10 Best Short Road Trips from Bowling Green, Kentucky

on

10 Easy Road Trips Near Bowling Green, Kentucky (All Outside Warren County)

Looking for fun day trips from Bowling Green, KY that don’t require a long drive? You’re in the perfect spot. Bowling Green sits in Warren County, but it’s surrounded by small towns, caves, trails, and classic Southern charm in the nearby counties of Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Logan, and Simpson. All of the ideas below are outside Warren County, so you can truly “get away” for a few hours without spending all day in the car. Most of these short road trips are within about 30–60 minutes of Bowling Green, making them perfect for a Saturday adventure, a Sunday drive, or a quick escape when you just need a change of scenery.

1. Scottsville & Barren River Lake – Allen County

If you’re craving water, sunshine, and slow country roads, head south and east toward Scottsville in Allen County and nearby Barren River Lake. You can make this a laid-back lake day or a mix of small-town exploring and outdoor fun.
  • Barren River Lake State Resort Park – Go for a swim, rent a boat, or cast a line off the shore. In summer, the beach area is a great spot for families.
  • Hiking and picnic spots – Easy trails and shaded picnic tables make it simple to spend a few relaxed hours here.
  • Scottsville’s small-town charm – Stroll around the square, pop into local shops, and grab a home-style meal or ice cream.
This area feels just far enough from Bowling Green to feel like a real getaway, but close enough that you can be back home before dark.

2. Glasgow’s Courthouse Square & Local Flavor – Barren County

Head east to Glasgow in Barren County for a classic Kentucky small-town experience. It’s an easy drive and makes a great half-day trip. Around the historic courthouse square, you’ll find:
  • Local boutiques and antique shops – Perfect for browsing and treasure hunting.
  • Locally owned cafes – Grab a burger, barbecue, or a slice of pie and watch the world go by.
  • Seasonal events – From festivals to live music, check what’s happening before you go.
If you like a slower pace and friendly faces, Glasgow is a simple but satisfying escape from Bowling Green’s busier streets.

3. Cave City’s Classic Roadside Fun – Barren County

Just a bit farther northeast in Cave City (Barren County), you’ll find a throwback to old-school road-trip America. It’s a great option if you’re traveling with kids—or if you’re just a kid at heart. Highlights include:
  • Dinosaur World – Life-size dinosaur statues along an outdoor trail. Kids love it, but honestly, adults do too.
  • Mini-golf, go-karts, and quirky attractions – You’ll see lots of classic roadside-style fun right off the highway.
  • Old-school motels and diners – Even if you don’t stay the night, it’s fun to grab a meal and soak in the vintage vibe.
If you grew up taking road trips with your parents, Cave City might bring back some memories.

4. Green River & Small-Town Morgantown – Butler County

For a peaceful river day and small-town exploring, head northwest to Morgantown in Butler County and the nearby Green River. What to do there:
  • Green River access points – Put in a kayak or canoe, or just sit by the water and listen to the river. It’s quiet, calm, and very relaxing.
  • Morgantown’s local spots – Walk around town, grab a snack, and chat with locals. It’s a friendly little place.
  • Country drives – The roads around Butler County are scenic, with farms, fields, and long views. Sometimes the drive itself is the best part.
If you need a break from traffic and screens, this is a great way to reset.

5. Nolin River Lake & Outdoor Adventures – Edmonson County

Just northwest of Bowling Green, Edmonson County offers quiet hills, hardwood forests, and Nolin River Lake. Here’s how to spend a day:
  • Fishing and boating – The calm water is great for fishing, paddling, or just cruising around in a rental boat.
  • Swimming coves and picnic spots – Pack a cooler and make a day of it on the shore.
  • Scenic overlooks – Some spots give you big, wide views of the lake and tree-covered hills.
The pace is slow out here, in the best way. It’s ideal when you want to be near water without big crowds.

