Overview
Bowling Green is the third-largest city in Kentucky, with nearly 60,000 residents. Bowling Green is the hub of activity in the Caves and Lakes region.
10 sights · 15 things to do · 10 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 19 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Bowling Green
Capitol Arts Center
Located in the historic downtown district, the Capitol Arts Center features an 800-seat auditorium and two art galleries. The civic auditorium hosts a full schedule of local and touring arts performances and civic events…
Kentucky Museum
Just off US 68/KY 80. Kentucky Museum houses rich collections and offers exciting and educational exhibits that invite visitors to revisit the past to learn about Kentucky history and heritage. The Kentucky Library house…
National Corvette Museum
Showcase to America's Sports Car features over 75 Corvettes. Make a stop on Route 66 to see the cars that shaped our country's history. You'll see classics in mint condition, one-of-a-kind prototypes that never went into…
Historic RailPark & Train Museum
Historic railpark, guided rail car tours and self-guided museum. Of the 90 railway post office (RPO) cars on the L&N, two survive; one is here, the other is at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Pennsylvania.
Western Kentucky University
Founded in 1906, Western Kentucky University is recognized as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation. The area of the university known as College Heights commands an impressive view of Bowling Green and…
Lost River Cave and Valley
Boat tours subject to weather so call ahead. Kentucky's only Underground Boat Tour and the enchanting Butterfly Habitat. Ripley's Believe It or Not claims is the shortest, deepest in the world. The walking tour along the…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 91°F; winter lows dip to about 29°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: May and Mar. (climate data from nearby Mammoth Cave National Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BNA Nashville International Airport, Nashville — 62 mi away (major hub). Directions
- OWB Owensboro Daviess County Airport, Owensboro — 65 mi away. Directions
Bowling Green is accessible by car, primarily from I-65, which connects it with Nashville to the south and Louisville to the north.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $70–$70 a night (typical $134), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$110, mid-range ~$210, comfortable ~$240.
Options are grouped as Campgrounds, Hotels, Budget, Mid-range in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Capitol Arts Center, Historic RailPark & Train Museum, Western Kentucky University
- Lunch 440 Main Restaurant & Bar
- Afternoon Kentucky Museum, Lost River Cave and Valley
- Dinner Hickory & Oak
- Evening Tidball's
Day 2
- Morning National Corvette Museum, GM Corvette Factory, Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon
- Lunch Smokey Pig Bar-B-Que
- Afternoon Fountain Square Park, Hardin Planetarium
- Dinner Cambridge Market & Cafe
- Evening Cliffs of Moher Irish Pub
Day 3
- Morning Smiths Grove Historic District, Sloan Convention Center, Leonard D. Brown Agricultural Exposition Center
- Lunch Split Tree BBQ
- Afternoon Bowling Green International Festival, WKU Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers
- Dinner Riley's Bakery
- Evening Spencer's Coffee House
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Bowling Green is accessible by car, primarily from I-65, which connects it with Nashville to the south and Louisville to the north.
Two roads in the state's parkway system of former toll roads serve the Bowling Green area. Interstate 165 (formerly the William H. Natcher Parkway, and still earlier the Green River Parkway) connects I-65 in Bowling Green with Owensboro, 70 miles to the northwest. I-165 intersects with the Western Kentucky Parkway near Beaver Dam, giving Bowling Green easy access to Paducah and the Land Between the Lakes. The Cumberland Parkway connects I-65 northeast of Bowling Green to Somerset, 80 miles to the east. From there KY 80 provides access to I-75 at London.
Another major road in the area is U.S. 68. To the east of the city, it is a two-lane road that largely parallels I-65 and the Cumberland Parkway before taking a sharp turn toward central Kentucky. However, to the west, it is a four-lane divided highway (though with at-grade intersections) until the town of Cadiz, near Land Between the Lakes.
By plane
- Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Approximately two hours north of Bowling Green. Eastern Time Zone.
- Nashville International Airport Approximately one hour south of Bowling Green. Central Time Zone.
Get around
By bus
- GoBG Transit. Provided by Community Action of Southern Ky. +1 270 782-3162.
By rental car
- Avis, 1755 Scottsville Rd, +1 270 842-1700 or +1-800-831-2847.
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 1125 US 31W Bypass, +1 270-782-5600 and 1851 Scottsville Rd. +1 270 782-7700.
- Hertz Rent-A-Car, 2516 Scottsville Rd, +1 270-796-3677 or +1-888-782-2215.
See
Arts
See Capitol Arts Center
Located in the historic downtown district, the Capitol Arts Center features an 800-seat auditorium and two art galleries. The civic auditorium hosts a full schedule of local and touring arts performances and civic events. The center houses the Houchens and Mezzanine galleries for year-round exhibits.
