Location: Bowling Green
Top Things to do in Bowling Green
9 Things to Do in Bowling Green That You Shouldn't Miss
Bowling Green is a city in and the county seat of Wood County, Ohio, United States. The population was 30,028 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Toledo Metropolitan Area and a member of the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments. Bowling Green is the home of Bowling Green State University.
Restaurants in Bowling Green
1. Snook's Dream Cars
Overall Ratings
5 based on 54 reviews
Automobile history comes alive in Snook's Dream Cars Automobile Museum, fittingly located adjacent to one of America's first cross-country highways, U.S. 6, in Bowling Green, Ohio. Your journey in the "past lane" begins as you step into an authentically recreated 1940s-era Texaco filling station, featuring an extensive collection of "automobilia" - everything from hood ornaments and window cranks to seat covers, bug remover and backseat touring games. You will continue past an operational, four-bay mechanics' area where vintage vehicles are repaired, and into a working museum of coin-operated amusements, ranging from pinball and slot machines to a Model-T Kiddie Ride (bring along your quarters!). You won't want to miss the antique pedal cars, Texaco promotional gimmicks or the classic collection of automobile decanters, some still holding their original Jim Beam brew. When you've had your fill of these "time machines" wheel into a spectacular showroom of dream cars from the '30s, '40s, '50s and '60s. The Snooks' eclectic collection reflects the elegance of years past. Displayed in authentic settings, these vintage vehicles will take you back to a 1930s general store, a 1940s stroll throught downtown Bowling Green, a 1950s diner, and a 1960s Sebring raceway pitlane. A collection of classic military vehicles completes the living museum, where all the cars are running, reliable and ready to show. Before you leave, be sure to stop in the gift shop, and take a little bit of history home with you. PLEASE CALL FOR WEEKEND AVAILABILITY.
Reviewed By lowefam04 - Brandon, Florida
Right off of the highway, it is a great stop for car enthusiasts. It looks like an old style gas station, but it is full of history and some wonder cars. The inside has some great backdrops that really set the stage. A must see!!!!
2. Simpson Garden Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Disappointed2015b - Bowling Green, Ohio
I like it best in spring and summer. The flowers and varieties of species and color. If you want to walk, the walkway is well designed and cared of; along the way, there is informative bits of information about the plants etc. Loads of people come here to take pictures for school, wedding etc. It has free city wi-fi and clean restrooms. People come here to have lunch on strategically placed picnic tables. I am a people watcher so I sit in my car, put my feet up and read. It really is a beautiful and serene place to be.
3. Wood County Historical Center & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
The Wood County Historical Center & Museum is the site of the former County Infirmary, which operated from 1869-1971. The building was repurposed into a Museum, which re-opened in 1975. The Historical Center has public events throughout the year and the Museum is open daily with a feature exhibit on Wood County's role in WWI.
Reviewed By EliKenoah - Bowling Green, Ohio
Most of the exhibits at the Wood County Historical Museum, set in the former county poor farm (active 1869 - 1971), currently focus on WWI, The Great War. Using WWI era posters and artifacts as well as wall-sized photos and reproductions of vital documents, interactive games, and videos the museum curator has presented interpretations of the War at various levels to interest the middle school student as well as her grandparents. The recreated trench is amazing! Each room captures another element of the War, from the Red Cross to the Draft system to the propaganda and Victory Gardens.
The newly renovated museum continues to interpret its history as the county poor farm. The rooms have been repainted to their original vibrant colors, and with the addition of an elevator after a long campaign, all exhibits are accessible.
The museum also has an impressive array of outdoor buildings/exhibits including an oil derrick, pioneer cabin, herb garden, Lunatic Asylum, and so much more!
4. BGSU Ice Arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Joseph S
Awesome indoor ice skating facility, run by BGSU and staffed predominately by students.
2 sheets of ice- one large, one small. Both offer open/public skate times through the week and on the weekend. Check website for current schedule of open skate times.
Well stocked options for rental skates (both figure and hockey skates) plus training aids for youngsters learning to skate.
Public skates are up to 2 hrs; most admission is $5, plus $3 rental. Discounts for kids <4 years of age and for shortened open skate times or BGSU students/staff.
We never miss an opportunity to go when visiting the area!
5. Carter Historic Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
The Carter Historic Farm is a 1930s Living History Museum and working farm. 1930s agricultural life is presented as hands-on interactive learning with programs, displays, and special events like the Heritage Farm Fest held in early June. Find the Carter Historic Farm on FB for more information.
Reviewed By Lisa R - Dayton, Ohio
We decided to visit the Farm while in Bowling Green for a day trip. We have a historical working farm close to where we live so decided to check this one out. Had no problems finding the place with our GPS but....nothing was open! Buildings all locked up, no chickens in the coop, a sign at the main house said tours were offered but again, all locked up. Wonder, was this place even open yet? Did look like it would be an interesting place though
6. Otsego Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Otsego Park has the Thompson Stone Hall (perfect for weddings) available for rent, two playgrounds, river walk, pollinator garden, Window on Wildlife area, and a boat launch. This is the home of the park district's canoe livery. There are also many programs offered here such as: archery, photography tours, Going Green Home & Garden series and Friends of the Parks memebership luncheons. Otsgeo Park is open 365 days a year from 8:00 am until 1/2 hour past sunset.
Reviewed By byersjjj - Deriot airport
Nice small park, beautiful lodge and kids playground. Lots of parking and sits right on the Maumee River where you can go down to the water. Clean grounds and rest rooms. Not that expensive to rent and there is a carry out right across the street in case you forget something.
7. Fuller Preserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Tiffany G
Fuller Preserve is a quiet walk with woods all around you to see wildlife and take in the fresh air. The walk was just enough for the day.
8. Black Swamp Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The Black Swamp Preserve has access to the Slippery Elm Trail (a 13-mile paved path from Bowling Green to North Baltimore, as well as restroom facilities, bluebird boxes and native plant gardens. The drive is accessible from E. Gypsy Lane.
Reviewed By Paul S - Marion
On a recent visit to BG, wanted to get away from the interstate construction and see some local sights on the way to Toledo. Found Black Swamp Preserve on Tripadvisor and made it my first stop. Almost missed it because I was looking for Maple Street or Gypsy Lane as I was turned off hwy 6 onto 25. Didn't see either one, but there is a brown directional sign just inside the BG limits indicating a left turn to the Black Swamp Preserve. I took it, and drove only about two blocks to an elementary school. South of the school is a dirt parking area and the entrance to the paved path through the Black Swamp preserve. Didn't see another person the whole time we were there.
9. Wintergarden Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Rogermazzarella - Bowling Green, Ohio
Very few cities can boast of having a full fledged nature preserve smack dab in the middle of town - but Bowling Green, Ohio can. This 122 acre gem is split into five parts. 1.) a large open field at the park entrance suitable for anything. 2.) a small second growth woods with a circular tail. 3.) A large restored prairie ( the goal of the park staff is to return the vegetation to what would have been found 300 years ago) which includes a wetland and trail. 4.) A large recent acquired 1st growth section with trail. And 5.) a very large 1st growth section known as St.John's Woods with trails and massive oak trees. This section has been designated an Old Growth Forest by the Old Growth Forest Network. The preserve has about 4 miles of trails winding through the woods and prairie. In the spring the place abounds with a riot of wildflower color. Great horned owls, foxes and box turtles call the preserve home. A modern restroom is open from dawn to dusk and the Nature Center building has a room filled with reference material and kid friendly items. The staff also frequently offer nature oriented programs and lectures for both kids and adults. Stop in. Enjoy nature !
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