National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
A tour through the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame sets you on an incredible journey through the sport’s history, from colonial times through present day. Surrounded by incredible works of fine art, trophies, and historical artifacts, visitors experience all aspects of this thrilling sport, from its most iconic moments and pageantry to what happens behind the scenes during a day at the races. The Museum’s signature film, What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame is a 16-minute immersive experience that brings viewers on an amazing journey through the sport and examines the rare honor — given to less than one percent its participants — of reaching the game’s pinnacle and earning a coveted spot in the Hall of Fame. The cutting-edge film conveys the exhilaration of the sport of thoroughbred racing in America and the passion behind the heritage of the game.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
300 reviews
Excellent
210
Very good
72
Average
15
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Sean C
2 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Very disappointed in the changes. Always make a point to visit when we come to Saratoga and left very disappointed this time. The changes they made to the hall itself were horrendous. The interactive screens would be nice if they were in addition to the original plaques. Part of the fun before was wandering through the plaques, finding old horses you never heard of that catch your attention when you see they had 100+ starts. On top of this, every time you look at an individual plaque and go back, the list shoots all the way to the top alphabetically, so if you wanted to look at Secretariat and Seattle Slew consecutively you’d have to scroll the list entirely twice. Then, to make matters even worse, you only actually have 15 minutes or so to look on the interactive screens between movie showings. The plaques were the main draw for the museum and now it appears the museum wants you to spend as little time with them as you can.
The old exhibits were still fantastic, several other new touch screens in the museum either didn’t work, couldn’t connect to the internet, or weren’t loud enough to hear. The movie was nice but the benches are too close to the screens.
Came up this weekend to see American Pharoah’s induction ceremony, which was fantastic, but was very disappointed that there was no merchandise for sale of his induction and that his plaque was not on display in the hall.
As not just a fan of the industry, but someone who is studying horse racing in college, I am very disappointed in the hall of fame in comparison to other sports halls. If you are a racing fan looking to plan a trip to a racing museum, I’d much more recommend the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, Kentucky. The changes made by the Hall are not good and if you have been before the changes, I would not recommend a revisit.
The old exhibits were still fantastic, several other new touch screens in the museum either didn’t work, couldn’t connect to the internet, or weren’t loud enough to hear. The movie was nice but the benches are too close to the screens.
Came up this weekend to see American Pharoah’s induction ceremony, which was fantastic, but was very disappointed that there was no merchandise for sale of his induction and that his plaque was not on display in the hall.
As not just a fan of the industry, but someone who is studying horse racing in college, I am very disappointed in the hall of fame in comparison to other sports halls. If you are a racing fan looking to plan a trip to a racing museum, I’d much more recommend the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, Kentucky. The changes made by the Hall are not good and if you have been before the changes, I would not recommend a revisit.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia F
Fair Lawn, NJ3,356 contributions
Jul 2023
16 minute movie is really good. Make sure not to miss this.
There are at least two sets of restrooms. We were sent to the basement when we asked where the bathrooms were, but we later found other bathrooms on the ground floor.
There are at least two sets of restrooms. We were sent to the basement when we asked where the bathrooms were, but we later found other bathrooms on the ground floor.
Written July 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KellyV
Toronto, Canada64 contributions
Oct 2022
An interesting museum with tons to see and read about. The 360 degree movie was interesting and the guide who introduced it was certainly passionate about racing and was a wealth of information following the short film, we stayed back to chat with her and ask her questions. We spent maybe an hour here but if you were really into horses and racing you could certainly spend a few hours reading all of the displays.
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
prokysdad
Doylestown, PA265 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
My wife and I were really surprised by how much we enjoyed the museum. The immersion experience film is a highly entertaining film the emits the passion of those involved in the sport. The high tech interactive screens with the Hall of Fame members kept me engaged for much longer than I thought it would. Wish my grand daughter had been with us the experience the hands on exhibits for kids.
Next visit I want to try the simulator.
Next visit I want to try the simulator.
Written September 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ConnieB1135
Forked River, NJ151 contributions
Oct 2020
We were so pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed this museum. So informative, and so much memorabilia for viewing. The movie was very moving, and I think I have a new love for horses. We even were able to find a horse in their computer that was named after my husband by one of his patients. We were shocked. All in all, we had a great time!
