19 Top Things to Do in Bowling Green Ohio to Explore Better

Located in Wood Country, Ohio, Bowling Green is a pleasant and attractive city that is welcomed to give an outstanding experience to every visitor. Bowling Green, Ohio is known for Its remarkable historical landmarks, reputed Bowling Green State University, and its National Tractor Pulling Championship event As well as Black Swamp Art Festival is also notable in cultural events.

Apart from this for outdoor activities you will find many parks and nature preserve especially in the summer time! And you will also find many good restaurants here for food. For things to do in Bowling Green Ohio, you will find plenty of things, in this article, I’ve outlined things to do in wood county Ohio with some additional guidance that will help you explore your trip better.

1. Things to Do in Bowling Green Ohio

1.1 Visit the Wood Country Historical Center and Museum

This is a museum built in 1820 that showcases the Wood Country’s rich local history and culture. And it is a former world country’s poor farm or infirmary that provided accommodation and cares for the elderly, mentally ill, and the poor and became an important place.

Among the features here are its historical buildings such as an infirmary, a log house, and a schoolhouse, here you can see a Pestilence House, an Ice House, Lunatic Asylum and nature trail, an herb garden, and the Pauper Cemetery. In addition, various activities and programs are organized by this museum, so that the visitor can know better about their history.

1.2. Visit the Carter Historic Farm

This farm is a working farm and history cultural heritage center that tells the story of rural people’s life in the 1930s. Here you’ll find pastures, barns and outbuilding, a wetland, an 1890s schoolhouse along with 1900s two-story farmhouse. Inside, you’ll find antique photographs, a vintage kitchen, an antique radio, and other antique artwork.

There are also several animal species, like cows, pigs, horses, goats, and chickens.There is no charge for parking and entrance. The ground is open daily, but buildings are only open (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm).

The farm organizes a Heritage Farm Feast around October every year which you can attend, for more details, you can check the official website.

1.3. Check out the National Tractor Pulling Championship

The Tractor Pulling Championship is a popular annual event, held in August, at Bowling Green that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Participants in this championship use their powerful tractors to pull a weighted sled along a truck.

The main purpose of the competition is to pull the sled along a track the farthest without losing control or speed and compete against each other.

You will witness the power of the tractors, the amazing tricks of the drivers, and the thrilling atmosphere of this event. And there will be a variety of other activities, live music and a carnival. Notice when it is hosted and plan to go.

1.4. Explore the Wood Country Farmers Markets

Another thing to do in Bowling Green, Ohio is to explore the local farmers market. In this market, farmers from here and surrounding areas come and sell their products such as produce, meat, dairy products, baked goods, and handicrafts.

This market is open from March to November of the year (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays), so you are planning a trip during this time, don’t forget to explore! Visit the market, you can shop if you want.

The market also hosts various events and exhibitions such as cooking exhibitions and live music events. This market is a must-see if you want to meet local farmers and have access to some delicious food.

1.5. Attend the Black Swamp Art Festival

The Black Swamp Art Festival is an annual Bowling Green event that takes place every September and carries on a tradition of Bowling Green. Artists shows and sell their work including painting, sculpture, photography, handmade jewelry, and pottery at this festival. so, meet the artists and learn more about their artwork.

Live music is also held at this festival along with art exhibitions. And you will find food vendors serving a variety of food along with beer and wine stalls.

Attend this event if you wish to experience and enjoy various sorts of art and live music. So keep an eye on the official website for more information on when events will be held and schedule your vacation accordingly.

1.6. Explore Slippery Elm Trail from Black Swamp Preserve

1.7. Taste Local Cuisine at Bowling Green’s Restaurants and Cafes

Bowling Green has a variety of local delicacies that you must try. Bowling Green’s restaurants and cafes are ready to let you sample everything from classic American delicacies to diverse global cuisines.

Places to eat in bowling green, Ohio Here some of the popular restaurants are Campus Pollyeyes (it is located a little away from the Bowling Green State University campus where you can order stuffed breadsticks, pizzas and domestic beers, and other alcoholic drinks).

Another is Guajillo’s Cocina Mexicana (this is a Mexican restaurant where some of the popular dishes There are tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and also offers sandwiches, salads, and other classic dishes. It is quite popular in city and its food is very tasty.

And an Irish restaurant you can visit is The Stones Throw Tavern and Grill. This restaurant is a local pub. Food offers a traditional Irish dish called pastie. You can also try authentic Philly cheesesteaks at Mr. Spots’ restaurant. And there are many more restaurants and cafes. So don’t forget to explore the restaurants and cafes in Bowling Green.

1.8. Stroll through Simpson Garden Park and Enjoy its beauty

Spread across 11 acres, this picturesque park is one of the most attractive places in Bowling Green, Ohio which is appreciated by every visitor.

