Civil War
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.
Duncan Hines Scenic Byway
Bowling Green, KY 42104
270-782-0800 / 800-326-7465
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. This drive takes a look at life in rural Kentucky.
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.
Kentucky Library and 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.
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.
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.
Shaker Museum at South Union
850 Shaker Museum Road (Map & Directions)
South Union, KY 42283
270-542-4167 / 800-811-8379
A short drive west of Bowling Green takes you to the historic site of the South Union Shaker Village. The Shaker society, an innovative, hard-working religious group, was established in 1807 and closed in 1922. The village site is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is filled with original furniture, crafts, textiles and manuscripts. Nearby Shaker Tavern, built in 1869, provides bed and breakfast accommodations.
Hours: Mar.-Nov. Mon.-Sat. 10am-4pm, Sun. 1-5pm; Dec.-Feb. Tues.-Sat. 10am-4pm. Closed New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.
