While, of course, the iconic Kentucky Derby is the main event happening each May in Louisville, you can still experience the thrill of this famed horse race all year long by taking a behind-scenes Churchill Downs Tour and checking out the memorabilia, fashion shows, and historical exhibits at the Kentucky Derby Museum. From April to November, there are more than ten Churchill Downs Tours to choose from, including guided track tours, bourbon experiences, and hat workshops.
This past May marked the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby race, and the museum is still offering guests ways to celebrate. One of the most popular exhibits is “See and Be Seen: 150 Years of Derby Fashion,” which highlights the trends in outfits and fun hats that have always been a big part of the derby tradition. More than 30 mannequins are dressed from head to toe in classic apparel from over the years.
Many of the past homeowners and wealthy businessmen of New Albany’s “Mansion Row,” where The Pepin Mansion is located, would have been prominent attendees of the Kentucky Derby. Now, as a guest at our bed and breakfast in Louisville, KY, you can stay in the timeless elegance of this grander time. Our B&B is the perfect place to stay to explore all the best things to do in Louisville, but we’re set back from the busy tourist areas for a more restful getaway. Check out our exclusive lodging option and book your room today!
Take a Churchill Downs Tour this Fall
The Kentucky Derby Museum offers a variety of guided tours that provide an in-depth look at the history, traditions, and behind-the-scenes workings of the world-famous Kentucky Derby. Here’s a list of a few of the Churchill Downs tours available in Spring and Fall:
- Guided Track Visit: This tour is complimentary with your Kentucky Derby Museum admission, so it’s well worth checking it out. Walk through the Grandstands where thousands of people cheer on Derby day and see where the famed horses race on the legendary dirt track.
- Barn and Backside Tour: Explore the stables and backside of Churchill Downs, where you’ll get a closer look at the horses, trainers, and staff who prepare for race day. This tour offers a unique perspective on the daily routines and preparations that go into creating champions.
- Superstars and Spires Tour: This tour gives special access to some exclusive and luxurious areas of Churchill Downs Racetrack, where celebrities often spend their derby day.
- Morning Workout Tour: Experience the thrill of watching thoroughbreds train on the track during their morning workouts. This tour offers a unique opportunity to see these magnificent animals in action and learn about their training routines.
- Bourbon and Bridles Tour: This option includes a historic tour that shares the connection between bourbon distilleries and the Kentucky Derby over the decades. You’ll wrap up with a tasting, as the Kentucky Derby Museum is an official stop on Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail.
More to Discover at the Kentucky Derby Museum:
Visiting the Kentucky Derby Museum offers an immersive experience of the rich history and vibrant culture of America’s longest-continuously-running sporting event. Located at Churchill Downs, the museum features a variety of interactive exhibits that bring the excitement of the Kentucky Derby to life, from the origins of the race to the stories of legendary horses, jockeys, and trainers. Visitors can explore the “Greatest Race” exhibit, which provides a 360-degree video experience of Derby Day, or dive into the “Horses” exhibit to learn about thoroughbreds’ care, training, and lives.
