Free Things to Do in Bowling Green

Updated October 2026 · 9 places · Bowling Green

These free year-round options are within Bowling Green city limits and include parks, trails, museums, and public art. Park grounds and outdoor art can be visited without admission; the Kentucky Museum and Aviation Heritage Park Museum are free but have set visiting hours. The descriptions below summarize local coverage and official place information.

Editorial illustration: Free Things to Do in Bowling Green

The list

  1. 1

    Aviation Heritage Park and Museum

    1825 Three Springs Road, Bowling Green, KY 42104

    Aviation Heritage Park is an outdoor park and museum devoted to aviation history in south-central Kentucky. Local coverage describes exhibits about local aviators set among eight military aircraft; the museum has free admission.

    Best for: aviation history

  2. 2

    Kentucky Museum

    1472 Kentucky Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101

    The Kentucky Museum is on Western Kentucky University's campus and is open to the public free of charge. Local coverage describes exhibits spanning Kentucky archaeology, art, music, and culture, including an exhibit about south-central Kentucky musicians.

    Best for: Kentucky history and culture

  3. 3

    Baker Arboretum and Downing Museum

    4801 Morgantown Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101

    Baker Arboretum combines landscaped grounds and walking areas with the Downing Museum. Local coverage notes that the grounds include work by Joe Downing and rotating local artists, along with blooms and conifers to explore through the year.

    Best for: art and outdoor walks

  4. 4

    Fountain Square Park

    445 East Main Street, Bowling Green, KY

    Fountain Square Park is a historic public park in downtown Bowling Green. Local coverage associates it with Fountain Row Fridays and local music, as well as downtown shopping, outdoor dining, and historic architecture.

    Best for: downtown strolls

  5. 5

    Circus Square Park

    621 State Street, Bowling Green, KY

    Circus Square Park is a downtown green space with paths, benches, and open lawn. Local coverage highlights summer concerts featuring local artists and community festivals held at the park.

    Best for: community events

  6. 6

    Roland Bland Park

    401 Center Street, Bowling Green, KY

    Roland Bland Park is a downtown park with a skate park, playground, basketball courts, and greenway access. The city's park information also notes an accessible playground, a gazebo, and a large grassy area.

    Best for: skating and accessible play

  7. 7

    Preston Miller Park

    2303 Tomblinson Way, Bowling Green, KY

    Preston Miller Park is a city park with a one-mile walking and running trail and an 18-hole disc golf course. The city also lists a playground, outdoor fitness area, and lighted walking trails among its facilities.

    Best for: walking and disc golf

  8. 8

    Mitch McConnell Park “Riverwalk”

    426 East Riverview Drive, Bowling Green, KY

    Mitch McConnell Park, also called Riverwalk, is a public park with a walkway along the river. The city describes it as a place for walks and notes benches, public restrooms, and a connection to the BikeWalk BG trail system.

    Best for: riverfront walks

  9. 9

    Chuck Crume Nature Park

    2035 Nashville Road, Bowling Green, KY

    Chuck Crume Nature Park is a small city park with a nature trail and picnic tables. The city's park description presents it as a spot for outdoor exploration, walking, and running.

    Best for: nature walks