Kentucky Derby Museum
Louisville, KY
A museum at the gates of Churchill Downs with the history of the Kentucky Derby, a 360° race film and walking tours of the track. Parking is free on most non-race days.
The Kentucky Derby Museum stands on the grounds of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, at 704 Central Ave. It tells the story of the Kentucky Derby, its jockeys and the race's most famous horses.
Highlights include a 360-degree HD film that puts you in the middle of the race, a large collection of Derby hats and the museum cafe, which serves mint juleps. Lonely Planet also mentions a tour of the grandstands of about 30 minutes and a 90-minute "Behind the Scenes Tour" through the jockeys' rooms and the VIP areas of Millionaire's Row.
Times, tours and prices change; please check derbymuseum.org in advance, especially on race days.
- Nearest town
- Louisville, KY
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.2034, -85.7700
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Horine Reservation CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Kentucky Derby MuseumTentsDrinking waterToilets
- Brooks RV ParkMotorhome stopover9 mi from Kentucky Derby MuseumMotorhomes
- Louisville South KOACampsite15 mi from Kentucky Derby Museum
- Grandma's RV CampingMotorhome stopover16 mi from Kentucky Derby MuseumMotorhomes
- Salt River Recreation ParkCampsite17 mi from Kentucky Derby Museum
- Grand Trails RV ParkMotorhome stopover19 mi from Kentucky Derby MuseumMotorhomes
All campsites in Kentucky · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Kentucky Derby Museum?
Kentucky Derby Museum is in Louisville, KY, at GPS 38.2034, -85.7700. It is about 7 mi from Clarksville.
Can you camp near Kentucky Derby Museum?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Horine Reservation Campground, about 9 mi away; within 25 mi there are 30 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Kentucky Derby Museum?
Kentucky Derby Museum is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Kentucky horse country: Louisville to Lexington.
What is there to see near Kentucky Derby Museum?
Places worth a stop nearby: Muhammad Ali Center (4 mi), Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory (4 mi), Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest (21 mi) and Bardstown Historic Downtown (32 mi).
When is the best time to visit Kentucky Derby Museum?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)