9 Nature & Parks in Bowling Green That You Shouldn't Miss

November 21, 2021 Kelli Reichel

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. Lost River Cave

2818 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101-4041 +1 270-393-0077 http://www.lostrivercave.org
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,077 reviews

Lost River Cave

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.

2. Fountain Square Park

Bowling Green, KY http://visitbgky.com/see/c/family-activities/detai
Excellent
55%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 147 reviews

Fountain Square Park

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. Basil Griffin Park

2055 Three Springs Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42104-8772 +1 270-842-5302 http://www.warrencountygov.com/sites/default/files/Basil%20Griffin%20Park_0.pdf
Excellent
71%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 48 reviews

Basil Griffin Park

4. Chuck Crume Nature Park

2035 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101-3846 +1 270-393-3249 http://www.bgky.org/bgpr/parks/11
Excellent
25%
Good
75%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Chuck Crume Nature Park

5. Baker Arboretum & Downing Museum

4801 Morgantown Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101-9287 +1 270-842-7415 http://www.jerryebakerfoundation.org
Excellent
59%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
7%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

Baker Arboretum & Downing Museum

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.

6. Shanty Hollow Lake Hiking Trail

1200 Shanty Hollow Road, Bowling Green, KY http://alltrails.com/trail/us/kentucky/shanty-hollow-lake
Excellent
50%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 22 reviews

Shanty Hollow Lake Hiking Trail

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.

7. River Walk at Mitch McConnell Park

426 Riverview Dr, Bowling Green, KY 42101-1106 http://www.bgky.org/bgpr/parks/26
Excellent
38%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
13%
Terrible
17%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 16 reviews

River Walk at Mitch McConnell Park

8. Fort Webb Park

Bowling Green Country Club Drive, Bowling Green, KY http://www2.bgky.org/bgpr/parks/parksearchresults.php?name=Fort%20Webb%20Park
Excellent
0%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
60%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 5 reviews

Fort Webb Park

9. Ephram White Park

885 Mount Olivet Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101-0789 http://www.warrencountyky.gov/parks-and-recreation-ephram-white-park
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

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