Riverview at Hobson Grove is the Italianate home of Atwood and Juliet "Julia" van Meter Hobson, was so named because of its proximity to the Barren River. Construction of the hilltop home began in the late 1850s, but was temporarily halted by the Civil War. The partially completed home became a munitions magazine while the Confederates held Bowling Green during the winter of 1861-62. Riverview was finally completed in 1872 and became a centerpiece to the surrounding 400-acre horse and cattle farm.
This historic house museum is currently interpreted to represent the Victorian Period of 1860 to 1890 in south central Kentucky. The house has several features of Italianate architecture including rounded arches at the top of all exterior windows, deep eaves around the roofline with ornamental brackets, and the cupola on the top of the house. Other unique features of the house include the painted ceilings in two parlors downstairs and two early "green" innovations including a water recycling system to provide water to the upstairs water closet, and an oculus as part of the home's ventilation system. Visitors enjoy seeing both the Victorian decoration in the downstairs public areas of the house and the comfortable family areas upstairs. 
Riverview at Hobson Grove is the only non-profit historic house museum in south central Kentucky. A site on the Civil War Discovery Trail and listed on the National Register, Riverview began providing tours of this historic structure in 1972. Established to preserve the house's architectural and historic heritage and to educate visitors about its significance in the south central area since the Civil War, Riverview hosts several private and public events throughout the year. Besides educational community outreach programming for all ages, the staff and volunteers support Riverview and its special events including special Christmas tours and teas among other popular favorites. Please consider becoming a member of the Friends of Riverview or a volunteer to help continue the success of Riverview and its mission.

Riverview at Hobson Grove is now closed for the winter season and will re-open on March 1st.

House Tour 
​Front Parlor 

Unless entertaining, the Hobson family seldom used the front parlor, the largest and most impressive of the home's eight rooms. It contained the best furniture and a beautiful hand-painted ceiling and was reserved for receiving and entertaining guests. When not in use, doors closed off the parlor from the rest of the house to keep it clean.

Dinning Room 

The Dining Room was used daily by the entire family. The evening meal was of great importance, as it served as a time for social interaction among the members of the family. A meal during the Victorian period could last for hours, especially when entertaining, as numerous courses would be served. Food was brought up the narrow stairs from the kitchen in the basement and then served to the family. The cook prepared the food downstairs while the houseman or butler served and cleaned up after the meal. Riverview did not have live-in servants.

Membership

Riverview at Hobson Grove is a non-profit historic house museum--the only one in south central Kentucky. Established in 1972, Riverview was established to preserve the cultural, historical, and architectural heritage of the house and to educate visitors about its significance in the south central area during the Civil War and after. The support of staff and volunteers allows Riverview to educate the public with tours, lectures, special events, and other activities of education value. Besides tour fees, Riverview receives funding from the city of Bowling Green, and the volunteer support of the Friends of Riverview through memberships, donations, and annual fundraisers.
Your participation as an annual member of the Friends of Riverview ensures the preservation and interpretation of the historic house, ensures these important activities will continue to educate future generations, and supports one of Bowling Green's special resources. Membership dues pay for general expenses with excess funds raised through dues to be used for specific purposes directly related to the museum collection, preservation and interpretation of Riverview and its presentation to the public. We need everyone's help preserve this landmark and to serve visitors, especially area children. Warren County students tour free of charge. Thank you for joining us in our efforts.

For our membership form click here

Volunteer

Riverview, as a small non-profit organization, operates with few paid staff and many dedicated volunteers. If you would like to volunteer, please call us at (270) 843-5565.
Who can become a Riverview Volunteer?Anyone with an interest in historic houses, the Civil War, or Victorian period, who wants to learn more about 19th century lifestyle and customs, and who is willing to make a meaningful contribution to Riverview's mission.
What are the benefits of being a Riverview Volunteer?

• Satisfaction in acquainting visitors with Bowling Green's only historic house museum.
• Community Service and enrichment
• Contributing to the preservation of a significant historic structure and a major collection of historical artifacts
• Connection to Central Kentucky's unique heritage in the Civil War
• Developing communication and leadership skills
• Social gatherings, occasional workshops and field trips
• Meeting new people with similar interests
• Discount in our museum shop

HOURS OF OPERATIONS

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00am - 4:00pm 
Wednesday10:00am - 4:00pm 
Thursday10:00am - 4:00pm 
Friday10:00am - 4:00pm 
Saturday10:00am - 4:00pm 
Sunday1:00pm - 4:00pm

CONTACT US

Phone: 270-843-5565
We are located in Hobson Grove Park, at the end of Main St.

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