Bowling Green is a lively city in Kentucky that is well-known for its caves and corvettes. It is located in the southern part of the state. Many people visit Bowling Green as a starting point to explore the Caves and Lakes region of Kentucky, but there are also interesting historical sites, museums, and sports events to enjoy in the city.
After Louisville and Lexington, Bowling Green is the third most populous city in Kentucky, with a downtown area full of busy bars and local businesses. The city also has beautiful parks and historic buildings, both in the downtown area and on the college campus.
One of the top things to do in Bowling Green is to visit the National Corvette Museum, which is an amazing experience. Additionally, there are some incredibly large and awe-inspiring caves to explore in the surrounding region.
12. Beech Bend Park
Located on the northeastern outskirts of town, Beech Bend Park offers thrilling rides, rollercoasters, and waterslides in a fun and family-friendly environment. This popular tourist attraction in the state has a wide range of exciting activities and opportunities for relaxation.
Since its establishment in 1898, the amusement park has brought joy to people of all ages through its carnival games, thrilling coasters, and a towering Ferris wheel. In addition to the amusement park, visitors can also enjoy a water park and a dragstrip for watching car races.
Indulge in the refreshing pools and water park, engage in a game of mini-golf, experience the adrenaline rush of go-kart racing, or have fun bowling and riding bumper cars. Moreover, the park provides a serene campsite nestled in its lush woodlands, allowing guests to enjoy a tranquil camping experience.
11. Aviation Heritage Park
You can visit Aviation Heritage Park on the south side of the city. It is located in Basil Griffin Park and has a lot of fascinating artifacts, exhibits, and aircraft. Outside, you can see five well-preserved planes and two helicopters.
These include fighter jets and choppers, which have plaques providing information about their history, make, and service. The park’s collection celebrates the important role of South Central Kentucky in the history of flight and showcases some of the state’s famous aviators. For those who love aviation, this is a must-visit place.
They have a UH-1 Huey and a Phantom 550 that were used in the Vietnam War, as well as a sleek NASA T-38 Talon from the fifties.
10. Mammoth Cave National Park
If you’re in town, you should visit Mammoth Cave National Park, which is just a forty-five minute drive northeast of the city. It’s an amazing place that protects the longest cave system in the world. The caves stretch for 400 miles and are located in Kentucky’s Caves and Lakes region.
When you go on the underground tours, you’ll see huge caverns and steep chasms with beautiful formations, domes, and landscapes. The caves were discovered over 5,000 years ago and became a national park in 1941. Besides the caves, there are also hiking, biking, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities in the park’s forests.
9. Historic RailPark & Train Museum
Bowling Green has an interesting place called the Historic RailPark & Train Museum. It is located within walking distance northeast of downtown. The museum is housed in the city’s original train depot, and it is filled with many artifacts, exhibits, and old engine parts. You can also see several locomotives and cabooses on display.
The train depot, which has a Colonial Revival-style, was built in 1925 and used to be part of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. Over time, as train travel declined, the depot was abandoned. However, in the early 2000s, the waiting room, grounds, and tracks were transformed into a museum.
Today, the museum has two floors filled with models and memorabilia, which explore the history and development of America’s railways. Outside, there are well-preserved vintage trains for visitors to explore, with the oldest car dating back to 1911.
8. Riverview at Hobson Grove
Riverview at Hobson Grove is a beautiful property in the city, situated on the outskirts overlooking the Barren River. It is now a historic house museum with stunning grounds and gardens. The mansion was finished in 1972, though construction was interrupted by the Civil War.
The architecture is exquisite, with elegant arched windows, deep eaves, and a charming cupola. Inside, the rooms and parlors are equally refined, with fabulous furnishings, painted ceilings, and other decorative details. Guided tours allow visitors to experience the authentic artifacts and get a glimpse of Victorian era wealthy life.
Don’t forget to explore the well-maintained grounds surrounding the estate after touring the house.
7. Fountain Square
Fountain Square has been a focal point of the town since 1798. It used to have log cabins, but now it has bars and businesses that give it a lively and relaxed atmosphere. In the past, the city’s courthouse, jail, and market house were located around the square, but in 1872, it was turned into a landscaped park.
