Self-guided auto tours offer you the opportunity to explore the layers of Warren County's development through its 200 years:

Railroad Towns

Many of the small towns in the County were established during the railroad booms of the 1850s and 1870s. A visit to these sites offers a direct glimpse into the economic and cultural developments that serve as the foundation for all that Warren County has to offer today.

Established in 1859, the charming rural character of Oakland (#1 Warren County Map) remains intact. Laid out in the classic railroad town plan, with a modest square adjacent to the tracks, the town boasts an array of late 1800s commercial and domestic buildings alongside. At one time a center for strawberry production and railroad shipping, Oakland has retained its tiny downtown, a delightful variety of Victorian-era residences, and a turn-of-the-century seed mill alongside the railroad tracks.

Located in the midst of some of the richest agricultural land in Warren County, Smiths Grove (#2 Warren County Map), the second-largest city in the County, possesses an intact historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Commercial, residential and religious structures of abundant variety offer the visitor a fascinating glimpse into a past way of life. The downtown area has been transformed into an antique district sure to please collectors and connoisseurs.

Initially settled in 1848, Woodburn (#3 Warren County Map) served as another important shipping point for agricultural products. The town also was the scene of two of the more spectacular local clashes between Union and Confederate troops as they contended for control of the vital L & N Railroad and confederate guerillas burned the depot itself in 1864. Woodburn is situated in one of the most scenic areas of the County.

In Bowling Green, the L & N Railroad Depot (#4 Bowling Green Map), constructed between 1923 and 1925, is a striking example of Classical Revival design. Closed since the late 1960s, the Depot is currently undergoing an extensive renovation and restoration so that it may contribute to the cultural life of the community once more.

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Historic Districts

Seven historic districts in Bowling Green and Warren County are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and represent commercial, religious, government, and residential architecture from a wide range of time periods. Walking tour brochures that discuss in detail the architectural significance of these areas are available at visitor information centers. For further information, please contact the Landmark Association of Bowling Green and Warren County at 502-782-0037 or the Tourist Commission at 502-782-0800 or 800-326-7465.

Fountain Square Park serves as the heart of Bowling Green's Downtown (#6 Bowling Green Map). In use since the early 1800s, this commercial and financial core survived the Civil War relatively intact and offers structures built between 1837 and 1940, representing a range of architectural styles. Adjacent to the historic downtown area, Upper East Main Street (#9 Bowling Green Map) was one of the earliest residential developments in Bowling Green. An eclectic array of architectural styles, including Italianate, Romanesque Revival, Queen Anne, Craftsman, and Georgian Revival can be seen in the space of only a few blocks.

Architect Brinton B. Davis's neo-classical designs from the heart of Western Kentucky University (#10 Bowling Green Map). The eleven buildings, designed from 1910 to 1937, are listed on the National Register, and are excellent examples of Georgian, Italianate, and Greek Revival architecture. Adjoining the university, the College Hill (#5 Bowling Green Map) district includes a diverse assortment of Victorian and bungalow residences dating from the mid-1800s into the 1920s. Another area of striking residential designs can be found around Magnolia Street (#7 Bowling Green Map), which includes appealing examples of the 1920s Bungalow style.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church (#8 Bowling Green Map), originally founded to serve the needs of a large Irish Catholic community, is at the center of this historic neighborhood. The Gothic-style structure has elements of Romanesque and Italianate details, and was constructed between 1870 and 1884.

The mid-to-late-nineteenth century historic district in Downtown Smiths Grove (#11 Warren County Map) consists of commercial, residential, and religious architecture. Its local Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian Churches offer examples of some of the most outstanding high-style religious structures in the County.

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The Great Outdoors

Recreational opportunities abound in Bowling Green and Warren County. Basil Griffin Park (#12 Bowling Green Map) includes fields for soccer, softball, and baseball tournaments, picnic areas, an outdoor concert area, and a beautiful little lake complete with ducks and geese. At the Bowling Green KOA and Paylake (#13 Bowling Green Map), camping and fishing thrive. Full RV hookups, cabins, pool, pay lake stocked with catfish, store, phone, laundromat, shower facilities, and playgrounds are among the amenities offered. Leashed pets are welcome. (502) 843-1919.

The shortest, deepest river in world flows through the Lost River Cave Valley (#15 Bowling Green Map). Evidence of human activity at the cave dates back 10,000 years, and includes Native American campsites, Civil War. encampments, brandy and whiskey distilleries, and an underground night club. A nature trail has over fifty species of trees and plants native to Kentucky. The tour season is limited, so before going, call (502) 793-1023 or 782-0800.

Nestled in a secluded valley in the northern reaches of Warren County, the state-maintained Shanty Hollow Lake (#16 Warren County Map) provides fishing and picnicking activities (no restroom facilities are available). A small boat ramp is also nearby. The beautiful scenic route to Shanty Hollow Lake allows visitors to observe the continuing importance of agriculture to the County economy. Be on the lookout for the many small businesses that provide locally produced services, crafts, and products representative of the Southcentral Kentucky area.

