The thoroughbred racetrack Churchill Downs is famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby. This arena, which opened in 1875 and can hold up to 120,000 people, has also hosted the Breeder's Cup eight times and features live racing on weekends. This site is home to the Kentucky Derby Museum, where you can learn about the arena, horse racing, and even watch the film "The Greatest Race" in a 360-degree movie theater. Choose to start, finish, or center your holiday on a trip to Churchill Downs by using our Louisville online holiday planner.
Tours to Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs reviews
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We were in Louisville and stopped to check out the historic horse racing venue. We didn't have time for full tour but we were able to visit the gift shop, experience some of the history, see some of.... more
We were in Louisville and stopped to check out the historic horse racing venue. We didn't have time for full tour but we were able to visit the gift shop, experience some of the history, see some of.... more »
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This is for the museum. I wouldn’t go if you have young kids. Not enough to entertain them and they likely won’t appreciate the history of the sport.
This is for the museum. I wouldn’t go if you have young kids. Not enough to entertain them and they likely won’t appreciate the history of the sport. more »
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We have actually been a number of times. Be sure to book your own grandstand seat. Actually, not that crowded. Ladies' hats are wild.
We have actually been a number of times. Be sure to book your own grandstand seat. Actually, not that crowded. Ladies' hats are wild. more »
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We paid $17 each for a 30 minute tour of the grounds as well as entrance to the museum. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and encouraged us often to ask questions. As a childhood fan with very little knowledge of the history race, I was amazed with the history our tour guide was able to share in just the 30 minutes we were there. If you know more than me, you might ask questions and be pleasantly surprised to hear her explain Churchill Downs trivia. Since it was only a 30 minute tour, we didn't go far from the museum, but we did get to see the track and the winners circle under the twin towers! The museum is quite large and holds of a lot of interesting facts as well as interactive and informative games for some of the younger (or young at heart) crowd. 10/10, must visit!
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One of the coolest things I've ever done! If you have the chance, visit Churchill Downs. It's an experience you'll never forget! When we visited, they had a bunch of food trucks in the vicinity. It was neat because you could walk around to a couple of food trucks, purchase some drinks, dance to the live music, and then go watch the horse races. We just sat in a general admission area which worked out perfect because we were there during the week when it wasn't crazy busy. Overall, we had an absolute blast!
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Great experience! This was my first visit. We took a tour of the city and this was one of our stops. Enjoyed seeing the horses race and exploring the grounds, which are very beautiful. The gift shop has a good variety of items, such as derby hats, shirts, magnets, and derby collector items.
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How could you not give this 5 stars! Historic, beautiful, an absolute must for everyone. If you go on any weekend other than Derby weekend, it is affordable ($10-30 seat tickets) and not crazy crowded! Keep in mind there is a dress code (not for basic admission) but for all of the restaurants inside the facility. It can all be found on their website. But there are plenty of food stands to buy food inside not connected to a restaurant. It can get pretty hot here, so be prepared. We had the time of our lives and would do it again in a heartbeat. If you're considering but not sure, just go, you will not regret it! It's Churchill Downs!!
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Churchill Downs is THE American horse racing experience. Steeped in tradition and lore, reverence for 'The Sport of Kings' abounds. From the murals of Kentucky Derby winning jockeys and horse owners, the history of 'The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports' is on full display. Placards of past Derby winners adorn the paddock and entryway to Churchill Downs. Crowning Kentucky's bourbon country, guests may sip on a mint julep from the sheltered pavilion while watching horse trainers warm up their equine charges. Of course, betting is available from numerous windows available inside the pavilion. And even if your horse doesn't win, the spectacle of the surroundings and its pageantry make the experience memorable.
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