Corvettes, Caves & Charm — 3 Days in Bowling Green

Bowling Green is home to Corvettes, a cave boat tour and undeniable charm! Delve deep into the city's culture on a tour that's all about speed, sweets, and spelunking... with a splash of history!

*Planner Tip: Each attraction name beside the stops below are linked straight to the Group Tour page of its website, where applicable.

We like to take groups from 0 to 60 right off the rip, so begin your Bowling Green itinerary with what we like to call "The Corvette Trifecta," all conveniently located right off I-65, exit #28.
 

Stop 1 — National Corvette Museum

Reserve a guided tour or let the group explore on their own 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.

Stop 2 — GM Assembly Plant

If public tours are available (by reservation) during your visit, guests won't be disappointed by this behind-the-scenes chance to see where every Corvette in America is made. This 90-minute guided tour gets your group up close and personal with the world-famous sports car. 

Stop 3 — NCM Motorsports Park

All this knowledge about Corvettes has surely created a need for speed, so head over to the NCM Motorsports Park and get a few lucky participants behind the wheel for a Corvette Touring Lap, or in the passenger seat with a MSP professional for a Hot Lap. The rest of the crew can get in on the high-speed action at the seasonal Kartplex, compete for bragging rights in the 'mirrorkhana' challenge,  or simply take it all in from the control tower.

Evening

Wrap up day one with dinner at Montana Grille, a cozy yet elegant log structure. Group dining space is available, just don't let everyone get too full on the famous Firebread, a jalapeño cornbread served in a hot iron skillet. Following dinner, head across the street to The Mint Gaming Hall for an evening of casino-style action with nearly 500 gaming machines.

*Time: Plan for a full day if Plant tour reservations can be secured and the seasonal Kartplex is open, but a half-day is enough for just the National Corvette Museum tour and a few Hot Laps or friendly karting competition. Alternate activities include antiquing in Smiths Grove, a craft distillery tour in nearby Franklin, or a tasting at one of the area's three small-farm wineries.

Stretch out the legs, lace up the shoes and elevate the heart rate as the group descends underground today for a cave tour or two (or three!) The region's karst topography is responsible for the cool caverns below that have been explored and appreciated for more than 200 years.
 

Stop 1 — Mammoth Cave National Park

If there's only time for one cave tour today, start off by taking the group a short distance north to the world's longest-known cave system! Visitors of all ages are amazed by this UNESCO World Heritage Site right here in southern KY. A variety of cave tours can be booked up to 6 months in advance, but schedules are often not finalized until 3 months prior.

Grab boxed lunches from Corner Bakery Cafe if you are doing both cave tours and need to eat en route, or wait to have lunch at Stop 3.

Stop 2 — Lost River Cave

Explore the above ground beauty of more than 60 wooded acres before embarking on a truly memorable cave tour, right in the middle of the city of Bowling Green! This non-profit nature center is a beloved attraction with wildlife viewing areas, blue hole trails, a natural spring and a great gift shop, so plan for at least two hours to enjoy it all.

Stop 3 — Chaney's Dairy Barn

After a morning of spelunking comes cute cows and creamy cones at this 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. 

Evening

Wind down the day with dinner at Anna's Greek Restaurant, where the whole group can be seated upstairs overlooking the main floor of this beautifully restored church. If Anna herself gets a free minute away from the kitchen, she'll even come say hello! Let the group recharge tonight with a quiet night back at the hotel.

*Time: Plan for a full morning including travel time if Mammoth Cave tours are secured followed by an early afternoon boat tour at Lost River Cave then on to Chaney's by mid-afternoon. If just doing Lost River Cave, consider making Chaney's your mid-morning and lunch stop followed by a craft distillery tour in nearby Franklin.

Downshift for day three as you explore the history of Bowling Green at museums and around the downtown square before admiring stunning works of art and nature combined in one beautiful setting.
 

Stop 1 — Historic RailPark & Train Museum

This 1925 L&N Depot built from limestone mined right here in Warren County has been lovingly restored to house a two-story museum that tells the tales of the tracks. Your group will even climb aboard the vintage railcars outside for a guided tour full of educational and entertaining stories.

Head to Fountain Square Park next for some local shopping around the square and lunch on-your-own at Spencer's Coffee, Danny's Pasta Co. or Gerard's 1907 Tavern, or if you prefer, reserve the second floor at Gerard's for a group meal.

Stop 2 — Riverview at Hobson Grove

Travel a short distance to the next stop that is included on the Kentucky Civil War Heritage Trail and listed on the National Register. Your group will enjoy an elegant interpretation of a Victorian family's traditions while you tour BG's only historic house museum.

Stop 3 — Downing Museum at Baker Arboretum

Wrap up your day of heritage tourism at this hidden jewel of an attraction offering breathtaking views of Bowling Green combined with world-renowned artwork. You'll learn about Horse Cave, Ky. native Joe Downing, who at one time was just one of three American artists to exhibit at The Louvre, before exploring the flora and fauna of the surrounding arboretum.

Evening

To conclude your visit to BGKY, end on a high note with a live performance at the Southern KY Performing Arts Center or catch a Minor League Baseball game with the BG Hot Rods (April-August) where the group can reserve a suite complete with catering packages. Finish up with a few craft beers at nearby White Squirrel Brewery, offering food trucks and live entertainment most weekends, and your group will be saying "Cheers to Bowling Green" before heading home tomorrow.