Written October 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, we are happy to hear you had a good time!
Written October 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carsons3
Longport, NJ85 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Outstanding museum, loaded with history about horse racing throughout the years. The two men at the welcome desk were unbelievably welcoming and knowledgeable. What a welcomed gift to know they Honor Veteran's.....the movie wasn't working so they gave us 2 passes to return .
Written May 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CDRjhb
Old Orchard Beach, ME9 contributions
Jun 2013
Visited Museum late in the day on a rainy Saturday and there were only two other vistors. Arrived at about 2:55 PM, so knew it would have to a quick a trip through the museum. We were greated by two of the rudest and surlist eldery women I have ever met. Waiters in Paris are friendlier and more helpful. When we asked about the racing simulator, we were told it closed at 3:00 PM because they had to close the museum at 4:00 PM (never realized that it takes an hour to unplug a computer). Wife and daughter were ushered out of the gift shop at 3:45, fifteen minutes before closing time. I was locked in the main exhibit hall ten minutes before closing time--had to bang on door to get janitor to let me out. Understand that attractions having closing times for economic reasons, but close at the posted closing time; not earlier. There was what appeared a young male intern working who was embarrassed by his older co-workers obnoxious behaviour. I would avoid this attraction, as service will only get worse as crowds multiple in August for race season.
Written July 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lolly’s Look
New York City, NY15,010 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Saratoga Springs’ main claim to fame is their horse racing. So a visit to the National Museum of Racing will fill you in on all the history.
Written October 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chester0
New York City, NY9 contributions
Sept 2014 • Solo
This is a beautifully organized and presented museum about horseracing. All of the history of the sport is here. There is plenty to engage everyone, with some special features for children. There are several interactive exhibits, such as videos of all of the Triple-Crown winners' races. It is worth the price of admission to see all three races for Secretariat and Affirmed; they are still astounding. If you are really ambitious and there is a museum staffer available, try the simulated race-ride on a mechanical Thoroughbred, with a live-action video screen (no flip-flops allowed). In addition to the permanent collection, there is usually a special exhibit on view. It is within walking distance of the race track and the Oklahoma training track.
Written October 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
billie88
Middlebury, CT109 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
This is a beautiful building that is well maintained and full of fascinating historical information about horse racing. We are neither horse people nor racing fans but this museum is a gem. A great way to get an education about horse racing in a gorgeous environment. GO!
Written August 6, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Museum is open Wednesday through Sundays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 31, 2019.
Written September 17, 2019
A Tripadvisor member
Saratoga Springs, New York
The date for the induction into the Hall of Fame has moved around in recent years. (I'm on the Voting Panel for the Hall of Fame, so I keep abreast of such things.) It USED to be on the second Friday in August, but this year (2017) -- it was changed to the FIRST Friday. Best to put a reminder to yourself, to check the Museum's website for updates, starting in early April when the new Inductees' names will be announced. :)
Written August 11, 2017
That information is available on their website.
Written August 20, 2015
There is a lot of Saratoga history that can be done on foot with a dog if that helps. Congress Park, Saratoga Spa State Park and touring the local streets to look at Victorian homes. You can get self guiding walking tour material at the Visitor Center. Also, the Saratoga National Battlefield is not far and you can drive that in your own vehicle Enjoy your visit.
Written July 14, 2015
Barbara M
Ballston Lake, New York
What is the cost of admission? Is there a restaurant near by for lunch?
Written July 2, 2015
The entry fee is nominal. The staff asked us if we were members of AAA, AARP, etc. and my wife and I paid only $5 for both of us. They seemed intent on making the entry fee as low as possible.
Afterwards we enjoyed a fabulous meal at The Gideon Putnam about 1 mile away.
Written July 4, 2015
Barbara M
Ballston Lake, New York
How much does it cost to get into the museum. Is there somewhere near for lunch?
Written July 2, 2015
National Museum o
Saratoga Springs, New York
Admission to the Museum is $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for seniors 55 and over and students. Children 5 and under are free. We are not far from Broadway and within walking distance is the Brook Tavern and Spring Street Deli.
Written July 14, 2015
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