Spotlight

Kentucky Derby SPOTLIGHT: Museum Tours

by Dawn Anderson | courtesy photos

Summer vacation is a great time to be a hometown tourist! Fresh off the excitement of Derby 148 and Rich Strike’s come-from-behind longshot victory, the Kentucky Derby Museum is your exclusive tour provider for Churchill Downs Racetrack. A $17 General Admission ticket provides full Museum access to two floors of exhibits, including the spectacular new permanent exhibition, This is the Kentucky Derby! You’ll view the epic 18-minute 360° film “The Greatest Race,” updated larger than life with Rich Strike’s thrilling win, and take the 30-minute Historic Walking Tour visiting the Paddock, Grandstand, and legendary racetrack. The Kentucky Derby Museum offers additional Specialty Tours for horse lovers, bourbon enthusiasts, and more! According to the Museum’s Director of Communications, Rachel Collier, “Tour guides are prepared to answer all your Derby 148 questions about the win, horse, jockey, and other connections. And you just might see the Derby winner if he happens to be on the backside that day! Kentucky Derby Museum tours have price points for everyone, whether you have a small summer staycation budget or want to spring for a bucket list experience in your own backyard.”

Barn and Backside Tour

Available daily through 11/30 1 hour Up to 8 guests per passenger van $45-50/person This guided van tour takes you among the Backside’s green-roofed stables and the incredible community of dedicated people caring for horses that are star athletes. See sweeping views of the racetrack, Grandstand, and historic Twin Spires®. Keep an eye out and your camera handy for elite Derby trainers and Triple Crown hopefuls!

Bourbon and Bridles Experience

Available Tuesdays & Fridays 2:00 pm, 90 minutes Up to 10 adults 21+ only $100/person Primarily geared to the unbeatable combination of horse racing and our local spirit, this tour of historic

Churchill Downs is a hit with Bourbon aficionados. Hear stories of Derby-winning distillery owners and Derby during Prohibition. Kentucky Derby Museum’s Certified Bourbon Steward will guide you through a Bourbon tasting and stamp your Urban Bourbon Trail® Passport. Sample Louisville’s Modjeska candy, wrap up with a handson lesson in making a signature Mint Julep, and receive a take-home gift bag.

Go Baby Go! Race Day Experience

Available Wednesday through Saturday on select racing days 9:00 am, 4-hour tour + 1:00 pm lunch & live racing $150/person (fine dining buffet lunch and race ticket included) This one has it all: the Backside, Thoroughbreds’ morning workouts, and the thrill of live racing in the afternoon! Capture breathtaking views of the Grandstand and iconic Twin Spires® before heading back to the Paddock. Your guide will share stories and escort you into the Museum to view the 360° film “The Greatest Race.” The tour concludes in the Grandstand for a delicious Chef’s buffet at Roses Lounge, Skye Terrace, or Millionaire’s Row. Enjoy an afternoon of racing and exploring the Museum.

Hermitage Farm and Derby Museum Tour

Thursdays and Fridays 9:00 am - 3:00 pm $50-$125/person (Children Under 5 Free) The quintessential Kentucky experience begins with “The Greatest Race,” that soul-stirring 360° film of Kentucky Derby magic and the Historic Walking Tour of Churchill Downs. Sit back and relax on the way to your Hermitage Farm excursion. The Garden and Sustainability Tour takes you through terraced gardens, an orchard, and the greenhouse providing organic produce for Barn8 Farm Restaurant. Savor a Farm Fresh Lunch and visit the Farm Store. Your afternoon features a Bourbon tasting and Thoroughbred Tour of the Sport Horse barn with the Hermitage Lipizzans. Return to the Museum and don’t forget the Gift Shop!

Superstars and Spires

Available daily on non-racing days Tour times vary; 90 minutes $40/person (includes Museum General Admission and “The Greatest Race” film) Experience Churchill Downs like a VIP on Derby Day! Get exclusive access to fine dining rooms, balconies, and other lavish spaces like Millionaire’s Row, the Stakes Room, and the Turf Club. Take your shot with once-in-alifetime photo ops of the Twin Spires®, track, Paddock, and Louisville skyline.

Ultimate Churchill Downs Tour

Available Monday - Saturday during racing and training season 8:00 am, 4 hours $150/person (includes lunch, Museum General Admission, and “The Greatest Race”)

This comprehensive tour combines the best of the Backside and the luxury of Superstars and Spires. Visit the Paddock, glimpse the Grandstand’s most exclusive areas, and step out on the balconies for amazing views. A golf cart ride through the infield tunnels takes you to the Backside for a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into the Sport of Kings. Finish up with lunch and an afternoon at the Museum.

Visit derbymuseum.org/plan-a-visit/tours for suggested itineraries. Purchase tour tickets at derbymuseumstore.com.