Location: Bowling Green
Top Things to do in Bowling Green
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Bowling Green, Kentucky (KY)
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Western Kentucky University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Reviewed By maggiekays
WKU is my alma mater and I am very proud to say that! Being on the Hill was a terrific experience and I received a wonderful education. The Greek system is very welcoming and pervasive. It is a suitcase university unless you are involved in sports or Greek system. A lot of fun and a reasonable priced great education!
4. Aviation Heritage Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
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 scottrA3361XW - Silver Spring, United States
A '5' because it's free and the effort involved at putting these planes in place along with informative story boarding has to be highly commended. Someone put a lot of money and time into this, all set up for you to enjoy and learn. Come pay respects to some American heroes and their machines. Bravo.
5. Basil Griffin Park
6. Baker Arboretum & Downing Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Founded in 1992 by Jerry Baker, the Baker Arboretum covers nearly 115 acres in the rolling hills of the outskirts of Bowling Green, KY. Featuring many varieties of dogwoods, magnolias & other flowering trees, woven among the conifers and Japanese maples, visitors will enjoy year-round highlights in our European-style gardens. Enjoy the blooms of spring & summer, the colors of fall, showcased in over 160 Japanese maples, and the winter beauty of the variety of conifers. The Downing Museum exhibits a large collection of artwork by the late Joe Downing as well as works by other regional, national, and international artists. Joe Downing was an award-winning artist from KY, who spent the majority of his career in France. Baker and Joe Downing were long-time friends and collaborated on the design of the museum. Enjoy artwork from our beautiful collections exhibited against the verdant backdrop of the Baker Arboretum. Admission is free. Spaces available for private events.
Reviewed By bn23 - Russellville, United States
Found The Baker Arboretum and Downing Museum on Trip Advisor. So glad I did. This is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. The art work of Joe Downing was amazing as was the story of his life. Strolling the grounds is so peaceful and inviting. What a great escape that seems to be hidden from those of us just outside of Bowling Green.
7. Vette City Antique Mall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 32 reviews
Vette City Antique Mall, in Bowling Green, KY, is the area's premier antique mall serving Bowling Green and surrounding areas since 2015. We specialize in antiques, collectibles, memorabilia, handmade goods, furniture and much more. We also offer booth rental for vendors. For more information, contact Vette City Antique Mall in Bowling Green.
8. Greenwood Mall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By miamartini2019
This is a very nice and clean mall. Lots of nice shops and vendors that serve a lot of deliciousness. I especially recommend Suki Hana and their bourbon chicken, big portions and amazingly good food. It's also fun for kids, there's stuffed animals for the kids to ride. And...a carousel!! ????
9. Shanty Hollow Lake Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Exploringontheroad
We visited on a fall weekday. There were just a few people out. It was not crowded by any means. There are two parking lots. The one to the left leads to the lake and a place to put your small water craft in (paddle boards, canoes were there when we visited). We had a picnic by the lake on folding chairs we brought. The parking lot to the right is where the trail to a small waterfall begins. It is not marked. Note the hours that you may not park there due to it being a school bus turn-around. The trail itself was fairly easy to follow. There is a big main trail and small trails that go off, but it is relatively easy to see they are just side trails. At one spot the trail does a v and it looks questionable which path to take. We took the one to the right that goes up toward a large boulder/rock/ledge. There were lovely formations and if you stay on it you will be rewarded with the waterfall. The path is dirt with roots and lots of rocks and trees to climb over. I'd call it moderate and for the adventurer. There hasn't been much rain and I wondered if there would be any water at all,but there was still a bit. The kids wore wellies and played in the small pool at the bottom of the fall. When we sat for our picnic, a mosquito came close, so we sprayed down with but spray and wore but bands and had no further trouble with them.
