Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Bowling Green, KY

  • Published 2022/04/16

Bowling Green, home to all Corvettes, holds a special place in the hearts of all car lovers.

However, this Kentucky city isn’t only ideal for car enthusiasts.

Nature lovers will find this place equally appealing.

There are a lot of caves and lush greenery, making Bowling Green a place to check out on your next vacation.

These are the best things to do in Bowling Green, Kentucky:

Check Out the Cars at the National Corvette Museum

Exterior of the National Corvette Museum

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Did you know that Bowling Green is the origin of all Corvette cars?

It was here that the cars were first manufactured in 1881.

If you are into the car industry, your heart will skip a beat when you take a look inside the museum.

A chevrolet corvette displayed in National Corvette Museum

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However, if you are not so into cars, this museum is still bound to be interesting.

The National Corvette Museum has everything there is to know about Corvettes.

There are a lot of old photographs, memorabilia, and basically any piece of information there can be on Corette cars.

A car displayed in National Corvette Museum

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Gaze at the Aircraft Projects at Aviation Heritage Park

If you are interested in aircraft and fighter jets, visit Aviation Heritage Park, one of the most interesting locations in Bowling Green.

The museum is outdoors, which makes the ambiance even better.

You can see five types of aircraft here.

There are fighter jets and a Phantom II that will remind you of the horrors of the Vietnam War.

Many people flock to this museum to check out the different wonders of aviation.

Find Your Way around Lost River Cave

Name sign of the Lost River Cave

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Want to check out Bowling Green’s most famous landmark?

Lost River Cave is popular among locals and tourists.

It encompasses a vast area of almost 70 acres.

One of the best ways to explore the underground caves is to take a Cave Boat Tour.

Joining a tour will help you get to see everything worth exploring here.

Visit the Baker Arboretum and the Downing Museum

If you take a drive just a few miles out of Bowling Green’s central area, you shall find yourself amid the beautiful rolling hills.

The Baker Arboretum and the Downing Museum are located among those hills.

If you look at the arboretum, you’ll see a lot of Japanese maples, dogwood, and magnolias.

The landscape is quite calming and has a relaxed vibe to it, and the architecture of the place is equally pleasant when compared with the green space.

When fall comes, these trees look the most beautiful because they are dressed in different colors.

At the museum, you can find a lot of works by local artists as they like to represent the local talent.

Joseph Dudley Downing is the one artist whose works will blow you away.

Tour the Campus of Western Kentucky University

Exterior and landscape of Western Kentucky University

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One of the most prestigious universities in the United States, Western Kentucky University is located in the northern part of Bowling Green.

Visiting the campus is one of the most enjoyable things to do when visiting the city.

Sculpture in front of the alumni center in Western Kentucky University

Daniele Novati / Shutterstock.com

The campus is also home to the Kentucky Museum, which draws a lot of tourists.

There are a lot of Hilltoppers athletic events that go on inside the campus.

The Baker Arboretum is another gorgeous place to take a look at if you are into tree plantations.

Mid-campus view of Western Kentucky University

Bbadgett, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Have a Fun Day at Beech Bend Amusement Park

Ride at Beech Bend Amusement Park

Acdixon, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you are looking for something fun to do in the summer with your family, head over to Beech Bend Amusement Park.

The amusement park is one of the best places to take your kids.

Some of the best water slides are present in this water park.

You can also enjoy many rides you’ve probably never seen anywhere else before.

You can easily have one of the best days of your trip by splashing into the amusement park’s cool waters on a warm summer day.

There are also a lot of camping spots to choose from when you come to Beech Bend Amusement Park.

You can easily camp here for a night.

Learn about the State’s History at the Kentucky Museum

Exterior of Kentucky Museum

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There are a lot of permanent displays inside the Kentucky Museum.

The best way to know more about the history of Kentucky is to roam around the museum and have a look at all the extraordinary things.

The quilting industry was one of the most famous industries in Kentucky, and you get to learn more about it here.

The different aspects of the slave trade and the struggles of the Civil War have been portrayed beautifully here as well.

Go Hiking along Shanty Hollow Lake Hiking Trail

Are you looking for some easy hikes?

Are you wondering if there are any hikes you can enjoy with your whole family?

Shanty Hollow Lake Hiking Trail is just under 2 miles long, but don’t let that give you the wrong impression.

The surroundings you’ll see are some of the best views in Bowling Green.

If you want to go around the full circle of Shanty Hollow Lake Hiking Trail, it might take you an average of 50 minutes.

The months of March to October are the best times to take on this journey, for the scenes are beyond beautiful during these particular times of the year.

Get Caffeinated at Spencer’s Coffee

Are you the type of traveler who loves exploring coffee shops in every destination?

Spencer’s Coffee is one of the most popular cafes in Kentucky.

The best thing about this cafe is its espresso-based drinks.

Besides the coffee, Spencer’s Coffee’s ambiance is on another level.

The ceilings are high, and it kind of feels like you’re in a bistro when you’re sitting inside and sipping on your coffee.

Have an Ice Cream at Chaney’s Dairy Barn

Do you have a sweet tooth?

If so, you can’t miss out on Chaney’s Dairy Barn, which ranks among the top 50 ice cream places in the United States.

They used to only serve homemade ice cream, but you can now find a lot of other savory items like different sandwiches and hamburgers.

Chaney’s Dairy Barn is a must-visit if you’re looking for an excellent bite to eat in Bowling Green.

Go Picnicking at Basil Griffin Park

A space that works with a touch of nature and encompasses a vast area of almost 111 acres, Basil Griffin Park is blessed with everything you could ever ask for in a park.

