Bowling Green (Kentucky)

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.

Shops along Fountain Square

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. The William Natcher Parkway (formerly Green River Parkway) connects I-65 in Bowling Green with Owensboro, 70 miles to the northwest. The Natcher 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 air

• Bowling Green - Warren County Regional Airport, 1000 Woodhurst St., ☎ [phone]. Full flight service, all weather capability, FBO 24 hours 7 days a week, rental cars, aircraft maintenance, free parking, courtesy car, two flight schools and charter service. 
• Louisville 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

• Bowling Green Public Transit. Provided by Community Action of Southern Ky. [phone].
• Greyhound Bus Lines, 55 Parker Ave., [phone].

By rental car

• Avis, 560 US 31W Bypass, BP Service Station, [phone] or [phone].
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 1125 US 31W Bypass, [phone] and 1851 Scottsville Rd. [phone], .
• Hertz Rent-A-Car, 899 US 31W Bypass, [phone] or [phone].
• U-Save Auto Rental, 740 US 31W Bypass, [phone] or [phone].

See

Arts

• 🌍 Capitol Arts Center, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. 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.  
• 🌍 Kentucky Museum, 1444 Kentucky Street, ☎ [phone]. M–Sa 9AM–4PM. 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.  
• Memphis Marsha's Art Gallery & Classes, 524 E 12th Ave (between State & Chestnut Sts), ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Award winning art from six states, including: jewelry, ceramics, paintings, photography, gifts and notecards. Classes available. 
• Public Theatre of Kentucky, Phoenix Theatre, ☎ [phone]. Located downtown off Chestnut St, this 147-seat facility is a professional, non-Equity, not-for-profit theatre company founded in 1987. 
• 🌍 Western Kentucky University, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. 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.  
• Lost River Cave and Valley, I-65 exit 22, left at stoplight #9, right on Nashville Road, [phone] or [phone], v. 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.
• GM Corvette Factory, I-65 & US 31W exit 28, ☎ [phone]. Public tours M-F 9AM, 11:30AM and 1:15PM. Group tours by reservation only. Every Corvette made today in the world is produced in Bowling Green. Here you can see the step by step production of America's favorite sports car along with Cadillac's XLR. 
• 🌍 National Corvette Museum, I-65 & US 31W exit 28, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. 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.  
• 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. 
• 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

• Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon, ☎ [phone]. 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. 
• Sloan Convention Center, I-65 & US 231 exit 22, ☎ [phone]. 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. 
• Carroll Knicely Conference Center, 2355 Nashville Rd, ☎ [phone]. This 40,000 sq ft facility offers seminars, workshops, receptions, training sessions, conferences and other social and educational programs. 
• Hardin Planetarium, 1906 College Heights Blvd, ☎ [phone]. WKU Campus. The planetarium is open to the public. Many of the shows are free, and highlight photographic and other work of WKU faculty members. In the evenings, nearby street parking is usually available. 
• Leonard D. Brown Agricultural Exposition Center, WKU Farm, 4 miles south of Bowling Green off Nashville Road (US 31W), ☎ [phone]. Events held year-round include livestock shows, sales, clinics, machinery shows, rodeos and other public events. The Center's main arena seats 2,000 with a sales arena seating 315. There are also meeting and banquet rooms. 
• Civil War Discovery Trail, toll-free: [phone]. 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. 
• 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. 
• Bowling Green International Festival, Circus Square Park, 601 State Street, ☎ [phone] (Kim Mason), e-mail: [e-mail]. 9AM-7PM. 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. $3 per person children under 12 free. 

Sports

• Beech Bend Raceway, I-65 & US 31W exit 28, ☎ [phone]. 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. 
• Priddy Boys Fishing Guide Service, ☎ [phone]. 
• WKU Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers, ☎ [phone], toll-free: +1-800-5-BIG-RED (244-733). The sports teams of Western Kentucky University, competing in NCAA Division I as members of Conference USA. Teams include football, men's & women's basketball, women's soccer, men's & women's golf, baseball and seven other sports. 
• Bowling Green Hot Rods, 300 8th Avenue (Bowling Green Ballpark), ☎ [phone]. The Bowling Green Hot Rods are a Class A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays and playing in the Midwest League. 

