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Hey everyone. My wife and I are finally looking at making the 7 hour venture in our Corvette down to bowling green for the museum and factory tour. I am excited to start thinking about this! We plan to spend 2 nights in town and a few nights getting there and home.
Thought I would reach out to you all for any tips, thoughts, ideas as far as what to do, how to do it or anything related to a trip there from Michigan. Plan to stay somewhere halfway near indy perhaps. Lots of time to plan, but I know many of you have probably been there and might have some great ideas or stories. I am excited!
You need to make advance reservations for the assembly plant tour. Go to the museum web site to make reservations. While you are in Kentucky, you can visit Mammoth Cave National Park and if you have any interest in trains there is a pretty good museum in Bowling Green. If that doesn't interest you, there is the Bourbon Trail.
You need to make advance reservations for the assembly plant tour. Go to the museum web site to make reservations. While you are in Kentucky, you can visit Mammoth Cave National Park and if you have any interest in trains there is a pretty good museum in Bowling Green. If that doesn't interest you, there is the Bourbon Trail.
Thanks for the response! I saw the cave tour and that will for sure be on the list!
The NCM motorsports park (Driving Experiences | NCM Motorsports Park) is nearby where you can drive your own car or one of theirs (C8, C7, or Camaro) around the track for a few laps. Also, Nashville is about 45 minutes south on I-65. You should visit the country music capital of the world!
My wife and I spent one night in BG in 2016 as part of a longer trip we took. The day was spent at the museum and assembly plant, with no time left for exploring local activities before moving on. We did hit the Maker's Mark distillery on the way to BG from Cincinnati.
I know we stayed at a hotel very, very close to the museum (can't recall the name). From BG we headed south to Nashville for a night, and then on to Birmingham.
So, to recap, I've given you no useful info about what to do in BG; no useful hotel recommendation... - sigh -
BUT - I will say that the museum and assembly plant were great; we haven't been back since, but we should plan another trip there.
Last edited by Catfish4818; Feb 22, 2025 at 09:04 PM.
You need to make advance reservations for the assembly plant tour. Go to the museum web site to make reservations. While you are in Kentucky, you can visit Mammoth Cave National Park and if you have any interest in trains there is a pretty good museum in Bowling Green. If that doesn't interest you, there is the Bourbon Trail.
Check before going
Bowling Green Assembly Plant Tours Suspended February 5, 2024
Due to manufacturing advancements, tours offered by the National Corvette Museum of GM’s Bowling Green Assembly Plant will be suspended beginning Monday, February 5, 2024.
The National Corvette Museum will continue regular operations. https://www.corvettemuseum.org/plant...ant-guidelines
Another vote to check out the NCM Motorsports Park. Even if you don't get to do some laps (which are a blast) you can watch what is going on. I was there one time when the Corvette Racing Team was doing some laps. They are impressive.
The National Corvette Museum has arrangements with some of the local hotels for discounts, when, people come to pick up their Corvette at the Museum. I would check with them.
I went to the Jack Daniel's Distillery and that was a lot of fun. Jimmy Bedford, the Master Distiller, at the time, was there signing bottles. He nominated me to become a Jack Daniel's Tennessee Squire.
At the time, you could buy alcohol at the Jack Daniel's Distillery, even though it is in a dry county.
I do not know if that has changed.
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The museum is a lot of fun and very interesting. If the plant tours are going on, that too is very interesting. I remember when the plant tours were free, but unfortunately that’s not the case anymore and reservations are required.
Good luck with your trip planning - should be a good time.
We have been to Bowling Green a number of times to visit the NCM and do the MSP. We drive from WI and like to stop half way (for us that's around Effingham, IL).
I didn't realize until we were there last year for the Caravan that you can have your own (old) Vette "delivered" there. We are looking forward to that.
There are some motels close to the NCM, but most folks suggest they aren't the best. We usually stay at the Drury Inn which is 5 miles down I-65 from the NCM. Last year, my BIL and I were able to snag an Air BnB for the Corvette Caravan which saved us a lot of money as the motels had jacked up their prices for the event.
If you happen to come down I-75 instead of I-65 through Indy, the AF museum on the east side of Dayton is a must see. Everything there is free, but you’ll need at least a full day to take it all in. The Newport Aquarium just across the river from Cincinnati is very nice, and of course when going through Louisville, spending an afternoon betting on the horses at Churchill Downs is a fun experience. Spending a night around Dayton/Cincy and then Louisville would break up the trip nicely if you have the time.
You all have been amazing! I have added a few things to the itinerary. I am for sure going to drive the track when there. Whisky, yes. Thank you all so much! Lots of time until we go. I am grateful to all of you that have responded and to any more that will.
We have been to Bowling Green a number of times to visit the NCM and do the MSP. We drive from WI and like to stop half way (for us that's around Effingham, IL).
I didn't realize until we were there last year for the Caravan that you can have your own (old) Vette "delivered" there. We are looking forward to that.
There are some motels close to the NCM, but most folks suggest they aren't the best. We usually stay at the Drury Inn which is 5 miles down I-65 from the NCM. Last year, my BIL and I were able to snag an Air BnB for the Corvette Caravan which saved us a lot of money as the motels had jacked up their prices for the event.
Have fun!
@ghlkal
Have you been to Mid America Motor Works in Effingham? They have a nice little store and Corvette museum.
In 2017 we did the Buyers Plant tour where you spend 2 days and watch your car get built. Then 3 weeks later you come back to the NCM to pick up your car and they give you and your family another plant tour. It was fantastic.
However, I understand they no longer offer the Buyers tour but the plant tour is well worth it (if they still are doing it).
We stayed at a nice Hampton Inn at the next exit south of the plant on I-65.
Bowling Green Visit