6. Country Roads & Backwoods Exploring – Edmonson & Butler Counties

Sometimes you don’t need a big attraction. You just need a tank of gas and a few good backroads. Between Edmonson and Butler Counties, you’ll find plenty of those. Consider this simple plan:
  • Pick a direction—north toward Brownsville (Edmonson) or west toward smaller communities in Butler County.
  • Turn off the main highways and explore side roads with hills, farms, and old barns.
  • Stop whenever you see a pretty view, a country store, or a roadside stand selling fresh produce.
It’s the kind of casual drive where you roll down the windows, turn up the music, and just see where the day takes you.

7. Historic Russellville – Logan County

To the west of Bowling Green, Russellville in Logan County offers a mix of history and small-town life. Things to check out:
  • Historic downtown – Old brick buildings, a courthouse square, and a walkable main area.
  • Local dining – Try a meat-and-three lunch, barbecue spot, or a small café.
  • Historic markers and homes – If you enjoy Civil War or early Kentucky history, you’ll find plenty of stories here.
If you like learning about the past while still having a relaxed day, Russellville is a solid choice.

8. Logan County Countryside & Amish/Plain Community Stops

Beyond Russellville, Logan County is full of rolling farmland and, in some areas, Amish or plain communities, where you may spot buggies on the road and see hand-painted signs for baked goods or produce. A simple way to spend a few hours:
  • Take the backroads between small communities and watch for roadside stands.
  • Pick up fresh bread, jams, or seasonal fruits and vegetables when available.
  • Be respectful—drive slowly around buggies and remember that some folks prefer not to be photographed.
It’s a quiet, peaceful kind of road trip, but it sticks with you—especially when you bite into that still-warm loaf of homemade bread later.

9. Franklin’s Downtown & Antique Hunting – Simpson County

Head south from Bowling Green and you’ll reach Franklin in Simpson County, right near the Tennessee state line. It’s one of the easiest short road trips from Bowling Green and a favorite for a relaxed afternoon. Here’s what makes it fun:
  • Charming downtown – A classic courthouse square, walkable streets, and a mix of shops.
  • Antique and vintage stores – Hunt for furniture, records, and one-of-a-kind finds.
  • Local restaurants – From diners to more modern spots, there’s usually something tasty on the menu.
If you enjoy browsing and people-watching with a coffee in hand, Franklin is a great match.

10. Simpson County Backroads & a Quick Tennessee Detour

While you’re in Simpson County, don’t just stop in town. Take some time to wander the surrounding countryside, and if you feel like stretching the trip, dip over the state line into northern Tennessee. Ideas for this mini adventure:
  • Drive the rural roads around Franklin and Simpson County—farm fields, old churches, and long fences make for great photos.
  • Cross briefly into Tennessee for bragging rights: “We went to another state today,” even if it’s just for an hour.
  • Stop at a local market or gas station for snacks and chat with folks—it’s part of the fun.
It’s a simple, low-stress way to turn an ordinary day into a mini road trip.

Tips for Enjoying These Short Road Trips from Bowling Green

To make the most of your day trips near Bowling Green, KY, keep a few simple tips in mind:
  • Check hours before you go – Small-town shops and attractions sometimes close early or aren’t open every day.
  • Bring cash – Some country stores, farm stands, or small attractions may not take cards.
  • Pack a small “road trip bag” – Water, snacks, a light jacket, sunscreen, and maybe a picnic blanket.
  • Fuel up first – Gas stations can be spread out once you’re deep in the backroads.
A little planning makes these quick getaways smooth and stress-free.

What’s Your Favorite Road Trip Near Bowling Green?

Now it’s your turn. Have you done any of these short road trips from Bowling Green? Maybe you’ve found a hidden café in Allen County, a perfect fishing spot in Butler County, or a little shop in Simpson County that you love.
  • Which nearby town is your favorite to visit?
  • Did I miss a must-see spot in Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Logan, or Simpson County?
I’d love to hear your ideas and stories. Drop a comment below and share your go-to day trip, your best food finds, or your favorite lake or river spot. And if you know someone in the Bowling Green area who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here,” share this post with them—you might just inspire their next weekend adventure.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment