Bowling Green Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Bowling Green with our comprehensive tour guide, including a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, nearby destinations and more!


Introduction to Bowling Green

Bowling Green is a small, charming city located in Northeast Missouri, in the Midwest region of the United States of America. It is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities and enjoy a slower pace of life.

List of Places to Visit in Bowling Green

There are many places to visit in Bowling Green, and we have curated a list of some of the top attractions.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Pike County Historical Museum
  • Champ Clark House
  • Battlegrounds State Historic Site

Natural Attractions of Bowling Green: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mark Twain Lake
  • Clarksville Lock and Dam #24
  • Pike County Lake

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bowling Green

Bowling Green is known for its beautiful outdoor spaces, and there are several great hiking and biking trails in the area to explore.

  • Cuivre River State Park Trails
  • Clarksville Riverfront Trails
  • Mark Twain State Park Trails

Best Things to Do in Bowling Green: Activities and Tours

  • Canoeing and kayaking on the Mississippi River
  • Fishing on Mark Twain Lake
  • Vineyard tours and wine tastings at Cave Hollow West Winery

Week-Long Itinerary for Bowling Green

If you are planning to visit Bowling Green for a week, we recommend the following itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Pike County Historical Museum, Bowling Green Lake, and Clarksville Lock and Dam #24
Day 2 Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal
Day 3 Canoeing or kayaking on the Mississippi River
Day 4 Hiking in Cuivre River State Park
Day 5 Wine tasting at Cave Hollow West Winery
Day 6 Fishing on Mark Twain Lake
Day 7 Shopping for souvenirs at local stores

Food and Drink Scene of Bowling Green

When it comes to food and drink, Bowling Green has something to offer for everyone’s taste buds.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried catfish at Dos Primos
  • BBQ ribs at Log Cabin Grill and Market
  • Biscuits and gravy at The Front Porch Cafe

Local Beverages

  • Wines of Cave Hollow West Winery
  • Specialty cocktails at Kim’s Caboose

Where to Stay in Bowling Green: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The SureStay Hotel by Best Western
  • The Maple Street Inn
  • The Pine Cone Inn

What to Buy in Bowling Green: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Locally-made pottery at Mixed Media
  • Hand-crafted ornaments at Hummingbird Stained Glass
  • Specialty chocolate at The Sweet Boutique

Local Culture and Customs of Bowling Green

Bowling Green is a friendly and laid-back town, so it’s important to respect the local culture and customs. We recommend being respectful of others, litter prevention, and following the posted rules and regulations.

Best Time to Visit Bowling Green

The best time to visit Bowling Green is from May to September when temperatures are warm and outdoor activities are available. However, if you’re interested in seeing fall foliage, October is a great time to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bowling Green

Do:

  • Be respectful of locals and their customs
  • Explore the local museums and parks
  • Take a river tour or wine tasting

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment
  • Ignore posted signs and warnings
  • Hesitate to ask for local recommendations

Safety and Health

Safety in Bowling Green

Bowling Green is a very safe city, but it’s still important to take some precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, lock your car and hotel rooms, and be aware of your surroundings.

Health in Bowling Green

There are no specific health risks in Bowling Green, but it’s important to stay hydrated during the hot summer months and protect yourself from the sun.

Getting to Bowling Green: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bowling Green

  • Lambert-St. Louis International Airport
  • Kansas City International Airport

Bus Stations Near Bowling Green

  • Greyhound Bus Station in Hannibal
  • Burlington Junction Amtrak Station

Other Options

  • Renting a car or bringing your own vehicle is a great way to explore the area at your own pace.

How to Get Around in Bowling Green

The best way to get around Bowling Green is by car or bike. There is also a local taxi service available.

Where to Go Next from Bowling Green: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Hannibal, Missouri
  • Quincy, Illinois
  • St. Louis, Missouri

Conclusion

Bowling Green is an excellent destination for those looking for a slow-paced environment with plenty of outdoor recreation, local culture, and delicious food and drink. With our comprehensive tour guide, we hope you have all the information you need to plan the perfect trip to Bowling Green.