First of all, Bowling Green is located just an hour from the Nashville airport. So flying there would be a piece of cake, but if a road trip is what you are after, it is a very easy drive from Greenville, SC. Don't believe me? Well, I drove there myself!
Here are just 5 reasons you should put Bowling Green, KY on your list of must-see places with your family.
1. Historic Railpark and Train Museum
This is on the list because I have train lovers at home. The 1925 structure has been restored and visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour to learn the history of the tracks. The tour includes a walk through seven restored train cars showing the Business of the Railroad and showcases items used in the individual railcars and one of the region's largest model railroad displays inside.
2. National Corvette Museum
This stop was one of my favorites of the whole trip. Every single Corvette made in the world is assembled in Bowling Green, KY....I know! We first stopped at the Corvette Museum where we saw over 70 Corvettes showcased in periodic settings, prototypes, rare finds, and racing champs.
After taking that in, we visited the Kids Zone with hands-on activities for children. I always love a good hands-in spot for the kids. If you have ever heard anything about Bowling Green, KY it might have been in reference to the sinkhole in February of 2014. It shocked the city and Corvette community and became a National viral social media story. What I found most interesting was seeing the outline of the cave that lies underneath and the sinkhole borders outlines on the floor of the museum.
They have a complete "Corvette Cave-In" exhibit that offers reenactments, facts, interactive activities and more. They have a viewing window that looks down into the case and they even have each of the cars on display that were recovered from the sinkhole in the condition that they were in after falling.
3. GM Corvette Assembly Plant
After visiting the museum you can head on over to the assembly plant to get a behind the scenes tour of how the Corvettes are assembled. I mean you will be walking right next to the live assembly line that is assembling the car, tiny piece by tiny piece. It's definitely something to experience! Enough said! Sidenote: The tour is only available for ages 10 and up so the younger ones will have to stay back. A perfect time to check out the Kid Zone at the National Corvette Museum.
4. Lost River Cave
This is Kentucky's ONLY underground boat tour! You can read all about it here. While there, don't forget to stop by Butterfly Habitat.
5. Baseball!
Bowling Green, KY is not only home to America's sports car, the Corvette, but also home to the BG Hot Rods, a Minor League baseball affiliate to the Tampa Rays. Tickets start at $5 and children under 5 are FREE for every game! A great way to get out for some affordable entertainment.
The people of Bowling Green were nothing short of incredible. They opened their arms, hearts, and town to us and you'll see when you visit, the people you come across have never met a stranger.
If these 5 reasons have not convinced you that Bowling Green, KY is a great getaway for families, check out the rest of these reasons below.
Kentucky Museum located on the campus of Western Kentucky University.
Mariah's Restaurant serving quality meals and conveniently located next to the ballpark.
Chaney's Dairy Barn for a farm tour and some of the best ice cream in the South. You can also enjoy lunch or dinner at Chaney's.
Boyce General Store for some Southern home cooking, BLuegrass and homemade dessert. Talk about Southern hospitality!
Beech Bend Raceway
Beech Bend Amusement Park and Splash Lagoon
The possibilities are endless
The Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted Macaroni Kid for a three-day press trip. Accommodations and most meals and activities were complimentary. No other compensation was received in consideration of this article and all opinions are that of the writer.
