We drove out to Churchill Downs and walked in to buy tickets for the tour. There was plenty of parking but it was a walk to the museum entrance. Since we did not book tour tickets ahead we had to wait about an hour. But in the meantime we could go through the museum. The museum was very interesting and well laid out. A lot of Churchill Downs racing history information but there were some hands on activities that our grandkids liked (8-1/2 and 6). The guy who sold us our tickets also was going to be our tour guide. He told us to watch the movie and he would be there to take us out on the tour. The movie was excellent and was presented in the round. We all sat on bar stools that we could turn and watch the movie move across the screen. A really unique way of watching a movie. The tour guide started by taking the group (around 40 people) to various places on the grounds. He was very interesting and gave out a lot of good facts. Some people had trouble hearing him (he carried a potable mic) but we had no problem. He was very good at answering questions. There was some walking involved but very few steps. There is an incline that takes you out to the bleachers and the track. This is where the tour guide spent most of the time so you could sit. After the tour the guide directed us to an area where you could get close (but not touch) a horse. Tour itself lasted about an hour. You could go back through the museum if you want. There was an exhibit on the second floor of the museum dedicated exclusively to Secretariat but we did not go up there. I highly recommend this tour. The grandkids really liked it. We were all familiar with Churchill Downs but had never been there. But you need to check if there is any racing the day you want to go as the tour may be shortened or changed. There are other tours but we opted for the basic tour.

A great site, well done. Tons of history The tour plus museum is worth the upgrade. Right down by track.. the movie is outstanding. The tour guide knew everything. No question stumped him

My husband and I had a great time learning about the history of the derby as well as touring the facility. Our tour guide, Max, was very knowledgeable; the museum had many interesting artifacts to explore; and the track itself was beautiful! I would definitely recommend stopping by, and we will certainly return with our son when he is a little older (he is currently 2 with the attention span of a gnat).

We took the Superstars and Spires Tour. This behind the scenes tour at Churchill Downs took us to Millionaire’s Row, the Stakes Room, and the Turf Club. We got to be in the upper stands to view the track right at the finish line. That was all exciting. If you are looking to see the stables or be on the track itself, this is not the tour for that. Also, the tour guide was limited in his knowledge and information to whatever is on his script. He was not able to answer even the simplest of questions, some of which he should have expected and known the answers to.

The Kentucky Derby Musuem was both educational and fun! Took my niece and nephew who enjoyed it learning about the horses and going into Churchill Downs. Plenty to do inside with the wrap around movie about the history of Kentucky Derby to the interaction items. My nephew loved the one on betting he just loved how the lady asked how you would like to place your bet.

What an experience! One we will never forget! We reserved a tour of the backside and special areas of the track/complex. There were only 7 people on the tour plus our tour guide, Stan. You can Dtan really loves his job… never “over the top” like some tour guides… very personable and informative. He encourages questions and offered to take pictures of our groups/families.. never feeling bothered or put off. The tour started with going to the tail of the track to see the horses being exercised. Stan explained a lot to us. We ride a golf cart to the infield then to the stable area (thank goodness with the June heat and humidity!). We got to feed a horse a peppermint, saw one getting some “new shoes”, even got to see premier trainer Steve Asmusson (my son got yo take a selfie with him!). We visited millionaires row, the new beautiful paddock area, saw the twin spires close up and more! Highly recommend this tour. We spent about 3 hours there and was much much better than I ever thought it would be.

The Derby Museum is worth checking out for some good history on the derby. In addition to checking out all the exhibits, you can place fake bets on races and play an arcade like horse racing game. With your admission you get a free tour of the racetrack and the ability to watch a unique 360-degree film.