Green OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Green, Ohio.
1. Carter Historic Farm
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
Carter Historic Farm preserves the agricultural heritage of Wood County with authentic buildings and demonstrations of early 20th century farming techniques. Visitors can explore the restored farmhouse, barns, and other structures while learning about rural life during the Great Depression era. The farm offers hands-on educational programs and seasonal events that showcase traditional farming methods and crafts.
2. BGSU Ice Arena
UNIVERSITY SKATING VENUE
The BGSU Ice Arena is a premier skating facility located on the Bowling Green State University campus. The arena hosts hockey games, figure skating competitions, and offers public skating sessions for community members of all ages. This venue has been a cornerstone of winter recreation in Bowling Green since its opening.
3. Wintergarden Nature Preserve
URBAN WOODLAND RETREAT
Wintergarden Nature Preserve offers visitors a tranquil escape with its network of trails winding through 21 acres of natural woodland. The preserve features diverse ecosystems including meadows, forests, and wetlands that support a variety of plant and wildlife species. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy bird watching, photography, and seasonal wildflower displays along the well-maintained paths.
4. Stroh Center
MODERN UNIVERSITY ARENA
The Stroh Center is Bowling Green State University's state-of-the-art arena and convocation center opened in 2011. The venue hosts BGSU basketball and volleyball games, concerts, commencement ceremonies, and other major university events. Its distinctive architectural design and 4,700-seat capacity make it one of the premier athletic and entertainment facilities in Northwest Ohio.
5. Bowling Green Wind Farm
RENEWABLE ENERGY LANDMARK
The Bowling Green Wind Farm features impressive wind turbines that generate clean, renewable energy for the local community. As one of Ohio's pioneering wind energy projects, the farm demonstrates the city's commitment to sustainable power production. Visitors can view these massive structures from designated observation areas and learn about wind power technology.
6. Wood County Historical Center & Museum
COUNTY HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Wood County Historical Center & Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of Wood County within a former county infirmary dating back to 1869. The museum features numerous exhibits on local history, agriculture, industry, and daily life across different eras. Its extensive grounds include historic outbuildings, gardens, and a walking trail that provides additional historical context for visitors.
7. Simpson Garden Park
BOTANICAL URBAN OASIS
Simpson Garden Park offers a serene botanical experience with numerous themed gardens spread across its expansive grounds. Visitors can stroll through rose gardens, native plant displays, children's discovery spaces, and sensory gardens designed for all ages and abilities. The park serves as both a recreational space and an educational resource about horticulture and environmental stewardship.
8. Black Swamp Arts Festival
CELEBRATED CULTURAL EVENT
The Black Swamp Arts Festival transforms downtown Bowling Green into a vibrant celebration of visual and performing arts each September. This free community event features juried art exhibitions, multiple music stages, hands-on activities, and diverse food vendors attracting thousands of visitors. The festival has grown into one of Ohio's premier arts events since its founding in 1993, showcasing both national and regional artistic talent.
9. Downtown Bowling Green
HISTORIC COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
Downtown Bowling Green features a charming collection of historic buildings housing unique shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. The district serves as the commercial and social heart of the city, hosting numerous community events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the distinctive architecture while experiencing locally-owned businesses that reflect the community's character and heritage.
10. Bowling Green State University
MAJOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Bowling Green State University spans a beautiful 1,338-acre campus founded in 1910 as a teacher training institution. The university has grown into a comprehensive public research university with distinctive architecture, museums, performance venues, and athletic facilities open to visitors. BGSU's cultural contributions to the region include art exhibitions, theatrical performances, concerts, and sporting events throughout the year.
11. Al-Mar Lanes
FAMILY BOWLING ENTERTAINMENT
Al-Mar Lanes provides a classic bowling experience with modern amenities for families and bowling enthusiasts in Bowling Green. The facility offers league play, open bowling sessions, and special event hosting options throughout the year. Beyond bowling, visitors can enjoy the arcade games, billiards, and on-site dining options that make this a complete entertainment destination.
12. Snook's Dream Cars
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM
Snook's Dream Cars showcases an impressive collection of meticulously restored classic automobiles from the early to mid-20th century. The museum is housed in a recreated 1940s era Texaco gas station and dealership, adding period authenticity to the visitor experience. Each vehicle display includes detailed information about its historical significance, restoration process, and unique features that automobile enthusiasts appreciate.
13. Slippery Elm Trail
SCENIC RECREATION PATH
The Slippery Elm Trail extends 13.5 miles from Bowling Green to North Baltimore on a converted railroad corridor. This multi-use paved trail accommodates walkers, runners, cyclists, and in-line skaters through scenic countryside and small communities. The trail's flat terrain and natural surroundings make it accessible for users of all ages and abilities throughout the seasons.
14. Grounds For Thought
BOOKSTORE COFFEE HAVEN
Grounds For Thought combines a vast used bookstore with a cozy coffee shop in the heart of downtown Bowling Green. The establishment houses over 150,000 books across diverse genres alongside an extensive collection of vinyl records, comics, and magazines. Its comfortable atmosphere makes it a favorite gathering spot for students, professors, and community members seeking quality coffee and literary treasures.
15. National Construction Equipment Museum
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The National Construction Equipment Museum houses an extensive collection of historic construction machinery and equipment spanning over a century of industrial innovation. Visitors can view massive steam shovels, bulldozers, cranes, and other equipment that built America's infrastructure throughout the 20th century. The museum preserves and interprets this important aspect of industrial heritage through both indoor exhibits and outdoor displays of restored machinery.