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  • 5/5 Anna H. H. 2 years ago on Google
    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!
    19 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Josh B. 2 months ago on Google β€’ 750 reviews New
    Home of the most famous race in the world the Kentucky Derby. I would have loved to go to one of the races but I came here in the off season when there were no races running at all. There are a lot of different tours to go on: Backstretch Workout Tour, Barn and Backside Tour, Black Heritage in Racing Tour, Bourbon and Bridles Experience, Race Day Experience, Hermitage Farm and Derby Museum Tour, Ultimate Churchill Downs Tour, Throughbred Workout Tour, Superstars and Spires tour (I really wanted to go to this one but it was sold out), Guided Track Visit. I went to this last one, you got to see the track as well as the grandstand. Nice quick tour if you aren't a big fan or in a pinch for time but I definitely recommend the other tours if you are a big fan.

  • 5/5 Mackenzie F. 2 years ago on Google
    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!
    9 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Jim A. 2 months ago on Google β€’ 413 reviews New
    Went here for Kentucky derby 2023 and it was a great time! Highly recommend a box seat and near the finish line. Drinks and food were basic but all inclusive. Cigars cost extra. Definitely a great once in a lifetime experience.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 R B. 2 months ago on Google β€’ 546 reviews New
    Excellent tour and was amazing to see this historic place in person. A shame I wasn't born when Secretariat run the Derby in 1973. His record still stands. There is a beautiful display about him on the second floor of the museum adjacent to Churchill Downs.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Jamie S. 1 month ago on Google β€’ 330 reviews New
    Very beautiful historical racetrack to visit. It was great taking the tour that is offered at the museum. I would love to experience a race event in person some day.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Md Muntasir A. 4 months ago on Google β€’ 80 reviews
    An amazing experience to watch a live Horse race. You can't imagine how good a vibe is created during the horse race. We bought tickets in advance. We watched almost all the races that day. Very good experience. There were plenty of food courts inside. Next year, we are planning to go there to experience the Kentucky Derby that has almost 170,000 viewers. In Louisville, this place is a must visit.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Sharon H. 4 months ago on Google β€’ 248 reviews
    I had such a wonderful, enjoyable day/experience here yesterday(Sunday, November 5th, 2023). I came with dear friends who are parents of a deceased army son. We attended the Military remembrance day for surviving families. 11 stares were represented. Such good food, a band, face painting, activities fir the children and so much more was provided at No cost to the families and their guests. The staff I talked to and got to know we're absolutely so friendly, caring and a joy to meet We had such a wonderful time. Thank you to your staff throughout the building and grounds. I will definitely come back!

  • 5/5 Jason Korey W. 8 months ago on Google
    Loved it! Did one of the tours, so worth it. Make sure to book a tour ahead of time. Would love to go back to do one of the other tours that were already sold out on our only day there. The museum was neat to walk around. Also, I loved the movie, got me a little emotional.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 DUANE H. 1 year ago on Google
    The museum is extensive and like most museums tells you more than you can actually absorb. The movie was good and the tour guide was very good. We did the track tour which is really just walking out to stand by the track. It is very impressive. Much bigger than I expected.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Douglas W. 11 months ago on Google
    Beautiful facilities with a Brand New building/stands at Turn 1 now including large event spaces. Amazing the care and passion of the people here and the efforts they put in to make the Kentucky Derby the world class event that it is. This is a facility that you really need to see, they offer guided tours talking about the history of the Derby.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 johnsko J. 7 months ago on Google β€’ 99 reviews
    If you get the chance take the Superstars and Spires tour. At ninety minutes it covers a lot. Our guide, Bob, was really good about sharing stories and historical insights about this great track. The tour takes you through all the grandstands and high end seating where the stars and celebrities enjoy the Derby. There is a museum to visit as well as a theatre to watch a movie about The Race, which is a must see. Visit the store for some swag and the cafe for a mint julip.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 kali 2 years ago on Google
    Went to see horse races. Was a phenomenal experience. We got our tickets when we arrived which ended up costing us a third of the price. Has a parking lot concession stand for food drinks and a gift shop. You can smoke inside while watching the horse races. Once you enter you can't return. Races take place all day. Minimum bet for a horse race when we went was $50.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Sabrina K. 2 years ago on Google
    It was fun even for someone who knows nothing about horse racing! Def get one of the drinks but beware…they’re strong! Mint Julep was delicious. Prices were good and you could spend a lot of time there watching races, drinking/eating and walking around. Lower levels were outside seating, though some were covered, so bring appropriate clothing.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Alan F. 4 months ago on Google
    Never been to a race before, was a great thrill. Everyone had. Fun watching and cheering for the Horses. Love the history and the stadium food. Good day with friends, will definitely do this again.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Linda C. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome experience. We had tickets on Millionaire Row. An amazing brunch and spectacular viewing for the races.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Caryn D. 9 months ago on Google
    I did the Backside Breakfast tour and then toured the museum. The backside tour was very interesting and informative. It was fascinating to learn about life here. It was my favorite thing that I did on vacation. Definitely recommend!!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Madalyn Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Really had a great time here at Churchill Downs. An injured horse put a sour taste in my mouth as that broke my heart. Otherwise I loved my mint julep and walking around the site was gorgeous. The horses are beautiful and betting was easy and fun. If you're going to a race that is NOT the Kentucky Derby it's fun for kids too.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Michael S. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow, Churchill Downs is huge. I can't imagine what this place is like when the Kentucky Derby is here. Was able to walk around and get some pictures of this impressive place. I would have loved to see live racing while visiting, but they are working on getting ready for next season. They are adding more seats for fans.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Daniel D. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to visit while in Louisville! The experience here is very authentic as the charm to it is one of a kind! I’ve been to a lot of historic places and this one definitely gave me goosebumps while walking around! Highly recommend taking a tour!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Robert G. 10 months ago on Google
    Going to the Kentucky Derby has been on our bucket list for quite a long time time and it finally happened. The running of the 149 Kentucky Derby happened this past weekend so the excitement of it was amazing and experiencing the race itself was incredible. Not going into the history of the derby you can research that but to take in the sites, sounds, smells and the roars of the crowd during each race leading up to the biggest horse race event the Kentucky Derby. This race has made this years top of the list for us. You must put the Kentucky Derby on your list of places to visit. We’ve already made plans to return next year for the 150 Derby. We are not gamblers but putting in a bet was pretty amazing and the ladies with their hats and gentlemen also showed us why derby day is so exciting. Hope to see you there next year.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Josh K. 1 year ago on Google
    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!!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 marilyn m. 5 months ago on Google β€’ 148 reviews
    We took The Super Stars & Spires Tour with Bret as our guide. He was a font of information and you could see that he lives people as much as he loves horses. Our tour was very comprehensive as you will see from our pics. Highly recommend this tour. The glass menagerie of the racing stands and track were cleverly presented.