Museums
See Kentucky Museum
Just off US 68/KY 80. Kentucky Museum houses rich collections and offers exciting and educational exhibits that invite visitors to revisit the past to learn about Kentucky history and heritage. The Kentucky Library houses collections of genealogical materials, published works, manuscripts and folk life information. Public programs include workshops, lectures, family events and prearranged guided tours.
See National Corvette Museum
Showcase to America's Sports Car features over 75 Corvettes. Make a stop on Route 66 to see the cars that shaped our country's history. You'll see classics in mint condition, one-of-a-kind prototypes that never went into production, racetrack champions and modern-day wonders of engineering and design. Interact with educational hands-on exhibits, enjoy a film in the Chevy Theater. Sit behind the wheel of a Corvette and register to drive one home. Corvette Store offers a wide selection of apparel, collectibles home and gift items.
See Historic RailPark & Train Museum (Louisville and Nashville Railroad Station)
Historic railpark, guided rail car tours and self-guided museum. Of the 90 railway post office (RPO) cars on the L&N, two survive; one is here, the other is at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Pennsylvania.
Attractions
See Western Kentucky University
Founded in 1906, Western Kentucky University is recognized as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation. The area of the university known as College Heights commands an impressive view of Bowling Green and the Barren River Valley. A statue of Dr. Henry Hardin Cherry in front of Cherry Hall provides Bowling Green with an impressive landmark. The historic colonnade, which was part of the old football stadium, serves as a backdrop to an outdoor theater and the Guthrie Tower and Plaza has become the centerpiece of the south campus area. WKU has over 18,000 students and 66 major buildings on the 200 acre main campus, with another 785 acres on the University Farm. Western has produced educational opportunities to more than 70,000 alumni who proudly claim the name Hilltoppers.
See Lost River Cave and Valley
Boat tours subject to weather so call ahead. Kentucky's only Underground Boat Tour and the enchanting Butterfly Habitat. Ripley's Believe It or Not claims is the shortest, deepest in the world. The walking tour along the river's edge will bring alive stories of Native Americans, Early European settlers, Civil War troops and the notorious Jesse James. Enjoy Treetop Bridge, nature trails, bird watching stations, picnic area, gemstone sluice, Old Mill Gifts and the rock climbing wall.
See Smiths Grove Historic District
10 miles north of Bowling Green, I-65 exit 38. Smiths Grove, an antique shoppers' paradise, was an important railroad town in its earlier day (1859-1950s) when the L&N Line ran through the area and contributed greatly to its growth. It claims 1,000 residents today making it Warren County's second largest city. Many historic buildings, churches and homes remain with architecturally significant designs, many on the National Register.
See Fountain Square Park
Fountain Square Park has been the focus of downtown Bowling Green since 1798. By 1812 a two-story brick building replaced the original log courthouse. In addition, the public square was the location of the town's jail and market house. The park was built in 1871-1872. The original stone fountain was replaced in 1881 by the present cast iron fountain along with statues of the Four Seasons, benches and urns. The landscaped public park has retained much of the same appearance since 1881.
Do
Do Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon
Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, weekends only in May and September. Amusement park that offers more than 40 rides. Other favorites include antique cars, a miniature golf course, giant swimming pool, water slides, interactive children's water play pool, games and go-carts.
Do Sloan Convention Center
With 35,000 sq. ft. of meeting and pre-convention exhibit space, the center has a capacity to seat up to 1,700. Room configuration includes a grand ballroom, five break-out rooms, registration desk, ticket window and coat room. Located in the Hartland Business Park and adjoining the Holiday Inn University Plaza and CrossWinds Golf Course.
Do Civil War Discovery Trail
Thirteen sites are available to the public and include earthworks, a cave, a house museum, monuments and markers. With Kentuckians divided between North and South, the state adopted a policy of neutrality at the beginning of the Civil War. Bowling Green's reliable and defensible transportation network and the collection of hills that surrounded the city made it one of the most strategic cities in the state. In November 1861, Bowling Green was declared the Capital of the Confederate State of Kentucky but by mid-February 1862, fell into Union hands. Bowling Green was also the site of a federal government campaign to enlist slaves as Union soldiers.
Do Duncan Hines Scenic Byway
This 82-mile route, which runs through Warren and Edmonson counties, passes many historic homes and churches. Beginning in Bowling Green at the former home and office of author Duncan Hines, it then runs through several small towns and Mammoth Cave National Park where it crosses the Green River by ferry. Along the route are stately mansions, quaint homes, antique shops, one-room school houses, an old train depot, historic cemeteries, Civil War battlefields, an old grainery and a stagecoach stop which was once the home of Patrick Henry's sister.
Do Bowling Green International Festival
A celebration of cultural diversity for the entire family featuring music, dance and demonstrations from around the world, authentic foreign foods, an international bazaar and free edu-tainment activities. The festival takes place the last Saturday each September.
