Tours
As you plan to visit the Bluegrass area of Kentucky, be sure to include a tour of the 18th & early 19th century McDowell House, Apothecary and Gardens. In a personally guided tour, you will hear the story of Dr. Ephraim McDowell, pioneer surgeon, and see this meticulously restored home, medical office and gardens.
On Christmas Day, 1809, Dr. McDowell performed the now famous surgery in an upstairs bedroom that will be included in your tour. His home is a fine example of early Georgian architecture. It has been restored and furnished to its early nineteenth century elegance. 
Dr. McDowell’s apothecary shop, located next door, is furnished with a large collection of late 18th and early 19th century apothecary ware.
McDowell House overlooks Constitution Square State Park, where Kentucky’s first state constitution was written in the 1780′s. The square has within its boundaries the first post office west of the Allegheny Mountains and replicas of an early jail house and courthouse.
| Admission Rates | ||
| General Admission | Group Rates | |
| Adults | $7.00 | $4.00 |
| Senior Citizens (62 and older) | $5.00 | $3.00 |
| Students (13-18) | $3.00 | $2.00 |
| Children (5-12) | $2.00 | $1.00 |
| Children Under 5 | Free | |
Small tours are accepted as they arrive. Group tours require reservations.
To qualify for Group Rates, a group must include at least 10 people and schedule at least two days in advance.
Hours
Monday – Saturday 10am-12pm, 1pm-4pm (EST)
Sunday 2pm-4pm
Other tour times are available by appointment. Tours last approximately 45 minutes but can be tailored to suit your group. Last tour starts each day at 11:30 and 3:30.
Closings
Mondays from November 1 – March 1
New Years Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
For Group Tours please make your reservation by filling out the Contact Form or calling us at (859)-236-2804.
McDowell House is partially handicap accessible to guests in wheelchairs. There are ramps to the first floor of the house and gift shop. The 2nd floor and the apothecary shop are viewable by video. A closed captioned video is available for the hearing impaired.
Click here for Driving Directions
McDowell House & Apothecary Shop
125 South Second Street
Danville, Kentucky 40422
Phone: 859-236-2804
Email: mcdhse@kih.net
Mrs. Carol Senn, Director
Mrs. Alberta Moynahan, Assistant Director