This visit request form only applies to DERBY SEASON group visits
the two weeks prior to the Kentucky Derby. CLICK HERE to request a visit for all other dates.

2026 Derby Season: Sunday, April 18th - Wednesday, April 29th
*The Kentucky Derby Museum is closed to the public Thursday, April 30th through Saturday, May 2nd

2027 Derby Season: Sunday, April 17th - Wednesday, April 28th
*The Kentucky Derby Museum is closed to the public Thursday, April 29th through Saturday, May 1st

All our tours, offered during normal Museum business hours, include General Admission to the Museum. Museum admission includes:

• “The Greatest Race”, a 360° 18-minute media experience that will make your heart race and emotions soar
• Time to explore our two floors of family-friendly interactive exhibits
• Access to the Museum Store and the Derby Café & Bourbon Bar  Derby Cafe Closed: 4/24-5/5/2026 & 4/23-5/4/2027

 

Derby Season Guided Track Visit & Museum Admission: See 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. Your Guide will share stories of the early days of the Kentucky Derby through its transformation into the iconic event it is today.
Tour departs hourly 10am-4pm. | 25-minute tour | $20/adult | $11/child(K-8th)

Derby Season Morning Works Walking Tour & Museum Admission: Start your day rail side at the track! Experience the thrilling sound of hooves pounding the dirt as horses and jockeys train right in front of you! You will see horses gallop past at speeds up to 40 miles per hour! Your guide will share the ins and outs of training world-class Thoroughbreds (your group may even get a chance to see some of the Derby and Oaks horses prepping for their big race!) You also visit the Churchill Downs Grandstand and the Paddock where horses are saddled right before running the Derby. Be sure to have your camera ready – seeing these incredible athletes working out beneath the historic Twin Spires™ is a memory you will want to hold onto forever. *Workouts may be canceled due to weather or other conditions.
Tour departs 8:00 a.m. & 9:00 a.m. | 30-minute tour | $25/adult | $15/child(K-8th)

Derby Season - Backstretch Breakfast Workout Tour & Museum Admission: Our most exclusive group tour! Nothing compares to visiting the Backside of Churchill Downs in the weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby! You never know who you may see – a legendary Derby trainer or the next Triple Crown winner. On this guided private group tour, you’ll be surrounded by Thoroughbreds, trainers, exercise riders, hotwalkers – everything that brings this vibrant community to life. Watch as Derby Contenders and other world-class Thoroughbreds train on the track as you have breakfast in the Track Kitchen and then stand railside along the backstretch. Be on the lookout for the iconic yellow saddle cloths that adorn this year’s Derby Contenders’ barns/stalls. Have your camera ready for panoramic views of the racetrack, Grandstand, and the historic Twin Spires™. Please note, groups must arrive on the backside together in 1 bus. *Breakfast Included in Tour Price. 
Tour departs | 7am & 8:30am | 75-minute tour | $95/adult | $85/child(K-8th)

When planning your group visit to the Kentucky Derby Museum- please allow 1+ hours for museum visit + time for your guided tour + any additional time needed for selected add-on activities. All Derby Season group visits require final payment 10 business days prior to arrival.

 

 

DERBY SEASON- GROUP ADD-ON & OFF-SITE ACTIVITIES: 

These interactive Derby themed experiences can be added on to your museum visit or we can bring the Derby fun to you! CLICK HERE for images & additional information.

Hatitude: What's your fashion attitude? Big brim with lots of trimmings or simple and chic? During Hatitude, your guests will create their very own Kentucky Derby hat to take home. We provide the hat, all the ribbons, bows, flowers, and fanfare - you provide the style.
Limited availability by request | 60-minutes | $35 per person | Also available off-site

Lucky Shoes: Four-leaf clovers, rabbit's feet, heads-up pennies - all lucky charms for many people. Another common one? The horseshoe! They are thought to bring good luck and protection. Groups can decorate and take home their very own lucky horseshoe!
Limited availability by request | 45-minutes | $17 per person | Also available off-site

Race Activity: With $5,000 worth of "Horsey Bucks," everyone is a high roller! This mock racing event allows your group to share in the fun & excitement of wagering and learn about handicapping the horses. We supply the race programs, horsey bucks, betting windows, live tellers, and prizes to give groups a feel of real racing action! This is one fun, exciting, and a bit competitive group experience!
Limited availability by request | 60-minutes | $20 per person | Also available off-site

Mint Julep University: When you're done with this experience, you'll be an expert on Kentucky's famous drink - the Mint Julep! Learn how to make a Mint Julep, and of course, drink it, too. Soak up the history of how this beverage became the Kentucky Derby's signature drink. Now taking bookings for June and beyond!
Limited availability by request | 45-minutes | $35 per person

Bourbon Tasting: What do you get when you pour a jigger of Bourbon, add a dash of Thoroughbreds and mix in a Mint Julep cup? The complete Horses & Bourbon Experience! Taste a few premium Kentucky Bourbons and learn why horse racing and Bourbon are a perfect pair.
Limited availability by request | 60-minutes | $55 per person

Live Racing: Experience the thrill of a race day at Churchill Downs! Have a one-of-a-kind experience and head over to the racetrack after visiting the Kentucky Derby Musuem. Click the links below for additional information. Live racing tickets may be purchased by contacting Churchill Down's Group Sales (502-636-4450).

 

Thank you for including the Kentucky Derby Museum in your groups travel plans. Reservations will be confirmed via email by the Group Sales Department within 3 business days. For more information on our Group Tour Options, please visit our Group Tour Webpage. For questions, please email our Group Sales Department at emunson@derbymuseum.org or call 502-637-1111

We Look Forward to Seeing You Soon!