Do National Corvette Homecoming
Sports
Do Beech Bend Raceway
Raceway open March–November. Beech Bend has an auto racing facility known for its drag strip as well as an oval track for stock car racing. Race car enthusiasts can enjoy Stock Car racing on Saturday nights, Fun Racing on Tuesday and Friday nights, NHRA drag racing on Sundays and national automotive events throughout the year.
Golf Courses
Learn
Buy
Tattoos
Shopping centers
Shop Greenwood Mall
Three department stores including Dillard's, Macy's, and JCPenney and over 100 specialty shops including Bath & Body Works, Pacific Sunwear, Buckle, Sunglass Hut, New York and Company, Victoria's Secret, Yankee Candle and The Great Escape - Greenwood 10 Theatre. Choose from a wide variety of food selections in the family-friendly food court and take a ride on the carousel.
Specialty Stores
Shop Wild Bird and Nature Store
Midtown Plaza. Wild Bird and Nature Store offers a full line of bird houses, bird feeders, specialty seeds and bird baths. Herb Festival held each April features hundreds of plants for sale including antique roses, hard-to-find herbs and perennials which attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Eat
Eat 440 Main Restaurant & Bar
Located in the historic downtown district, overlooking Fountain Square Park. Relax in a historic building that compliments the rich heritage of the Deep South. Featuring hand-carved steaks, fresh seafood, New Orleans cuisine and an award winning wine list.
Eat Cambridge Market & Cafe
Bowling Green's most distinctive delicatessen. Specialties include homemade chicken salad, pimento cheese & desserts.
Eat Chaney's Dairy Barn
Also visit Chaney's at 830 Fairview Avenue. +1 270 842-6020. Premium homemade ice cream, lunch or dinner daily, homemade soup, sandwiches and desserts. A wide selection of Kentucky-made products in the gift shop. There is an outdoor pavilion and a batting cage.
Eat Hickory & Oak
A fine dining establishment located in downtown Bowling Green. They are open for dinner service on the weekdays and offer weekend brunches. The Sunday brunch is pretty spectacular and reservations are recommended.
Eat Montana Grille
Enjoy good food in a beautifully structured log building featuring a warm, open atmosphere with great food and service. Entrees include Bourbon Tenderloin Filet, Pacific Northwest Salmon, and Fire Roasted Rotisserie Chicken.
Eat Rafferty's
Specialties include hickory smoked barbecue ribs and chicken, choice cuts of steak and prime rib, salads and soups, burgers and sandwiches.
Eat Riley's Bakery
The most popular items include brownies, cream horns, Hungarian coffee cake and the children's favorite - tea cookies. They also make delicious sandwiches. Fillings to choose from include chicken, tuna, ham and egg salad; olive nut cream cheese and pimento cheese.
Eat Teresa's Restaurant
Teresa's has home cooked food served at hometown prices. This restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch during the week and stays open later for dinner service on Friday and Saturday. For the price and quality, their breakfast menu is hard to beat.
Barbecue
Eat Smokey Pig Bar-B-Que
A great barbecue restaurant overlooking the Barren River.
Eat Split Tree BBQ
The best slow smoked barbecue anywhere around! Menu includes sandwiches, chicken, ribs and barbecue by the pound.
Drink
Alcohol
Bowling Green is a wet community. However, the rest of Warren County is dry.
Drink Cliffs of Moher Irish Pub
A clean and cozy Irish pub. They usually have live music on the weekends.
Drink Tidball's
Tidball's is Bowling Green's premier venue for live music. It is located adjacent to historic downtown Bowling Green.
Coffee
Drink Spencer's Coffee House
Residing in historic downtown Bowling Green, Spencer's is a local favorite from high school students to professionals.
Sleep
Campgrounds
Stay Beech Bend Campground
A private campground located on the Barren River and associated with Beech Bend Park. The campground has 415 campsites, 250 of which are full hook up along with many amenities. The facility is open year round and is first come first serve. No reservations are accepted.
Hotels
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Go next
- Auburn - has antique engines
- Cave City - Gateway to Mammoth Cave National Park.
- Franklin - Has a nice bluegrass hall.
- Russellville - The Logan County seat
- Scottsville - The Allen County seat
Nearby
Brownsville
City / town · 8 listings · 17 mi away
Auburn
City / town · 6 listings · 18 mi away
Franklin
City / town · 27 listings · 20 mi away
Morgantown
City / town · 6 listings · 21 mi away
Mammoth Cave National Park
Park · 19 listings · 21 mi away
Scottsville
City / town · 8 listings · 22 mi away
Russellville
City / town · 12 listings · 27 mi away
Lewisburg
City / town · 28 mi away
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