National Historic Landmark · Danville, Kentucky
Welcome to McDowell House
McDowell House Museum is an 1800s historic house with a fascinating story, an apothecary and two gardens. This National Historic Landmark site is the former home and office of pioneering surgeon Dr. Ephraim McDowell. We are open year-round forpublic tours,group tours, andfield trips.
We also run seasonal tours of Constitution Square Historic Site and have a unique gift shop.
- 1809
- The world’s first successful ovariotomy, performed in this house
- 1935
- Bought by a group of doctors and opened as a museum
- Tue–Sat
- Guided tours of the house, apothecary and gardens
Before you visit
Our regular tour days are Tuesday-Saturday.
Please Purchase Tour Tickets to Reserve Space.
Tickets Can Be Purchased Online, at Our Gift Shop, or
by Calling 859-236-2804 During Office Hours (T-F 10-4).
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McDowell House
Tours Year-Round, Tuesday-Saturday at Select Times
Across the street
Constitution Square
Gift Shop Open March-December, Cabins Open April-October for Self-Guided Tours
Guided Tours Currently Available to Groups Only
Plan your visit
Getting here
125 S 2nd St
Danville, KY 40422
McDowell House sits in downtown Danville, directly across South Second Street from Constitution Square Historic Site. There is a small visitor parking lot on the north side of the property.
Hours
Tours Tuesday–Saturday at select times
Office hours Tuesday–Friday, 10:00–4:00
Gift Shop hours
Contact
Museum (859) 236-2804
Gift Shop (859) 236-2803
mcdowellhouse1@att.net
Admission
| Visitor type | General Rates | Group Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | $8.00 | $4.00 |
| Senior (62+) | $7.00 | $3.00 |
| Active Military | $7.00 | $3.00 |
| Students (13-18) | $4.00 | $2.00 |
| Children (5-12) | $3.00 | $1.00 |
| Kids ( Under 5) | Free | — |
Group rates require a booking of ten or more, paid together. Seegroup tours and field trips for details.
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Common questions
Visiting McDowell House
Where is McDowell House Museum?
McDowell House Museum is at 125 S 2nd St, Danville, KY 40422, in downtown Danville, directly across the street from Constitution Square Historic Site.
When is the museum open for tours?
Regular tour days are Tuesday through Saturday, at select times. Office hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 to 4:00. Book a tour online to see the times available on the day you would like to visit.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Please purchase tour tickets to reserve space. Tickets can be purchased online, at the Gift Shop, or by calling 859-236-2804 during office hours.
How much does a tour cost?
General admission is $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors 62 and over and active military, $4.00 for students aged 13 to 18, $3.00 for children aged 5 to 12, and free for children under 5. Reduced rates apply to booked groups of ten or more.
What will I see on a tour?
A guided tour covers the first and second floors of the house, the room where Dr. Ephraim McDowell performed the world’s first successful ovariotomy in 1809, the restored apothecary shop, and the kitchen and gardens.