Many original features like the cast-iron fountain and statues of the four seasons can still be found in the same place. The park is a pleasant and peaceful spot, and it is surrounded by art galleries, restaurants, and shops. The square also has some popular nightlife spots and a performing arts theater.
6. Lost River Cave
One of the best things to do in town is to go on a special underground boat tour at Lost River Cave. It is the only tour of its kind in Kentucky and can be found on the southwestern edge of the city. While floating on the river underground, the knowledgeable guides entertain you with interesting facts and stories about the cave.
In the past, the cave was not only a hunting ground for Native Americans but also a campground during the Civil War. Even the famous outlaw Jesse James hid in the cave, which was transformed into a nightclub in the 1930s.
After enjoying the beautiful scenery and rock formations, you can also explore the lovely landscapes above ground by hiking, biking, or even ziplining.
5. Bowling Green Ballpark
Located just north of the university campus and Kentucky Museum, the Bowling Green Ballpark is a fantastic place to catch a game. It serves as the home stadium for the city’s team, the Hot Rods, who compete in the South Atlantic League of Major League Baseball. The team has been playing at this small but modern stadium since it opened in 2009.
Despite its small size, the venue boasts impressive features such as an LED scoreboard, executive suites, and a party deck. Fans can enjoy excellent views of the field and the players from the seats and standing areas. Aside from cheering on the Hot Rods, visitors can also grab a bite to eat from the concession stands during breaks in the game.
4. Chaney’s Dairy Barn
If you’re looking for delicious local food in the state, check out Chaney’s Dairy Barn. It’s located on the road near Franklin and offers yummy homemade ice cream, sandwiches, and burgers. This family-run farm also gives interesting tours of its pastures and shows you how they make their irresistible ice cream.
The Chaneys have been milking their Jersey cows for generations and using the milk to make cheese, yogurt, and more ice cream. You can enjoy your food at their cozy cafe and even buy souvenirs at their gift store. The farm also has a fun playground where kids can play.
3. Kentucky Museum
If you’re interested in learning more about Kentucky’s history and heritage, you should definitely visit the remarkable Kentucky Museum. It is located on the Western Kentucky University campus and is filled with fascinating artifacts, exhibits, and artworks.
The museum’s beautiful historical building holds displays and dioramas that cover topics like the slave trade, the Civil War, early pioneers, politicians, and prehistoric Kentuckians. Inside the galleries, you can find a wide range of items and archaeological discoveries, including costumes, weapons, photos, and furniture.
Since it first opened in 1939, the museum has been a popular choice for families and students who are eager to explore the past of the Bluegrass State in an interesting and educational way.
Once you step outside, you can also visit the Felts Log Cabin, which houses old textiles and tools, and admire a magnificent statue of Lincoln seated on a bench.
2. Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University is known for its stunning campus, which sits on a hill with a beautiful view of the Barren River valley. The campus is vast and filled with charming historic buildings and beautifully kept green spaces.
It is a highly regarded educational institution that was established in 1906 and has since grown to include many colleges, halls, and administrative buildings. In addition to exploring the campus and admiring the statues and landmarks, visitors can also visit the Kentucky Museum, which is a fantastic place to learn more about the state’s history.
The university is also popular among locals and visitors alike for its sports teams, particularly basketball and football, and many people come here to watch their games at the various arenas.
1. National Corvette Museum
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Bowling Green is the National Corvette Museum. Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, you’ll be impressed by its collection of classic corvettes and convertibles, which have sleek and stylish designs.
The museum is easy to spot with its bright yellow Skydome that resembles a cone, and it’s located northeast of town. Since 1995, the museum has showcased extensive exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of America’s Sports Car, which has been manufactured in Bowling Green for more than four decades.
Besides admiring the more than eighty amazing models and well-preserved classics, visitors can also have the opportunity to drive one around the racetrack. Cruising in a shiny corvette perfectly captures the feeling of freedom and adventure that it represents.
