Location: Bowling Green
Top Things to do in Bowling Green
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Bowling Green That You Shouldn't Miss
Known primarily as the only place in the U.S. that manufactures Corvettes and for the large ancient cavern that sits in the center of the city, Bowling Green has built a thriving tourist business on cars and caves. At the General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, visitors can see the step-by-step production of America's favorite sports car. The Corvette Museum includes one-of-a-kind prototypes, that were designed but never manufactured, among other Corvette memorabilia. To view awesome creations made by nature head to the Lost River Valley and Cave. Take the underground boat tour, on the shortest deep river in the world, to see a land formation that is more than 10,000 years old and has been used as shelter by Native Americans and Civil War soldiers. Though Bowling Green never officially left the Union, it's home to a number of historic war landmarks, exquisite old homes and remarkable buildings that can be visited on foot or by car during a leisurely drive through this beautiful part of the country.
Restaurants in Bowling Green
1. Riverview at Hobson Grove
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Enjoy spectacular views from the cupola while seeing how the Hobson family lived at Bowling Green’s historic house museum, Riverview at Hobson Grove. Built by Atwood and Juliet VanMeter Hobson on a hill overlooking the Barren River, this historic landmark has been restored to its original splendor and is listed on the National Register. An official site on the Civil War Discovery Trail, the house was used for storage of Confederate munitions when the Rebel forces held Bowling Green. Riverview is an elegant interpretation of a prosperous Victorian home of the 1860 to 1890 period and invites visitors to experience the life of a 19th century family and their servants.
Reviewed By Exploringontheroad
COVID requirements: you must call ahead to schedule a tour (270-843-5565); wear a mask, and get your temperature taken To park, drive all the way up to the house. Then drive circles behind the house and around to the parking lot. The grounds are very pretty and the house tour is very informative. The house itself is beautiful with a cupola and some very interesting inventions for comfort. We've taken lots of historic home tours and there is always more to learn.
2. NCM Motorsports Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 138 reviews
The NCM Motorsports Park offers recreational auto sports for all skill and interest levels. Guests age 18 or older with a drivers' license can get behind the wheel of a Corvette for touring laps on the 3.15 mile road course. For a more in-depth session check out the half day Corvette Experience. For an adrenaline rush for ages 15 and older - make reservations for a high speed Hot Lap in a Corvette Z06! For those who have their own car they'd like to take on the track, sign up for touring laps, high performance driving event or other track activity to put you behind the wheel. The NCM Kartplex, located at the Park, offers high speed go-karts that guests can arrive and drive (48" tall or valid drivers' licence). Spectating is free!
Reviewed By bobby97z - Grovetown, United States
I had a blast!!!!!! The whole experience was awesome. This was my first time driving a corvette and first time on a track. The c8 feels so planted and I loved how it would rocket out on corner exit. I felt very capable in this car and was nice following the instructor to get the proper line. The instructors were awesome as well and I took in all the feedback they gave me to get faster. I watched a lot of YouTube vids before coming to get a look at the track and learn the visual cues of the racing line. Every lap I felt more comfortable. I loved the elevation changes in the track as well. I have a deposit for a c8 and can’t wait to get one and start tracking it. My fam also liked the viewing deck which was nice and the kiddos loved the go karts. It’s a win win with the fam happy as well!! Hopefully after covid it would be great to have in car instruction as well. Thanks everyone!!
3. Conundrum Workshop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 93 reviews
South Central Kentucky's Premier Escape Experience!!! Try these themed rooms and work together to find hidden objects, clues, codes, riddles, puzzles and solve an assortment of challenges to escape within 60 minutes.
Reviewed By D830VLshannons
Had a great time. Made it out in the last 16 seconds. The clues were very good. A little tricky, but great hints.
4. Red Door Puzzle Rooms
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
The best way to spend an hour in Bowling Green, KY! Red Door Puzzle Rooms is a live escape game. Anyone can play; friends looking for an alternative to game night, families looking for fun, businesses looking for teambuilding exercises! Check out our website for our current rooms and availability!
5. National Corvette Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,875 reviews
See over 70 Corvettes in periodic settings including a mid-century barbershop, service station and historic race track. Exhibit Hall features special displays that change regularly. For hands-on activities visit the KidZone, Corvette Cave-In / Sinkhole Experience and numerous trivia kiosks, then try a Corvette on for size in the lobby. The Corvette Store offers apparel, collectibles, home and gift items. On-site 50's-inspired Corvette Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and snacks.
Reviewed By anitak474 - Oklahoma, United States
If you are a corvette or a car buff, then you will love this museum. Very well done and very well presented!
6. The Kentucky Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Located on the grounds of Western Kentucky University, the museum features rich collections of decorative arts,artifacts focusing on Duncan Hines, the Civil War, Quilts, the Snell collection of European art and iconic items from America’s leaders in various fields, Dale Earnhardt, Jimmy Carter, Sandra Day O’Conner, Ken Burns, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Charlie Daniels, Liza Minnelli and many, many more.
Reviewed By TramsAndTrains
Very good exhibitions on local history, the story of Duncan Hines, the Civil War in Kentucky. Also contains a very good Special Collections area for those searching for genealogical leads and added information if your family has roots in the Warren, Edmondson, Simpson, Barren County areas.
7. Lost River Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,077 reviews
Lost River Cave is home to the only underground boat tour in the state of Kentucky and the only zipline in Bowling Green. In addition to the boat tour, Lost River Cave offers over two miles of nature trails, ziplines, and a unique, seasonal butterfly habitat. Lost River Cave is one of the largest nature parks in the South Central Kentucky region. Book your tickets online
Reviewed By toddsP6204AD - Manassas, United States
This is a "new" cave where the formation is young. The tour is far less physically demanding since you're seated in a boat for most of it. The blue hole is unique to any cave tour I've taken and they spin great local lore as part of the tour. Run by a non profit- they go into a lot of the science too. Great for the young, old, or in between.
8. General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 571 reviews
See first-hand how robots weld the steel and human workers add the parts to make a Corvette at this plant, the only one in the U.S. that produces the car. Call ahead as tours will be suspended starting December 1, 2003 through April of 2004.
9. St. Joseph Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Built in 1889 and modeled after a cathedral church in Germany, this magnificent Gothic structure features many interesting architectural details and is still an operating church that serves the Catholic community of Bowling Green.
10. Fountain Square Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Reviewed By MaryLynn6 - Bowling Green, United States
Living downtown Bowling Green next to the park makes it easy to just walk across the street and watch the Fountain which is very relaxing.
