The History of Mahr Park Arboretum
Located at 642 Nebo Rd, Madisonville, KY. The 265 acres of land known as Hidden Hills Farm that transitioned to Mahr Park Arboretum was donated to The City of Madisonville by Glema Mahr upon her death in November of 2009. The Mahr Park Charitable Trust was established to fund the ongoing maintenance and development of the park. The park was originally named Mahr Park at Hidden Hills Farm but was then later changed to Mahr Park Arboretum.
A documentary was created to chronicle the story of Dr. Merle and Glema Mahr, their philanthropic contribution of land, and the creation of Mahr Park Arboretum. If you have the time, please go watch the free documentary called Land, Leaders, and Legacies: The Story of Mahr Park. It is a fascinating story that is told in just under 57 minutes.
The opening day for the park was October 29, 2016. Since then, there have been many improvements to the park with many more to come.
In April of 2020, Mahr Park Arboretum accepted a construction bid to renovate one of the maintenance barns into an event center. On September 9th, 2020 the new Event Barn hosted the first event by the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet. On October 16, 2020, Mahr Park Arboretum hosted an Open House for the new Event Barn.
Listed below are the three different facilities that Mahr Park Arboretum has available for event rental.
Event Barn A
A newly remodeled barn featuring over 5,000 square feet of event space with a total capacity of 250 people. Event Barn A is the perfect place to host your meeting, conference, wedding ceremony, or wedding reception.
- Handicap accessible parking
- 150 square foot catering kitchen with double refrigerator, warmer, freezer, oven, and serving counter
- 100 square foot bar area
- Restrooms
- 5 foot white round tables and white fold-out chairs
- 3,600 square foot concrete back patio
- 235 square foot VIP Room
- 500 square foot Band/Buffet/Bridal Party space
- 200 square foot furnished Entry/Registration Room
- Glass roll-up doors and glass entry
- Rustic wood beams, board and batten walls, herringbone wood features
- Setup and takedown of tables
Photo: Ashton Robinson | Mahr Park Arboretum DirectorEvent Barn B
A rustic, straw floor barn featuring 4,400 square feet of event space with a total capacity of 240 people. Event Barn B is the perfect place to host your wedding ceremony, wedding reception, or open-air conference.
- 4,400 square foot open-air event space
- Straw floor
- Rustic wood beams
- Rustic fans
- String lights
- Electricity
Event Barn Pricing
These prices are current as of October 2020 and are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact Mahr Park Arboretum using the contact information below for current pricing.
Event Barn A
- Monday – Thursday 6-hour meeting $300 + $250 Refundable Damage Deposit
- Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. $750 + $250 Refundable Damage Deposit
- Friday – Sunday 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. $1,500 + $500 Refundable Damage Deposit
- Additional Day: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (early setup/rehearsal dinner) $400
Event Barn B
- Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. $250 + $150 Refundable Damage Deposit
- Friday – Sunday 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. $500 + $150 Refundable Damage Deposit
- Additional Day: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (early setup/rehearsal dinner) $200
Event Barn A + Event Barn B
- Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. $1,200 + $250 Refundable Damage Deposit
- Friday – Sunday 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. $1,950 + $350 Refundable Damage Deposit
- Additional Day: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (early setup/rehearsal dinner) $400
Photo: Ashton Robinson | Mahr Park Arboretum DirectorMahr Historic Home
Dr. Merle and Glema Mahr’s historic Hidden Hills Farm home with a total capacity of 40 people. The Mahr Historic Home is the perfect place for company meetings, organization meetings, or other small events.
- Handicap accessible parking
- 1,000 square foot flagstone patio with iron patio furniture – Great view overlooking the pond
- Kitchen – Available only for food preparation, appliances include a microwave and refrigerator
- Gallery room
- Loft with a couch, coffee table, and chair
- Wooden deck featuring two iron patio tables – seating for 8
- Ice machine
- Restrooms – Handicap accessible restroom in the Welcome Center
- Four 3’x5′ tables and 30 fold-up chairs
- Two TVs with Apple features
Mahr Historic Home Pricing
These prices are current as of October 2020 and are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact Mahr Park Arboretum using the contact information below for current pricing.
Mahr Historic Home
- 5 hours or less $275 + $150 Refundable Damage Deposit
- Event 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. $450 + $150 Refundable Damage Deposit
- 1-2 hour Patio only $150 + $100 Refundable Damage Deposit
Mahr Park Contact Information
If you’re interested in event rentals at Mahr Park Arboretum please use the following contact information for inquiries.
Email: mahrpark@madisonvillegov.com
Phone: (270) 584-9017
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