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November 2023 by Sara L.
When in KY, you go learn a bit about the Derby lol! Seriously, my friend knew a bit about the derby and recommended coming here while we were in town. I know nothing about the derby or horse racing but am up for an adventure so we went. By the time we left I felt educated and fulfilled in a good way. It was a Saturday but very low key. No big crowds while we were there. There are a few options - we chose the $20 museum and general tour. It was worth the $$$! You start by watching and 18 min video on the Derby and what a day at the derby looks like. The video is shown on a 360 degree screen that is very cool. I really enjoyed the movie! Then you go on the general tour with your guide who narrates. You get to do down to the track, walk through the inner race area and learn a lot about the racing and the derby. Our guide was EXCELLENT! He encouraged a lot of questions, shared facts and a few stories and got us down to the track area in time to see a race go by! I loved that! Also, that is not a "given" like you may think... races only happen every 28 minutes, the tour was about 20 minutes so he did some planning on that. Following the tour we toured the museum on our own. There is A LOT to see and learn in the museum. There are 2 levels and areas covering everything from horses, jockeys, history, clothing, betting, caretakers, etc. If it has ANYTHING to do with horse racing, they have a section on it lol. They also included a section on the building as well. I really liked that they had interactive stations, reading stations, video stations, etc. So no matter how you like to engage there is something for everyone. If you are in Louisville, you must stop here and take the quick tour! It's worth the money (and if you follow my reviews, you know I'm frugal lol).
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November 2023 by Sheri B.
Did the tour and the museum while on a quick visit to Louisville. Opted for the "General Admission" tour which included a short movie/video, access to the museum and then a walk through the back operations area to the track. the movie provided a lot of good insight and past history of the Kentucky Derby that i had never heard before. The museum was so full of trophy's, photos and memorabilia that another visit will be in order! So much to see. We were also there on a race day and while on the tour, our amazing tour guide was able to get us out to the track quickly to see a race! Maybe one day will make it the the actual Derby Day and place a few bets! Great value for the $20 that included the museum, movie and tour. Parking was close by and free.
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November 2023 by Lin Y.
I really enjoyed this museum and the tour was fun and educational! It really bought back some memories for me! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and a tour is included with the ticket price. You get to go trackside! This is a great experience and to be so close and know MANY horses have thundered down this very track and the much loved Triple-Crown Winner Secretariat! The group saw the finish line and the winner's circle. I even saw some horses exercising! The Secretariat exhibit was insightful and as a kid I remembered the headlines and the cover with Secretariat and the race where the competition was blown away and I remember seeing this horse run live and the competition was nowhere in sight! I was too young to say Secretariat and it came out as Secretary! The free movie was also fun! My head turned too much and a nicer experience would be to have the film go around in order instead of in random order! If you didn't get enough horse then explore the museum stable where there are two horses. Tanner is full sized and the other is a mini!I had a burgoo at the Derby Cafe! It doesn't open until 11:00 am. It was thick and meaty and quite enjoyable but I had a tummy ache afterwards! Still did not detract from the experience!
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November 2023 by うるる
I was very impressed. It was a struggle to decide what my outlook on life would be. I hope the horse has more happiness in the future. This is a comment on The Power of Sottsass. Sorry I don't have any photos. ?Good luck in the Breeders Cup
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November 2023 by EL C.
A must stop if you are a horse racing lover or simply want to broaden your knowledge on how America adopted to horse racing. Plus one of the stops for all you bourbon enthusiasts while you relax enjoy some amazing Mint Julep and other delicious cocktails.
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October 2023 by Bobby Ray
Call for response
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October 2023 by Ryan D.
$60 for a self guided tour and 1 piece of raw chicken and cold green beans for a banquet that was pre sold over 2 weeks prior. Their excuse was "we miscounted our numbers".... I've been ripped off before but never this bad and with so many people. The staff was rude and couldn't even apologize to the 30 some people waiting to eat the rushed raw chicken. If you need a professional banquet place, choose anywhere else in Louisville Kentucky...
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October 2023 by Doug S.
We did the general admission ticket so we could see the Churchill Downs track. They show you a very impressive movie in the hall before you go see the track. The movie is 20 minutes long. Great experience overall! The track is huge and must see. It's currently as I write this under construction outside in the front. They are redoing the Paddock area. It will be done next year for the Kentucky Derby and from the photo they have out it's going to be beautiful. The staff is awesome and very intelligent on the history of the grounds. Quite the learning experience.
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July 2023 by Kimberly C.
Visiting a friend that has lived in Kentucky all her life and she has never visited the Museum. Coming from California I was excited to actually visit the place where Secretariat won. We love the movie and the inspiring story.Reservations made and paid for online a week prior to our visit. Parking is free in the lot right next to Churchill Downs and there's a 2 minute walk to the Museum entrance.We were nicely welcomed and given a map then pointed in the direction of the theater. The tour begins with a 20 minute amazing video. Our docent then gathered us up and led us out to the area where she began with the history of the derby which was very interesting and entertaining. She answered the couple of questions from guests and then led us to the track for more information. Wow! We were right on the track where the derby is run. So cool. After this talk we were invited to visit the two horses in the barn, the gift shop, the cafe, and then of course the museum.
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July 2023 by Toby Anderson
First time in Kentucky from Arizona. Went to see Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby museum and of course pick up some memorabilia from the museum store
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July 2023 by Renae L.
We were able to walk in as a group of 4 and buy general admission tickets last Saturday. You will find a wealth of information in the museum. Historical photos, interactive exhibits, videos, etc. The tour included a guided track visit, not so nice our day as it was rainy but very knowledgeable tour guide full of interesting tid bits.
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July 2023 by Kate C.
This museum provided a great overview of the Derby. The $18 admission includes a 20 minute film, entrance to the museum and tour of the grounds. There is a small cafe and bar in the space as well. Highly recommend this stop as derby history is so important to this area.
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May 2023 by Utopia
Loved this place the kiddos enjoyed it also ?
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May 2023 by Jw H
0 star rating! Horrible, horrible customer service! I called 5 times and emailed once and never received a call back or email regarding my issue! Very slow shipping my items.
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January 2023 by Google user
Loved visiting Churchill Downs. The museum was excellent. Gift shops of such places are often expensive. I know that going in. But the quality of items offered was high. Especially appreciated the significant amount of Secretariat memorabilia.
