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Bowling Green has, for years, been a center for manufacturing; Spalding and Fruit of the Loom have plants here. However, the most prominent company is General Motors, which has assembled its famous Corvettes in Bowling Green for over 40 years. Car lovers can learn more about the iconic Corvette at the National Corvette Museum.
This Kentucky destination also serves as a university city, with the over 100-year-old Western Kentucky University calling this home. Still, Bowling Green isn’t all about business, the city also loves to have fun, and visitors can always catch a motorsport event, a festival, or a live performance. Plus, natural sites like the Lost River Cave make this one of Kentucky's most beautiful towns.
Those interested in visiting the Home of the Corvette should check out this ultimate guide to Bowling Green to find out everything they need to know when planning their trip.
What To Know When Visiting Bowling Green, Kentucky
Bowling Green is the third-largest city in Kentucky, with a population of roughly 72,000 people.
This is a far cry from the over 600,000 people in the largest city, Louisville, or even Kentucky's second-largest city, Lexington, which has about 320,000 people.
Louisville is about 122 miles north of Bowling Green, a drive that takes close to 2 hours. The closest big city to Bowling Green is Nashville, Tennessee, which is just over an hour’s drive away.
This city loves cars thanks to its status as the Home of the Corvette. In fact, GM has exclusively assembled Corvettes in Bowling Green for over 40 years.
Sadly, only those who buy a Corvette can schedule a tour of the plant.
When To Visit Bowling Green
A lot of people visit Bowling Green in summer thanks to the warm weather at this time.
This is the best time to explore the city to enjoy outdoor activities and summer events. However, the weather in Kentucky can be very erratic, so tourists should prepare for some rainy days whenever they visit.
Spring (March to May)
The average highs in spring range from 59 Fahrenheit (15 Celsius) in March to 77 Fahrenheit (25 Celsius) in May.
The weather at this time is mild and pleasant enough for spending time outdoors. However, the chances of rain are higher at this time.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the tourist high season in Bowling Green, so room rates are higher at this time. The weather is normally pleasant, with fewer rainy days than in spring.
On average, the highs in summer range between the mid to high-80s (30 to 32 Celsius), and the lows are in the 60s. Visitors can enjoy lots of outdoor activities thanks to the good weather and long days.
Autumn (September to November)
September retains the good weather of summer, with highs of 81 and lows of 58 (28 and 15 Celsius). Plus, since the summer crowds have left by this time, those who visit enjoy lower rates.
Therefore, September and October are also good months to visit Bowling Green. Moreover, the chances of rain are the lowest in autumn.
November, however, starts to get chilly, with highs of 58 and lows of 37 (15 and 3 Celsius). Tourists may consider visiting at this time to find out what fall is like in Kentucky.
Winter (December to February)
The average winter highs are in the mid-40s (8 degrees Celsius) and the average lows are in the mid-20s (-3 degrees Celsius).
The cold weather and shorter days mean that this isn’t a good time to visit Bowling Green and get the most out of the visit.
Getting Around Bowling Green, Kentucky
Interstates 65 and 165 both cross Bowling Green, and various highways that make this city easily accessible by road.
Those flying in may land at the Nashville International Airport, which is about 70 miles from Bowling Green, a one-hour drive away. This is the nearest major airport to Bowling Green.
Public Bus
The Bowling Green Public Transit Program operates buses in the city known as Go Bg Transit.
- Hours: These buses run on 5 routes in the city, from 6 am to about 6 pm, Monday to Friday. There’s no service on weekends.
- Cost: Fares cost $2 for a single ride, but travelers can opt to buy an all-day pass for $5, a 9-ride pass for $10, or a monthly pass for $40.
Car Rental
This is the most convenient way of getting around Bowling Green. Visitors can rent vehicles at the Nashville International Airport from companies like Avis, AlamoHertz, National, Budget, and Thrifty, among others.
These companies are also found in Bowling Green.
Renting a car allows travelers to explore the area without depending on a bus schedule.
Rideshares
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available in Bowling Green and offer a reliable, albeit costly, alternative to the public bus service.
Those visiting areas not covered by Go Bg Transit can use these services to get around Bowling Green.
