Bowling Green, Kentucky

Begin bright and early at Beech Bend Amusement Park & Splash Lagoon, home of the region’s most twisted wooden roller coaster and a great water park featuring a huge wave pool, lazy river and new state-of-the-art cyclone saucer waterslides.

Our museums are a great off-season alternative or if it rains on your parade this day… from planes at Aviation Heritage Park, trains at Historic RailPark & Train Museum, and automobiles at National Corvette Museum to fine art and history, we’ve got you covered with indoor “edutainment” options.

Escape to a place where nature and art are beautifully entwined that afternoon with a visit to Baker Arboretum at Downing Museum. This free attraction showcases the work of Kentucky-native Joe Downing in addition to rotating exhibitions featuring regional talent and sculptures dotting the garden paths.

If time allows, sneak in some strolling and shopping that afternoon at Fountain Square in historic downtown BG, at Greenwood Mall on Scottsville Road, at the quaint shops in nearby Smiths Grove, or head on over to Flea Land for bargains galore (Saturday and Sunday only; Antique Mall open daily). 

After dinner at one of many locally owned restaurants, head to a professional Minor League Baseball game with the BG Hot Rods or the free Friday night Concerts in the Park in July and August. 

Not a summer visit? Check out the Events calendar and take in a local performance instead. Bowling Green also is home to a state-of-the-art performing arts center, a professional theatre company, two community and two youth theatre troupes, a symphony, an orchestra, plus talented performing arts students at Western Kentucky University.

The next morning, enjoy breakfast at Wild Eggs before exploring the world below the streets of Bowling Green at Lost River Cave. The gang will learn how Civil War soldiers, bank robbers, prohibitionists, and Native Americans used the cave and valley in the past. Walk along the blue hole trails catching the cool breeze before embarking on the state’s only underground cave boat tour. 

After a morning of spelunking comes cute cows and creamy cones at Chaney’s Dairy Barn, a family-owned dairy farm featured on Guy Fieri's All-American Road Trips show! Hop on the hay wagon to the robotic milker and watch these Jersey cows living their best life before heading back to the main barn for some shopping and ice cream. If fruit is more your flavor, drive up to Jackson’s Orchard for some delicious apples, peaches or berries.

Save the best for last with an afternoon tour at the National Corvette Museum to see over 70 Corvettes on display. Reserve a guided tour or explore at your own pace in this expansive museum dedicated to America's Sports Car. Travel past nostalgic and interactive displays featuring one-of-a-kind, mint condition Corvettes, and discover why this particular model has such a hold on pop culture and fans. 

Be sure to allow for time in the Corvette Store, "driving" the simulators and even have lunch while on property from the Stingray Grill. If a member of your group is feeling extra bold, book a Hot Lap at the NCM Motorsports Park where a professional driver will give them a hair-raising experience in the passenger seat of a Corvette on this 3.2 mile high performance driving course. Don’t worry, high-speed karting is available for the others!

With plenty of options from which to choose for accommodations including familiar brands, upscale splurges, quaint cabins or charming rentals, a couple of days in Bowling Green is sure to rev up your crew until the next adventure comes along!