of your choice. Highly recommended museum!!
Written 4 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lee E
Atlanta, GA3 contributions
is there a waitlist because the website says there are no tickets available until 9/2021?
The website indicates no tickets available until September of 2021. How can we visit the museum in June?
Glenn M
Smyrna, TN106 contributions
How long is the walking tour?
GreenUnicorn
New Jersey3,467 contributions
I remember it as a half hour, and this is from the website:
Take a 30 minute, guided walking tour of historic Churchill Downs Racetrack.
There are other specialized tours that are longer and cost money beyond admission. The 1/2 hour tour is included in the price of admission.
SCTravelers357
Irmo, SC
Does Museum admission allow you to watch the races or do you also need a Churchhill Downs general admission?
Kelli0023
Broken Arrow, OK
The Museum admission does not allow you to see the races.
This shows no availability during The Derby dates. Are you still available to attend the museum during The Derby, and purchase tickets at the door?
Can you purchase tickets at the door or must you purchase online?
Coff33
Louisville, KY396 contributions
You can definitely buy tickets on site when you arrive. Check out their store for great Derby souvenirs. I like their painted canvas totes for $20.
Joe H
Bailey, CO1 contribution
what horse won by the most lengths in the Kentucky Derby?
Greg B
Vacaville, CA213 contributions
Addendum: Although Secretariat won in 1973 he did not win by the biggest margin (although he won the Belmont by 31 lengths). 4 horses won by 8 lengths: Old rosebud in 1914, Johnstown in 1939, Whirlaway in 1941, and Assault in 1946.