Where To Eat In Bowling Green
Breakfast: Teresa's Restaurant
Teresa’s is a typical American diner with an elaborate menu that’s made up of the best comfort food in the city.
This casual eatery in Bowling Green opens its doors as early as 5 am every day, welcoming diners to enjoy their beloved breakfast dishes.
Since this is a typical American diner, large helpings are common; there are breakfast platters that have a variety of items, including fried steak, smoked ham, home fries, and hash browns.
The pancake platter, for instance, has two pancakes with either bacon, sausage patties, ham, or bologna.
- Address: 509 Gordon Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101, United States
- Hours: Mon - Fri: 5 am - 2 pm; Sat: 6 am - 1 pm
Lunch: Rafferty's Restaurant & Bar
This casual restaurant has a quaint interior with wooden fixtures that give it an old-timey appeal. However, it’s the food that brings diners to Rafferty’s, and the restaurant doesn’t disappoint.
The eatery is known for its burgers, which include Rafferty’s American Cheeseburger, California Burger, and Backyard BBQ Burger. All of these are made with Black Angus patties.
Rafferty’s also serves some of the best steaks and chicken, as well as sandwiches.
- Address: 1939 Scottsville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42104, United States
- Hours: Mon, Tue & Thu - Sat: 11 am - 10 pm; Wed: 10 am - 10 pm; Sun: 10:45 am - 9 pm
Dinner: Anna's Greek Restaurant
For some fine dining in Bowling Green, visitors should head to Anna’s Greek Restaurant. Just like the name implies, this restaurant specializes in Greek cuisine that goes well with its Greek entertainment; belly dancing.
The dinner menu is made up of appetizers like pita with tzatziki, salads like Greek salad, and mains like cream chicken.
There are also specialties like Mousaka, Arni Youvesti, Shrimp Saganaki, and Spanakopita, which are worth trying.
- Address: 1202 State St, Bowling Green, KY 42101, United States
- Hours: Tue - Sat: 4 pm - 9 pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Drinks: Pub By Novo
The charming and vibrant Pub By Novo offers Bowling Green locals and visitors a fun place to hang out and enjoy great food and drinks. The pub serves food like quesadillas, shrimp, calamari, pizzas, and chicken wings.
Plus, they have non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade, sweet tea, and decaf, as well as alcoholic drinks like margaritas, beers on tap, and a variety of cocktails.
- Address: 2425 Scottsville Rd #127, Bowling Green, KY 42104, United States
- Hours: Mon - Thu: 11 am - 11 pm; Fri & Sat: 11 am - 1 am; Sun: 11 am - 9 pm
Things To Do In Bowling Green, Kentucky
Explore the National Corvette Museum
The National Corvette Museum is Bowling Green’s flagship museum that underscores the city’s title as the ‘Home of the Corvette.’
This museum traces the history of the Corvette and preserves this car’s legacy as an iconic American vehicle.
The museum showcases Corvettes from its first generation, which was released in 1953 to the present-day model. Visitors also get to see unique concept cars that never got to mass production.
- Address: 350 Corvette Dr, Bowling Green, KY 42101, United States
- Hours: Mon & Wed - Fri: 10 am - 5 pm; Sat & Sun: 9 am - 5 pm (closed on Tue)
- Admission: $18 (adults 13 - 61); $16 (seniors 62+); $13 (children 5 - 12); Free (children 4 and under)
Experience Driving a Corvette at NCM Motorsports Park
Found on the property of the National Corvette Museum, the NCM Motorsports Park sits on over 400 acres of land, and it boasts a world-class racetrack.
Visitors are free to try out the track using their own vehicle or on a Corvette. In fact, this is the best place to test-drive a Corvette like the C8 or the Z06 on a 3.2-mile road course.
There’s also a go-kart track at the NCM Kartplex.
- Address: 505 Kimberlee A Fast Dr, Bowling Green, KY 42103
- Prices: From $300 for a Corvette Experience; $20 per 8-minute go-karting session
Tour the Historic RailPark & Train Museum
This museum is found in a historic railroad station that was opened in 1925. Today, the station’s building is part of the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum preserves the history of rail transport in the region with exhibits that include old train cars, restored passenger trains, and interactive displays.
Visitors also get to see model trains and pictures of the train station back in the 1920s.
