| Behind-the-Scenes Group Tours: |
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Backstretch Breakfast Workout Tour: Our most exclusive group tour! Start your day with horses and horseman on this 75-minute add-on tour on the backside of Churchill Downs. Guests will have a rail-side breakfast in the Track Kitchen and walk among the signature green-roofed barns that are home to 1,400 horses during the racing and training season. In addition to the horses, you’ll also see some of the hundreds of people who live and work on the Backside as they care for and train the world-class Thoroughbreds. Approximately 2.4 furlongs (.3 miles). Groups must arrive on the backside together in 1 bus. Breakfast included in tour price. Tours depart: 7am & 8:30am | $29pp |
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Greenhouse Visit: Tour the racetrack’s amazing 12,000-square-foot Horticultural Center and learn first-hand what it takes to keep the grounds beautiful on Kentucky Derby Day and year-round from Churchill Downs Horticulture Director Matt Bizzell. 60-minute add-on tour | Available by request | $19pp |
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Black Heritage in Racing Tour: On the Black Heritage in Racing Tour, you’ll discover some of the most important African American figures in horse racing - from the jockey only known as Simon to two-time Derby winner Jimmy Winkfield. You’ll also visit locations throughout Churchill Downs while hearing about their incredible legacy. The tour wraps up in the Black Heritage in Racing Exhibit where you’ll learn how African American trainers, horse owners, and jockeys continue to shape the future of racing today. Available by request on non-race days | Tours depart 11am, 12pm, 1pm, or 2pm. | 90-minute tour | $10pp |
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| Make & Take Souvenir and Interactive Activities: |
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Hatitude: A fun, hands‑on hat‑design experience where groups create their own Derby headwear! Hats are a signature part of Kentucky Derby tradition, and this interactive activity lets participants decorate big-brimmed hats, fascinators, and fedoras with ribbons, bows, feathers, and flowers. Museum staff are on hand to assist and inspire. Visiting in October? Request Halloween Hatitude and show your witchy side by creating a Halloween-ready hat or fascinator! 60-minutes | $25pp |
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Lucky Shoes Activity: Bring home a piece of Derby magic with Lucky Shoes, a hands-on activity where guests decorate authentic horseshoes worn by real racehorses from Churchill Downs. Using ribbons, wire, charms, and a little creativity, participants create a one-of-a-kind keepsake while learning about the time-honored horseman’s tradition of hanging a horseshoe face-up over a doorway to “catch the luck.” It’s a creative, meaningful, and memorable way to celebrate the spirit of the Kentucky Derby! 45-minutes | $12pp |
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Racing Silks Activity: Add a splash of color to your group’s visit with Racing Silks, a creative, hands-on activity inspired by one of the most recognizable Derby traditions! Using paint pens and stencils, guests will design their own signature jockey silk ornament or magnet to take home as a personalized keepsake. Along the way, they’ll learn about the history and meaning behind these colorful jackets worn by jockeys on Derby Day. It’s a fun and artistic way to celebrate the vibrant spirit of the Kentucky Derby! 45-minutes | $10pp |
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Race Activity: Place Your Bets! Get ready for some fast-paced fun with this interactive mock racing experience at the Kentucky Derby Museum! Each guest receives $5,000 in Horsey Bucks—play money to “bet” on thrilling horse races. Strategize your bets, cheer on your favorites, and compete against friends to see who picks the most winners and takes home the bragging rights (and prizes!). It’s a high-energy group experience that brings the excitement of the Kentucky Derby to life—no real money, just real fun!! 60min | $15pp (Reindeer Games available during the holidays.) |
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Mint Julep University: Step into the tradition and flavor of the Kentucky Derby with this one-of-a-kind group experience! At Mint Julep University, guests will handcraft the Derby’s most iconic cocktail from the ground up—starting with making their own simple syrup and crushing ice the old-fashioned way. Then, they’ll mix, muddle, and sip on their custom creation while learning the rich history behind the Mint Julep and how it became a legendary part of Derby culture. It's hands-on, history-filled, and delicious—only at the Kentucky Derby Museum! 60-minutes | $25pp |
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Bourbon Tasting: Raise a Glass to the Derby! Immerse your group in Kentucky tradition with a Derby-themed bourbon tasting experience at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Sample a curated selection of premium bourbons while learning about the deep connection between bourbon and the Kentucky Derby. Led by knowledgeable staff, this guided tasting pairs rich local flavors with fascinating stories, making it the perfect addition to your group’s visit. Cheers to an unforgettable experience—only at the Kentucky Derby Museum! 60-minutes | $45pp |