Golf Courses

• CrossWinds Golf Course, 1031 Wilkinson Trace, ☎ [phone]. An 18-hole golf course operated by the city of Bowling Green. 
• Paul Walker Golf Course, 1044 Covington Ave, ☎ [phone]. A regulation length 9-hole, par 36 golf course set in the center of town. It is a mature, 5847 yard course with large trees and smaller greens. This course allows golfers of all ages and abilities to experience a relaxing yet challenging round of golf. 
• 🌍 The Golf Course at Riverview, 1200 W. Main Ave, ☎ [phone]. The Golf Course at Riverview is a 3239 yard, 9-hole course located on the northwest side of town. This par 36 course is set on a more rolling terrain with mature trees and undulating greens. 

Learn

• Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 
• Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College, 1845 Loop Dr, toll-free: [phone]. 

Buy

Tattoos

• Carter's Tattoo, 948 US 31-W Bypass, ☎ [phone]. Carter's Tattoo Company is located at 948 US 31-W Bypass in Bowling Green, KY. It is owned and operated by Wes Carter & his wife Cara. For appointments call [phone] or just stop in. 

Shopping centers

• 🌍 Greenwood Mall, 2625 Scottsville Rd (At Cave Mill Rd., I-65 exit), ☎ [phone]. Four department stores including Dillard's, Macy's, JCPenney and Sears 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

• Camping World SuperCenter & National Outlet Center, 725 Bluegrass Farms Rd. Ste 2 (I-65 exit 28), ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone], [phone]. Everything for your RV, plus a full selection of camping and outdoor living accessories. Full service and installation facilities. 
• Harley-Davidson Bowling Green, 251 Cumberland Trace (I-65 exit 22), ☎ [phone]. Accessories, motorcloths, motorcycles, parts, full service dealership. 
• 🌍 Wild Bird and Nature Store, 901 Lehman Ave, ☎ [phone]. 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

• 🌍 440 Main Restaurant & Bar, 440 E. Main Ave, ☎ [phone]. 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. 
• 🌍 Cambridge Market & Cafe, 830 Fairview Ave, ☎ [phone]. Bowling Green's most distinctive delicatessen. Specialties include homemade chicken salad, pimento cheese & desserts. 
• 🌍 Chaney's Dairy Barn, 9191 Nashville Rd, ☎ [phone]. Also visit Chaney's at 830 Fairview Avenue. [phone]. 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. 
• 🌍 Montana Grille, 1740 Scottsville Rd, ☎ [phone]. 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. 
• 🌍 Rafferty's, 1939 Scottsville Rd, ☎ [phone]. Specialties include hickory smoked barbecue ribs and chicken, choice cuts of steak and prime rib, salads and soups, burgers and sandwiches. 
• 🌍 Riley's Bakery, 819 US 31W Bypass, ☎ [phone]. M-F 6:45AM-5:50PM Sat 6:45AM-2:30PM. 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. 
• 🌍 ROAM Sandwich Company, 422 E Main Ave (Located in the alley by the Capitol Theater in downtown Bowling Green), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. M-F 10AM-10PM Sat. 4PM-10PM. A small sandwich shop with a global traveler theme. A basic menu of about 15 different sandwiches along with seasonal and daily specials. The restaurant has a good selection of craft beers on hand. (updated Dec 2017)
• 🌍 Taj Palace Restaurant, 2800 Scottsville Rd, ☎ [phone]. Taj Palace is a place where you will enjoy Indian authentic Food 
• 🌍 Teresa's Restaurant, 509 Gordon Ave, ☎ [phone]. 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

• 🌍 Smokey Pig Bar-B-Que, 2520 Louisville Rd., ☎ [phone]. A great barbecue restaurant overlooking the Barren River. 
• 🌍 Split Tree BBQ, 115 Wilson Rd Alvaton KY 42122 (I-65 exit 22, 4.5 miles south on US 231. On the left corner of Scottsville & Wilson Roads, Alvaton,), ☎ [phone]. 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.

• 🌍 Cliffs of Moher Irish Pub, 410 E Main St. (Located on Fountain Square in downtown), ☎ [phone]. 11AM-2AM. A clean and cozy Irish pub. They usually have live music on the weekends. Though the bar has no food, ROAM Sandwich company will deliver food here as they are located next door. (updated Aug 2018)
• 🌍 Tidball's, 522 Morris Alley, ☎ [phone]. Tidball's is Bowling Green's premier venue for live music. It is located adjacent to historic downtown Bowling Green. 