- Address: 401 Kentucky St, Bowling Green, KY 42101, United States
- Hours: Wed - Sun: 10 am - 4 pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
- Admission: $16 (adults); $14 (seniors 60+); $10 (children 5 - 12); Free (children 4 and under)
Venture to the Lost River Cave
The Lost River is a river that flows into a limestone cave system that stretches for seven miles.
Surrounding the cave is about 60 acres of lush forest greenery with trails charted within the forest for those who enjoy hiking in nature. This area is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kentucky.
There are boat tours on the river leading deep into the caves, costing about $23 for a 45-minute tour. However, visitors can explore the trails at no cost.
- Address: 2818 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101, United States
- Hours: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm (daily)
- Boat Tours: $22.95 (adults 13+); $16.95 (Youth 4 - 12); $5.95 (children 3 and under)
Stroll in Baker Arboretum & Downing Museum
Baker Arboretum boasts over 100 acres of real estate, which is made up of hundreds of trees like dogwood, conifers, and the Japanese maple.
This stunning site is open to visitors who want to simply stroll the paths.
On the premises, there’s a museum (Downing Museum) that displays artwork by artists from all over the country.
The museum was set up to celebrate the work of its eponymous artist, Joseph Dudley Downing.
- Address: 4801 Morgantown Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101
- Hours: Tue - Sat: 10 am - 4 pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
- Admission: Free (donations accepted)
Where To Stay In Bowling Green
Hotels
- Address: 635 College Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101
- Amenities: Business center, soundproof rooms, smoking areas, picnic area, bar, lounge, restaurant
- Rate: From $185
Embassy Suites by Hilton Bowling Green
- Address: 556 Hub Boulevard, Bowling Green, KY 42103
- Amenities: Fitness center, complimentary breakfast, kid-friendly buffet, EV charging station, business center, bar, restaurant
- Rate: $127
Drury Inn & Suites Bowling Green
- Address: 3250 Scottsville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42104
- Amenities: Hot tub, indoor pool, outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast, meeting facilities, gym, free parking
- Rate: From $113
- Address: 1211 Kenilwood Way, Bowling Green, KY 42104
- Amenities: Laundry facilities, indoor pool, private parking, business center, spa, complimentary breakfast, gym, meeting facilities
- Rate: From $77
Vacation Rentals
- Address: Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
- Amenities: 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, front porch, game room, washer & dryer, workspace, full kitchen, free parking
- Rate: From $640
- Address: Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
- Amenities: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, smart locks, washer & dryer, board games, free parking, full kitchen
- Rate: From $344
- Address: Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
- Amenities: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, full kitchen, king bed, queen bed, free parking, children’s books, luggage dropoff, self-check-in
- Rate: From $179
- Address: Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
- Amenities: Twin bed, private bathroom, high ceiling, TV, kitchen access, washer & dryer
- Rate: $81
Spending The Perfect Day In Bowling Green, Kentucky
Start the perfect day in Bowling Green with breakfast at Teresa’s Restaurant then visit the National Corvette Museum to learn about the history of this vehicle.
Consider test-driving a Corvette at the NCM Motorsports Park or enjoy some go-karting at the site.
At lunch, enjoy a meal at Rafferty’s Restaurant and Bar then head to Baker Arboretum & Downing Museum. Wander around the arboretum and check out the artwork in the museum before heading to Lost River Cave for the rest of the afternoon.
Enjoy a relaxing hike in the forest leading up to the cave then take a boat tour into the Lost River Cave.
Afterward, freshen up and enjoy dinner at Anna’s Greek Restaurant then wind down the day with some drinks at Pub By Novo.
FAQ
Q: What is Bowling Green Kentucky famous for?
Bowling Green is famous for being a college town, home of Western Kentucky University. It's also famous for being the Home of the Corvette because GM exclusively assembles the Corvette at its plant in Bowling Green.
Q: Does Bowling Green Kentucky have snow?
Yes, Bowling Green gets snow between December and mid-March, with February as the month with the most snow.
Q: How deep is the blue hole at the Lost River Cave?
The Blue Hole in the Lost River Cave, Bowling Green, is about 437 feet deep and it's an amazing place to visit in Kentucky.