There is even a huge lake inside.

Basil Griffin Park is the perfect spot to enjoy some quality family time.

You can even pack a picnic and enjoy it here.

It is always lovely to enjoy a meal when you have beautiful scenes around you.

Get Entertained at the Capitol Arts Center

Downtown Bowling Green is a place where tourists can explore for hours.

There are a lot of things to see, shops that sell quirky items, and stalls to fill your stomach.

Besides all these things, the Capitol Arts Center is one of the most popular spots to see downtown.

The Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center takes care of this venue as it is one of the best places to visit when you want to get entertained.

If you want to catch a good show at a theater, this is the best venue.

It went through many renovations, and after 1977, it became as good as new.

Admire Stunning Architecture and Design at the Hobson Estate

Exterior and landscape of Hobson Estate

OPMaster at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Walking around downtown areas, you might set your eyes upon some gorgeous houses built in vintage designs.

The Hobson Estate has some of the most beautiful old houses in downtown Bowling Green.

The Riverview mansion is the best one in the lot, and it was designed in an old Italian style.

Daytime view of Hobson Estate

Gardengal, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The mansion is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Its construction took place during the Civil War, but it is still standing strong and continuing to amaze people.

There are a lot of tours that go around the whole Hobson Estate, so you can easily join one of these.

Embark on an Adventure at the Vast Mammoth Cave National Park

Details of the Mammoth Cave National Park

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To see the wild beauty of Bowling Green, you need to get away from the center of the city and drive to the mesmerizing Mammoth Cave National Park.

You cannot roam around the national park on your own—a guided tour by one of the certified rangers is a must, as it would be risky otherwise.

It extends over a vast area of almost 400 acres.

Welcome sign of Mammoth Cave National Park

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Not all of it is mapped, nor has it been discovered fully.

The park is lovely to look at, as you can see two rivers running across it.

Touring the Mammoth Cave National Park will take you around six hours.

Tourists inside the Mammoth Cave National Park

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Step Back in Time at Fountain Square Park

Daytime view of Fountain Square Park

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If you are walking around the downtown area, there are a few places you have to check out.

The gorgeous Fountain Square Park is one of the downtown spots you can’t miss out on.

Shops along Fountain Square Park

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A public plaza built back in 1772, Fountain Square Park is one of Bowling Green’s most fascinating historical landmarks.

It was used by the soldiers of the Civil War.

Several activists of the Civil War took shelter here.

Explore the Historic RailPark and Train Museum

One of RailPark and Train Museum's train

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Initially completed in 1925, the L & N Depot could handle more than 20 trains a day.

It used to serve the areas of Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee.

The museum’s on-site galleries include exhibits on the history of the railroads and educational activities for children.

Exterior of RailPark and Train Museum's depot

Jantira Namwong / Shutterstock.com

You will see seven carriages, each with a unique backstory, on 450 feet of railroad track at the back of the museum, displayed since 2002.

All of the carriages have been painstakingly restored to their former brilliance.

For an hour, you may reserve a carriage for a guided tour.

Escape room experiences in the hospital car or caboose are another way to better get to know the railcar.

Body of RailPark and Train Museum's train

Jantira Namwong / Shutterstock.com

Get Active at Ephram White Park

Ephram White Park’s new 56,000-square-foot gymnasium building was completed in 2017 and featured two indoor batting cages, indoor volleyball courts, and three conference room facilities for public use.

There may be additional fees.

Warren County Parks’ newest park, Ephram White Park, is one of the county’s most unique parks.

Ephram White, a longtime Warren County magistrate, was the inspiration for naming this community center.

Located on Highway 526, the park is easy to find.

James Henry Rose, a former Warren County judge who erected the brick residence on land previously owned by the Gossom family, built it over a century ago on park property.

Until 1949, the Daughtery family owned the property and bought it by Jimmy Goodman Sr. and his wife.

In 1997, the Warren County Fiscal Court purchased the land from the county.

An illuminated facility with four fields with restrooms and concessions is available at Ephram White Park.

Also included are a picnic pavilion, a playground, a five-mile walking track, a cross-country trail used by Warren East High School, and a professional disc golf course that hosts multiple annual tournaments.

Go Fishing at Weldon Peete Park

For a great outdoor excursion in Bowling Green, Weldon Peete Park, located on River Street, is one of the most incredible spots.

A wide variety of courses are available for mountain bikers and hikers in this park.

The routes are appropriate for hikers of all experience levels.

You may also enjoy a picnic with the family in the shelters offered or explore the waterways and paddles from the boat ramps accessible.

As for those who prefer fishing, this place has a pier for you.

Cap Off Your Day at Novo 2.0

After sightseeing and experiencing the attractions in Bowling Green, Novo Dolce Gastro Pub, renamed Novo Dolce 2.0, is one of the best ways to cap off your day.

It delights guests with its exquisite dining experience mixed with its chill bar ambiance.

It’s been said that the best way to a woman’s or man’s heart is via the stomach.

Novo Dolce Gastro Pub in Bowling Green is a great place to go with your significant other to experience its culinary prowess.

Novo Dolce’s Italian-inspired cuisine features flavor-packed portions of creative pasta dishes and exquisite Panzanella salads that will have your stomach grumbling in delight.

Final Thoughts

In Bowling Green, you’ll find many sights, attractions, and activities to keep you busy during your stay.

This quaint city is worth visiting, from its historic neighborhoods to a Corvette museum, to its natural wonders.

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