  • 5/5 Gale G. 4 years ago on Google β€’ 118 reviews
    The food was awesome, and the people at our betting window was so friendly and helpful. Loved having the betting machine in room which made it easier. We were there with Mercurio Wealth group, and it was free, which made it even more nicer. But over all It was a very enjoyable day!

  • 5/5 Tim S. 1 year ago on Google
    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.

  • 3/5 David K. 2 years ago on Google
    A tad expensive for what you get. Cost us $80 for 2 adults and three kids JUST to visit the museum. Grounds tours would have cost much more. Only thing worthwhile was the 18 minute surround slide show/movie. But we had to wait for an hour because all the seats were full. Those of us with bad knees had to find somewhere to sit to wait and there are only a couple of benches. Disappointed.

  • 5/5 Brittany M. 2 years ago on Google
    Take the tour. The guides are very knowledgeable and it's amazing to see the inner workings of everything. Such a history rich experience even if you aren't a horse enthusiast. My 10-year-old also thoroughly enjoyed the tour.

  • 4/5 Winston P. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome but too short. Got there late and only had time for a brief run through of the museum and the gift shop. Will definitely have to come back on race day.

  • 4/5 Brian B. 4 months ago on Google
    We went to the November live races and I would rate that a 5. We bought tickets to the millionaire’s row section which was great and included a buffet and all you can drink soda. The buffet was very disappointing. It went from 1 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. We got our food at 1:15 P.M. after the first race was done. The pasta was warm to cool in temperature, the chicken was dry. The dessert selection was very messy in presentation. That lowered our rating. Is that really how it is for the Kentucky Derby when people are paying $10,000 or more for tickets? Thank goodness ours were $61 each (includes entry to Churchill Downs).

  • 4/5 Kristi U. 1 year ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 William B. 4 months ago on Google
    Great way to spend the afternoon while in Louisville. Bring cash to bet . The food is just okay. Eat elsewhere if possible before or after. The drinks are actually pretty good. They make a pretty decent old-fashioned.

  • 5/5 Carla A. 1 year ago on Google
    We enjoyed a day at the races. We haven't really done this, so there was much to learn. I downloaded the betting app and took advantage of the risk free $25 bet... and won! I won a few others and ended up ahead. We had lunch on Millionaire's Row, which was very good. I especially liked the pasta and the chocolate dipped cookies. We are looking forward to going again! (I had to delete the app. It was a little too much fun.)

  • 4/5 Debra Big E. 8 months ago on Google
    Sadly when I was younger you could go to the track, paddocks, museum. They also had a great restaurant. Now don't get me wrong the Cafe food was really good. I'm sad my daughter couldn't enjoy the sights without a small bank loan. Plus the Twin Spires are lost behind 2 cranes and all the " improvement of more over priced seating for the rich. My grandfather was a race horse trainer there and his girls actually got to see a Derby and my Grammie and her lady friends were all decked out. Go anyway so you can say you were there

  • 5/5 Catherine S. 10 months ago on Google
    I had the honor of serving as the rose escort detail at the 149th KY derby and also manned the rails near the finish line. The sheer volume of people 😳 and the amount of coordination such an event requires 🫨🀯 mind blowing. I was blown away by this event and so happy I was able to experience this in my lifetime.

  • 5/5 Michele H. 10 months ago on Google
    My first Derby and it awesome. The weather was perfect and the atmosphere was eclectic. I will definitely be attending again. Planning is a must

  • 5/5 Dominic Z. 10 months ago on Google
    The Derby and the Oak from the Turf club is an amazing experience. Highly recommended for a bucket list event. Take your time and enjoy the ambiance!


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