Coffee

• 🌍 Spencer's Coffee House, 915 College St. (Fountain Square Park), ☎ [phone]. 7AM-3PM. Residing in historic downtown Bowling Green, Spencer's is a local favorite from high school students to professionals. 

Sleep

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget	Under $80
Mid-range	$80-100
Splurge	Over $100

Bed & Breakfasts

• 🌍 1869 Homestead B&B, 212 Mizpah Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Cave Spring Farm, 567 Rocky Hill Rd, Smiths Grove, KY 42171, ☎ [phone]. 
• 🌍 Victorian House B&B, 110 N. Main St. Smiths Grove, KY 42171, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. 

Campgrounds

• Bowling Green KOA, 1960 Three Springs Rd. Bowling Green, KY 42104, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. A private campground featuring 116 campsites which range from primitive to full hookups. Cabins are available for rent. The campground has many amenities and is open year round. 
• Beech Bend Campground, 798 Beech Bend Rd. Bowling Green, KY 42101, ☎ [phone]. 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

• 🌍 Comfort Inn, 4646 Scottsville Rd., ☎ [phone]. 
• 🌍 Country Inn & Suites, 535 Wall St., ☎ [phone]. 
• 🌍 Home-Towne Suites, 1929 Mel Browning St., ☎ [phone]. A hotel chain specializing in longer term occupancy. Rooms feature full kitchens. 
• 🌍 Jameson Inn, 166 Cumberland Trace Rd., ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. This hotel has a huge atrium surrounding the indoor pool. 
• Microtel Inn, 1980 Mel Browning Rd., ☎ [phone]. 
• 🌍 Econo Lodge, 3160 Scottsville Rd., ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 
• 🌍 Quality Inn, 1919 Mel Browning St., ☎ [phone]. 
• 🌍 Ramada Bowling Green, 4767 Scottsville Rd., ☎ [phone]. 
• 🌍 Red Roof Inn, 3140 Scottsville Rd., ☎ [phone]. 

Mid-range

• Baymont Inn and Suites, 1919 Mel Browning Street (Exit 22), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Check-in: 2pm, check-out: 11am. $70-$199. (updated May 2016)
• 🌍 Candlewood Suites, 540 Wall St., ☎ [phone]. 
• Hampton Inn, 233 Three Springs Rd., ☎ [phone]. 
• Holiday Inn Express, 165 Three Springs Rd., ☎ [phone]. 
• 🌍 La Quinta Inn & Suites, 1953 Mel Browning St., ☎ [phone]. 
• Staybridge Suites, 680 Campbell Ln., ☎ [phone]. An extended stay hotel with rooms featuring a full kitchen 
• 🌍 The Hotel Sync, 518 Corvette Dr., ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. An extended stay hotel with rooms featuring a full kitchen 

Splurge

• Courtyard by Marriott, 1010 Wilkinson Trace, ☎ [phone]. A 93-room hotel located next to the convention center. 
• 🌍 Drury Inn, 3250 Scottsville Rd., ☎ [phone]. 
• Hilton Garden Inn, 1020 Wilkinson Trace, ☎ [phone]. This hotel features 133 rooms and is located next to the convention center. 
• 🌍 Holiday Inn University Plaza, 1021 Wilkinson Trace, ☎ [phone]. A 218 room hotel attached to the Sloan Convention Center 
• 🌍 TownPlace Suites, 1818 Cave Mill Rd., ☎ [phone]. An extended stay hotel featuring full kitchens. 

Connect

By phone

Most telephone numbers in Bowling Green consist of +1 270 plus a seven-digit number, but the region is now served by an overlay complex of two area codes, with +1 364 being the second. A local or in-state telephone call now requires all 10 digits of the local number be dialed (omitting just the leading +1 from a local landline call).

Signage on many established businesses may still display the original seven-digit numbers; dial 270 before these if no area code is indicated.

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

Routes through Bowling Green

Louisville ← Cave City ← Jct E ←	N  S	→ Franklin → Nashville
Owensboro ← Morgantown ←	N  S	→ END
Paducah ← Auburn ←	W  E	→ Glasgow → Lexington
Owensboro ← Morgantown ←	N  S	→ Scottsville → Lebanon
Columbus ← Auburn ←	W  E	→ Glasgow → London