How to Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum

Thoroughbred horse racing is one of the most exciting sports around, and the Kentucky Derby is the crown jewel of the racing circuit. Even if you miss the yearly race, you can still enjoy the excitement and history of this famous race with a visit to the Kentucky Derby Museum. The museum sits right on Churchill Downs, the site of the race.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Reservations (recommended for tours)
• Comfortable shoes (for walking tours)

1. Sign up for the Barn and Backside Van Tour to get a jockey's-eye view of the back areas of Churchill Downs. This tour takes you through the 1,400 stalls, which house some of the finest racing horses in the world. If the weather is good enough, the van will stop so that you can shoot a couple of pictures at the track.
2. Make a reservation for the Behind the Scenes Walking Tour to see the jockey's quarters up close. This tour lasts about 1.5 hours and also takes small groups to the press box and Millionaire's Row.
3. Sample classic Kentucky dishes by stopping at the Derby Cafe for lunch. The cafe offers both elegant and homestyle fare for both breakfast and lunch.
4. Check out some of the most outlandish hats you have ever seen with a visit to the Kentucky Derby Museum's Annual Hat Contest Exhibit. The collection is on permanent display on the lower level of the museum.
5. Step into the Warner L. Jones, Jr. Time Machine to watch Kentucky Derby races from years past. You can choose film footage of races from the early 20th century and relive the action at this permanent exhibit. Racing history buffs can also access the names of the horses, jockeys and owners who won each race.
6. Visit the "Rider's Up" ride to allow your kids to experience a simulated ride on a thoroughbred horse in the derby. The interactive exhibit gives kids a ride aboard a simulated horse and challenges them to try to stay in jockey position for the 2 minutes that real jockeys take to round the track.

Tips & Warnings

• Explore the Kentucky Derby Museum website to get up-to-the-minute information on rates and hour (see Resources below).
• Get reservations for the early-morning Barn and Backside Van Tour so that you have time for walking tours later in the day.
• Ask about museum admission discounts when you make reservations for the Behind the Scenes Walking Tour.
• The Barnyard and Backside Van Tour is only available between March and November.
• The Derby Cafe is closed on weekends.