Historical Tours at McDowell House Museum - Frankfort KY
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors with basic mobility
Overview
Step back into early American medicine with a guided tour of the McDowell House Museum. Learn about Dr. Ephraim McDowell’s groundbreaking surgery and hear captivating stories from Kentucky’s medical past.
After Hours Tours
One Hour • All ages welcome
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About This Adventure
Discover the McDowell House Museum, a National Historic Landmark where medical history was transformed. Explore the restored home of pioneering surgeon Dr. Ephraim McDowell, who performed the first abdominal surgery in 1809. Enjoy a personally guided tour and hear the gripping tale of bravery and innovation that changed medicine forever.
Explore the McDowell House
Duration
1 Hour
About
Do you struggle to make our normal tour times? Are you looking for a fun outing for Friday night?
McDowell House Museum is a restored and furnished house museum with a historic pharmacy and two gardens! Come visit this National Historic Landmark where medical history was made. McDowell House is the former home and office of pioneering surgeon Dr. Ephraim McDowell.
Here on Christmas morning 1809 in an upstairs bedroom, Dr. McDowell performed a surgical experiment on a brave and desperate woman named Jane Todd Crawford. Without medical intervention, Mrs. Crawford was doomed to die a slow and painful death from a huge abdominal tumor. Dr. Ephraim McDowell dared to try the impossible, surgically removing the abdominal tumor. This type of surgery had never been done before. Anesthesia, antibiotics, and modern sterilization techniques were unknown. Take a personally guided tour and hear the dramatic story!
Adventure Tips
Arrive early for guided tours
Guided tours fill quickly; arriving early ensures a spot and a more interactive experience.
Wear comfortable shoes
The museum involves walking and standing, so wear shoes suitable for a historic house tour.
Bring a notepad or camera
Capture the artifacts and stories; photography is allowed in designated areas.
Check seasonal hours in advance
Tour availability can vary by season or special events—verify before planning your visit.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Birds in local parks near the historic site
- Nocturnal mammals occasionally seen in surrounding areas
History
The McDowell House is the first building in Kentucky designated to preserve medical history, reflecting the state’s role in pioneering modern surgery.
Conservation
The museum actively maintains its artifacts and grounds with sustainable practices, ensuring preservation for future generations.
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Adventure Hotspots in Frankfort
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for navigating the historic house and grounds comfortably.
Local guidebook or app
Provides additional context and details to enrich your visit.
Camera or smartphone
Capture key artifacts and memories from the tour.
Light jacket or sweater
Internal historic buildings can be cooler; bring layers for comfort.