The park consists of a total of 13 different types of gardens including Shade Garden, Peace Garden, Upland Garden, Sculpture Garden, Sensory Garden, and Children’s Discovery Garden, which you can explore alone and with family and appreciate its beauty. Also along the park roads, You can take a walk and take a nap on the park bench when you get tired.

And this park teaches visitors about the importance of plants in human life, and how important it is to protect plants and wildlife to keep the world alive in this environment. The park is open daily( from 6 AM-8 PM) and for all visitors admission is free.

1.9. Visit the Snook’s Dream Cars Museum

Snook’s Dream Cars Museum is a must-see for car lovers, a museum of rare and vintage cars owned by local businessman Bill Snook, a car enthusiast. He began collecting cars and restoring them to their original outlook.

And later converted these collections into a museum and opened them to the public, so that more car enthusiasts could see his collection and enjoy his passion for vintage automobiles. You can visit this museum and explore the collection of rare cars.

From classic American muscle cars over 100 years old to rare European imports, there is a gift shop where you can buy a book and learn about the history of these cars. So if you are a car enthusiast or want to enjoy the beauty of cars in this museum, it will be a good visit destination.

1.10. Explore BGSU Fine Arts Center

This BGSU Fine Arts Center will be a great place for all art and culture buffs, where you will a variety of programs in studio art, art education, and art history. Combining beautiful modern design and stunning craftsmanship this building itself is true work of art.

And here’s a beautiful art gallery you can explore, where these arts have been created by students as well as professional artists. and there is also a theater where various plays and concerts are held.

1.11. Hike at Wintergarden/St. John’s Nature Preserve

If you love hiking and want to experience the beauty of nature, so this Wintergarden/St. John’s Nature Preserve will be good choice to visit. In this reserve, Explore wetlands, prairies, forests, diverse flora and fauna and get a chance to visit the extraordinary beauty of nature.

These treks are easy to moderate and range from about one to three miles in length, the hiking trails are well maintained by the preserve authority. you will see a variety of colorful wildflowers, different species of birds, small mammals, and a variety of plants in this preserve during hiking.

Also there are wetlands, these are the habitat of various plants and animals. This preserve would be an ideal spot for nature photography and outdoor activities. It is open throughout the year. So, want to connect with nature and want to enjoy its beauty, this is an amazing destination.

1.12. Visit Distracted Haunted House

For a Halloween experience visit this Distracted Haunted House Located at Woodland Mall, the house is decorated in such a way that it creates a completely haunted atmosphere which is the perfect place for visitors to have a truly terrifying experience.

The actors here try to scare the visitors by adopting different scary characters like creepy clowns, bloodthirsty vampires, chainsaw-wielding maniacs, and ghosts. The actors act with great skill and will give you fear as well as joy.

This house is designed like a maze so you can get a little bit confused, although these designs are made to have a scary experience the staff is quite helpful and they always think about the safety of the visitor. So it is a must to visit this Distracted Haunted House to experience the terrifying and thrilling environment. If you feel scared alone, two companions can take you along.

1.13. Shopping in bowling green, ohio

For shopping in BG, you will find many interesting specialty shops. You will find clothing, antiques, gifts, handmade crafts, painted furniture shops, jewelry shops many more. You can also check out Shoppes on South Main, Woodland Mall (it is a very popular mall, inside this mall you will notice a lot of brand retailers and specialty shops). And other chain stores like CVS, Petco, Meijer, Walmart, and more.

2. Best Times to Visit Bowling Green Ohio

Visiting Bowling Green depends on you when you want to visit, but summertime is the peak tourist season (generally mid-June to September). During this time the weather is warm and suitable for outdoor activities and also this time you can attend various festivals, fairs, and events here.

3. How Much Times to Spend in Bowling Green Ohio

How long you want to spend at Bowling Green, Ohio depends entirely on your budget and your time. If you want to explore just local attractions, local museums, and parks and learn about its history, you can do a 3 to 4-day tour. And if you like to do any outdoor activities and want to attend festivals or fairs then you have to add some more days to your itinerary. A tour can be done in roughly 7 to 10 days if an ideal time is taken.

4. Where to Stay in Bowling Green Ohio

To take a bed in Bowling Green, You can check in at a budget-friendly hotel or luxury hotel. Some recommendations such as Best Western Falcon Plaza, and Hampton Inn Bowling Green.

6. Is Bowling Green Ohio Safe to Travel?

This is place is generally safe.

7. Is Bowling Green Ohio Worth Visit

Yes, visiting Bowling Green is worth it for you. This place would be perfect and worthwhile to experience rural life, learn about the history of the wood country, attend a popular event National Tractor Pulling Championship, or catch a glimpse of a reputed university like BGSU.

8. Conclusion

In Conclusion, if you are planning to visit then it will be a good decision. You are a solo traveler or want to explore with friends or family, here you will find many things to do in Bowling Green Ohio. Want to know the wood country history, want to explore hiking Trails, or want to see the amazing works of art, you will find everything. So why are you waiting, pack your bags, create your plan, fix your budget, and get ready to explore!