10 Things to Do in Bowling Green That You Shouldn't Miss

December 30, 2017 Jana Sager

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. National Corvette Museum

350 Corvette Dr, Exit 28 off I 65, Bowling Green, KY 42101-9134 +1 800-538-3883
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

National Corvette Museum

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, Pit Crew Challenge 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. Please note that the museum is still OPEN despite the sinkhole in our Skydome building. The Skydome is the only portion of the Museum closed for tours, however guests are able to see into the Dome through our plexiglass window to catch a glimpse of the hole and on-going construction work.

Reviewed By WeAreTheRoswells - New York

I’m not a Corvette fan but I was fascinated by the sink hole when it was international news. The museum didn’t disappoint! The cars and history were interesting. The sink hole display was really well done. It was well worth the price of admission!

2. Western Kentucky University

1 Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101-5730 +1 270-745-0111
Excellent
76%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 154 reviews

Western Kentucky University

Reviewed By Michael K - Atlanta, Georgia

I had never been to Bowling Green, but we stayed at the Hyatt Place right near the campus and walked through some of it. Its a lovely campus. We even saw a white squirrel while we were walking which neither of us had ever seen before.

3. Lost River Cave

2818 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101-4041 +1 270-393-0077
Excellent
52%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 891 reviews

Lost River Cave

Lost River Cave is home to the only underground boat tour in the state of Kentucky. In addition to the boat tour, Lost River offers over two miles of nature trails and a unique butterfly habitat. Lost River Cave is one of the largest nature parks in the South Central Kentucky region.

Reviewed By TravelerG8 - Appleton, Wisconsin

Recent rains prevented the boat cave tour. Staff were friendly and apologetic, and seemed like a family friendly location. Went based upon recommendation from another traveler at the hotel who went in the past. Will probably try to catch it on our next visit through.

4. Chaney's Dairy Barn

9191 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101-8700 +1 270-843-5567
Excellent
60%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 291 reviews

Chaney's Dairy Barn

Reviewed By Cathy A

We visit family during the summer and always try to take in one of the movie nights outside. The ice cream is delicious, and sitting on blankets in the grass is reminiscent of old drive-in movie theaters. Great way to spend an evening with family! Good for young and old alike.

5. Historic RailPark and Train Museum

401 Kentucky St, Ste B, Bowling Green, KY 42101-1260 +1 270-745-7317
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 203 reviews

Historic RailPark and Train Museum

Located on a major north-south corridor between two major cities, Bowling Green has a long history tied to the evolution of transportation in Kentucky; from steamboats traveling the Barren River to the railroad and eventually the current interstate systems. The current L&N Depot was built in 1925 to replace an older station. At one time, over 20 trains per day departed the current site, providing a hub for Bowling Green’s economic foundation and exposure to travelers between Louisville, KY and Nashville, TN.

Reviewed By Don B - Anchorage, Alaska

My wife and I were in Bowling Green on a late November afternoon. Most other things we were interested in would be closed before we could get to them. The Railpark was the exception. The station itself is pretty cool. We couldn't get to much of it but looking through the window if it was appointed properly it would be really a first class facility. The part of the museum we saw was pretty well done for what there was. The exception was the train display. It was not working. The train itself would have been much better if the locomotive would have had the engines in it. The cars were pretty interesting. The sleepers were especially run to see how the bunks and toilets operated. The tour guide could come up with a better banter and more touring lingo. This could be done better and be a first class attraction. My wife wasn't sure it was worth the admission.

6. Fountain Square Park

Bowling Green, KY
Excellent
55%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 114 reviews

Fountain Square Park

Reviewed By Les7h - Odessa, Texas

The band was doing sound check for the concert tonight so we sat and listened for a while ( good band )

7. Aviation Heritage Park

Basil Griffin Park, 1855 Three Springs Road, Bowling Green, KY 42104 +1 270-421-4885
Excellent
56%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 132 reviews

Aviation Heritage Park

From the time man first took flight in the early 1900s to the recent shuttle missions into space, South Central Kentucky has played a significant role in the history of aviation. One of the first pilots to fly in combat claimed ties to Bowling Green, as did a World War I flying ace, a pioneer instructor pilot, a Vietnam war hero, Commanders of the famed Air Force Thunderbirds and Navy Blue Angels, the Commander/Pilot of "Marine One", the presidential helicopter unit and the Mission Commander for the space shuttle Atlantis. These aviators - and their ties to South Central Kentucky - deserve to be recognized and celebrated so that future generations might be made aware of and motivated by their extraordinary achievements. This is the mission of Aviation Heritage Park.

Reviewed By Kathy S

This turned out to be great ace to view the eclipse. Between the local library and the Aviation Park staff, they were organized and provided a great viewing location. The Aviation Park itself gave us something to look at while we waited. Beautifully designed display with good local information.

8. Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon

798 Beech Bend Park Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101-7631 +1 270-781-7634
Excellent
44%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
5%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 358 reviews

Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon

Reviewed By Jenniffer Z - Christiana, Tennessee, United States

We were there Fourth of July weekend. One of the rides we rode on "The Log Ride" malfunctioned while we were on it, slamming me and my son into the side of log we were in bruising our arms very badly. We were not the only ones injured that day on the same ride. We filled out an incident report and were given tylenol and a pat on the back have a good rest of your day. Which we tried to do. I gave the park benefit of the doubt that we would be compensated in some way since we were from out of state and the bruising was immediate and witnessed by others. We picked up our incident report at the end of the day leaving. No one ever called back to check on me or my son. Not even a note in the mail saying "Just checking on you" "Hope you come back and visit us again soon" "Here's some free food/ice cream vouchers next time you come back". Just an acknowledgement that they thought about us after we left their park. So no I wouldn't go back and I wouldn't recommend this park to anyone!

9. Corsair Artisan Distillery

400 E Main Ave, Suite 110, Bowling Green, KY 42101-6900 +1 270-904-2021
Excellent
61%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 73 reviews

Corsair Artisan Distillery

Reviewed By MarkStephenSouder - Seattle, Washington

Although their whiskey and bourbon production has moved to Nashville, the Bowling Green facility is where all their clear spirts are made such as Vodka, Genever, Absence, etc. Tours ($8) geared toward the level on knowledge of the group and ours was just the two of us. Great way to kill an hour or so.

10. Bowling Green Ballpark

300 8th Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101-2115 +1 270-901-2121
Excellent
60%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 63 reviews

Bowling Green Ballpark

Bowling Green Ballpark is home of the Bowling Green Hot Rods, a Class A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. The Bowling Green Hot Rods will use extensive community outreach programs, affordable pricing and a first-class entertainment experience to make a positive impact on the quality of life in South Central Kentucky. The Hot Rods Entertainment Experience will offer more than just baseball; fan interactive games and contests, musical performers, post-game fireworks, and zany mascots will all be a part of the fun. The ballpark will be a place where families can spend quality time together and communities can connect.

Reviewed By EJISK - Bowling Green, Kentucky

Every time I have out-of-town guests, I take them to a Hot Rods home game (if that coincides with the visit), and it's always a good time. The tickets are cheap, the seating plentiful and no really bad seats in the house. I just wish the park would let you bring in your own water bottle, as I don't need to pay $4 for a bottle of coke or water (which would require multiples on a summer night); and the food vendors do charge a bit too much for what is on offer. Still, it is, overall, a great value for an evening of old-fashioned sports / entertainment. Recommended.

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