Contact the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Office at 502-843-3249 or the Warren County Parks and Recreation Office at 502-842-5302 for information regarding amenities such as municipal golf courses, driving ranges, volleyball pits, and walking trails that are available. for other recreational opportunities, please contact the Tourist Commission at 502-782-0800 or 800-326-7465.

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Local History and Arts

At the Barren River Imaginative Museum of Science (#17 Bowling Green Map), hands-on exhibits teach visitors about electricity generation, parabolic mirrors, kaleidoscopes, and mini-tornados, among other scientific phenomena. (Open Thursday through Sunday.) (502) 843-9779. The Kentucky Museum and Library (#19 Bowling Green Map) houses a diverse collection of exhibits concerning state history and heritage. Also available are collections of published works, manuscripts, and folklife materials. The Library has a substantial collection of genealogy-related materials available to the public. (The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, and the Library is open Monday through Saturday.) (502) 745-2592. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Riverview at Hobson Grove (#21 Bowling Green Map), a Victorian-era house museum, features paintings, antiques, and outstanding architecture in its discussion of late 19th century domestic life. (Open Tuesday through Sunday.) (502) 843-5565.

Located alongside the historic Fountain Square Park, the Capitol Arts Center (#18 Bowling Green Map) is a restored 1938 Art Deco theatre featuring live theater, dance, and music concerts by performers both from across the country and local venues, as well as films, and an art gallery. (502) 782-ARTS. The Public Theater of Kentucky is housed in the 160-seat Phoenix Theater (#20 Bowling Green Map). The professional theatrical company brings an annual season of live performances with a variety of genres including suspense, romantic comedy, musical, and drama.

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America's favorite pastime: Cars, cars, cars

General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant (#22 Bowling Green Map), the only assembly site in the world for the Corvette sports car, is located in Bowling Green. Visitors can get a behind the scenes look at the step-by-step production process of this cutting-edge assembly plant. Group tours are available. (502) 745-8419. Located nearby the Assembly Plant, the National Corvette Museum (#23 Bowling Green Map) offers the visitor an excellent opportunity to trace the development of Corvettes since the 1950s and into the future. Video technology and virtual reality combine in state-of-the art displays that showcase the premier American sports car. A centerpiece of the Museum's activities is the annual summertime Corvette Homecoming. (502) 781-7973. Meanwhile, stock car, street car, and drag racing provide auto enthusiasts with ample opportunity to enjoy the thrill of high-speed competitions at Beech Bend Raceway Park (#24 Bowling Green Map). The Park also hosts the annual Buick Grand National show and participates in the Corvette Homecoming every summer. (502) 781-7634 or (502) 781-7634 or (502) 782-1138.

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Crossing the Barren

The completely restored Old Richardsville Road Bridge (#25 Bowling Green Map) is an excellent example of early 1900s Bowstring Arch metal-truss construction, and is the only intact example of this type of bridge that remains in the County. Though located only a few miles from downtown Bowling Green, the one-lane bridge retains its rural character, and offers a view of Barren River that is simply breathtaking.

The College Street Bridge (#26 Bowling Green Map), constructed in 1915, is a lovely example of a triple-span metal truss bridge. A bridge at this location has connected Bowling Green to the northern portion of Warren County since 1819, and the present stone pylon was originally built for an 1838 bridge. The bridge has been completely restored and transformed into a walking bridge for visitors to enjoy the view of Barren River. In an interesting juxtaposition of past and present, visitors also can see from this vantage point three other bridges built over the course of the twentieth century that provide access to the City.

The State Street Bridge (#27 Bowling Green Map) was 1930s New Deal construction project built of reinforced concrete. Still in use today, this bridge exemplifies the impact of national recovery programs on rural areas such as Warren County. Completed in the 1980s, the modern Louisville Road Bridge (#28 Bowling Green Map) represents the latest era of development in the City and County. The L & N Railroad Bridge (#29 Bowling Green Map) is a single span Camel-back metal truss structure. The current structure has been used continuously since its construction in the early twentieth century, and demonstrates the significance of railroads to the County's heritage and success. It is still the only railroad access into Bowling Green from the north across the river.

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Genealogy Matters

Established in 1817, Pioneer Cemetery (#30 Bowling Green Map), Bowling Green's first public cemetery, was used until the 1860s. Many of the City's earliest settlers were buried here. Still in use today, Fairview Cemetery (#31 Bowling Green Map) has gravestones dating from the 1850s, and includes a significant number of Civil War.-era grave sites. Also still in use, the classic pastoral setting of the Smiths Grove Cemetery (#32 Warren County Map) has gravestones dating from the 1850s, and a diverse array of Victorian-era stones. The Kentucky Library (#19 Bowling Green Map) houses a substantial collection of genealogical-related materials, including census records, wills, deed books, marriage licenses, family-name files, and birth records.

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BACK COVER
Credits: Architecture of Warren County, Kentucky; Bowling Green-Warren County Tourist and Convention Commission; Warren County Comprehensive Plan -- Preservation Analysis and History of Warren County; Planning & Zoning Commission.