African-American Heritage
Civil War Discovery Trail
Bowling Green, KY 42104
270-782-0800 / 800-326-7465
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.
Historic Railpark and Train Museum
401 Kentucky Street (Map & Directions)
Bowling Green, KY 42101
270-745-7317
Long before interstates, people resting in Bowling Green arrived at the L&N Passenger Depot. This 1925 structure has been restored and revived to house a two-story museum where visitors can learn the history of the tracks by asking questions of a "real Railroader" like a Pullman Porter, an L&N Cook and a Conductor through state-of-the art interactive galleries. Housing one of the region's largest model railroad displays inside, outside is where the Historic Railpark displays a 1911 L&N Presidential office car, a 1949 Pullman Standard dining car, a 1953 Luxury Pullman sleeper and a Chessie Class Caboose. Two rare additions are being restored, a 1921 L&N Railroad Post Office Car and a 1953 E8A Diesel Locomotive.
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 1-4pm. Closed Mondays from October through March. *TRAINS AT DUSK- SUMMER 2010* Enjoy special extended hours on Thursdays until 8 pm from June 17 through August 12 this summer.
Kentucky Museum
1906 College Heights Blvd. (Map & Directions)
Bowling Green, KY 42101
270-745-2592
This 80,000 sq. ft. museum's newest exhibit, "A Star in Each Flag: Conflict in Kentucky," explores the strong conflict and opposing views of slavery among South Central Kentucky residents, neighbors, and families. This glimpse of the Civil War offers visitors a chance to walk through a simulated campsite, view a slave cabin, step into a community post office, examine period artifacts including John Hunt Morgan's saddle, flags, weapons and more. Families will enjoy visiting the Victorian photo studio where they can dress in period clothing and have a picture taken. The research library holds the largest collection of Civil War related documents in the South.
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9am-4pm, Sun. 1-4pm (Museum only) Closed on WKU holidays, plus August 24 and August 27, 2010 for staff training.
Lost River Cave and Valley
2818 Nashville Road (Map & Directions)
Bowling Green, KY 42104
270-393-0077 / 866-274-2283
Kentucky's only Underground Boat Tour and the enchanting Butterfly Habitat await you at Lost River Cave and Valley. Daylight disappears from view as you board the boat on the river that Ripley's Believe It or Not claims is the shortest, deepest in the world. A comfortable 57 degrees year round, the boat tour offers a visit into the timeless world of a Kentucky Natural wonder. 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, and Old Mill Gifts.
Hours: Open 7 days 9am-5pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Boat tours subject to weather, please call ahead.
Mama Helen's
149 S. Main (Map & Directions)
Smiths Grove, KY
270-563-2257
Using Mama Helen's family recipes, sisters Len and Betty fix country favorites like fried chicken, pinto beans, cornbread, and sweet potato casserole. You'll have to stand up to make room for desserts like chess pie or yellow cake with caramel icing. Call ahead to place bakery orders.
Hours: Wed.-Sat. 11am-6:30pm; Open some Sundays and Tuesdays, so call ahead!
Mammoth Cave National Park
1 Mammoth Cave Parkway (Map & Directions)
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
270-758-2180 (Information) / 877-444-6777 (Reservations)
With over 365 known miles of cave passageways, Mammoth Cave is the world's longest cave. Besides its spectacular size, Mammoth Cave has an almost surreal beauty. Remarkable stories of human history, 350 million-year-old rocks and its fascinating animals adapted to life in the dark, make Mammoth Cave a place you won't want to miss. Ranger-led activities are offered daily, except Christmas Day. Join rangers for trips in the cave and on the surface, ranging from 1-1/4 hours to 6 1/2 hours. Designed with all visitors in mind, you'll find activities suiting a wide variety of needs and interests including cave trips, nature walks, campfire programs and slide presentations. Most tours are designed for a mixed audience. Some are easy, others are strenuous, several are designed exclusively for children, and one is designed for people seeking a wild cave adventure off the beaten path. All tours begin and end at the Visitor Center. Children under six are admitted free.
Hours: Open year-round except Christmas day.
Riverview at Hobson Grove
1100 W. Main Avenue (Map & Directions)
Bowling Green, KY 42101
270-843-5565
Built by Atwood and Juliet VanMeter Hobson on a hill overlooking the Barren River, Bowling Green's historic landmark has been restored to its original splendor and is listed on the National Register. An official site on the Civil War Discovery Trail, as it was used for storage of Confederate munitions when the Rebel forces held Bowling Green, Riverview is an elegant interpretation of a prosperous Victorian home of the 1860 to 1890 period. Come experience the life of a 19th century family and their servants. Seasonal and holiday tours are offered throughout the year to highlight celebrations of the era. Gift Shop features Victorian items.
Hours: Tue.-Sat. 10am-4pm, Sun. 1-4pm. Last tour of the day begins at 3pm. Closed holidays and during January.
