Location: Bowling Green
Top Things to do in Bowling Green
What to do and see in Bowling Green, Kentucky (KY): The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. Riverview at Hobson Grove
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Enjoy spectacular views from the cupola while seeing how the Hobson family lived at Bowling Green’s historic house museum, Riverview at Hobson Grove. Built by Atwood and Juliet VanMeter Hobson on a hill overlooking the Barren River, this historic landmark has been restored to its original splendor and is listed on the National Register. An official site on the Civil War Discovery Trail, the house was used for storage of Confederate munitions when the Rebel forces held Bowling Green. Riverview is an elegant interpretation of a prosperous Victorian home of the 1860 to 1890 period and invites visitors to experience the life of a 19th century family and their servants.
Reviewed By Exploringontheroad
COVID requirements: you must call ahead to schedule a tour (270-843-5565); wear a mask, and get your temperature taken To park, drive all the way up to the house. Then drive circles behind the house and around to the parking lot. The grounds are very pretty and the house tour is very informative. The house itself is beautiful with a cupola and some very interesting inventions for comfort. We've taken lots of historic home tours and there is always more to learn.
2. NCM Motorsports Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 138 reviews
The NCM Motorsports Park offers recreational auto sports for all skill and interest levels. Guests age 18 or older with a drivers' license can get behind the wheel of a Corvette for touring laps on the 3.15 mile road course. For a more in-depth session check out the half day Corvette Experience. For an adrenaline rush for ages 15 and older - make reservations for a high speed Hot Lap in a Corvette Z06! For those who have their own car they'd like to take on the track, sign up for touring laps, high performance driving event or other track activity to put you behind the wheel. The NCM Kartplex, located at the Park, offers high speed go-karts that guests can arrive and drive (48" tall or valid drivers' licence). Spectating is free!
Reviewed By bobby97z - Grovetown, United States
I had a blast!!!!!! The whole experience was awesome. This was my first time driving a corvette and first time on a track. The c8 feels so planted and I loved how it would rocket out on corner exit. I felt very capable in this car and was nice following the instructor to get the proper line. The instructors were awesome as well and I took in all the feedback they gave me to get faster. I watched a lot of YouTube vids before coming to get a look at the track and learn the visual cues of the racing line. Every lap I felt more comfortable. I loved the elevation changes in the track as well. I have a deposit for a c8 and can’t wait to get one and start tracking it. My fam also liked the viewing deck which was nice and the kiddos loved the go karts. It’s a win win with the fam happy as well!! Hopefully after covid it would be great to have in car instruction as well. Thanks everyone!!
3. 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.
4. E.A. Diddle Arena
5. 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!
6. Chaney's Dairy Barn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 450 reviews
Reviewed By maryannep34285 - Cookeville, United States
While passing through the area we stopped for lunch and we were not disappointed. Had a great chicken salad sandwich and fries, and topped it off with ice cream cones. The food is super and the staff was very friendly and helpful. Their ice cream is the best ever!
7. Jackson's Orchard & Nursery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Jackson's Orchard & Nursery – the Jackson family has offered good food and great memories to their visitors for over 50 years. The Orchard is open mid-April to mid-November offering in-season fruits, vegetables and spring plants for your home and garden. Come see us! Our normal in-season operating hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday and closed Sunday. During September & October we are open on Sundays 1pm-5pm. Pumpkin Festival is 5 fall weekends prior to Halloween. See website for details.
Reviewed By V9320ZFlynnb
We had a great time. Our grandson loved the playground and wagon ride around the property. Picked our own apples. Recommend the fried pies and apple slushies.
8. L.T. Smith Stadium
9. Bowling Green Ballpark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
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.
10. Old Richardsville Road Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By MaryannF650 - Clarksville, United States
My husband and I were visiting Bowling Green and toured the downtown area as well as some of the historic places. The Old Richardsville Road Bridge was recommended as a beautiful place to take photos. The bridge was built in 1889 by the King Iron Company of Cleveland, Ohio. According to available information, it is one of the last bridges of its. kind. It is a span bowstring, arch truss bridge that spans 138.1 ft. and runs across the Barren River. Currently, it is closed except for foot traffic. However, it is suggested that you precede at your own risk. The Old Richardsville Road Bridge was inducted into the National Register of Historic Places in November of 1980. The residents are aware of the supernatural force surrounding the landmark and there are many versions of the tale. You can check them out on the website.
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