Things to do in Bowling Green
Art Galleries
Outstanding art presentations, created by area artists and nationally known talent, are exhibited free to the public at BGSU's Fine Arts and McFall Center Galleries. The Fine Arts Gallery is in the Fine Arts Building, which recently opened a major addition housing new galleries. McFall Gallery is located in McFall Center in the heart of the campus.
BGSU Planetarium
The Planetarium invites you to take a cosmic journey and learn more about our mystifying universe through a state-of-the-art multi-media projection system. Public shows are offered several evenings per week September through April.
BGSU Student Recreation Center
This center is a total fitness facility designed for University students and faculty members. It has two indoor pools, racquetball courts, volleyball and basketball areas, indoor and outdoor jogging tracks, men's and women's weight equipment, indoor archery, and much more. The Rec Center, constructed in the shape of a facon (BGSU's mascot), is open for public tours during operating hours.
Boom Town
Because of the oil boom in Bowling Green, exquisitely designed homes were built near the downtown business district, reflecting the prosperity of that time. Today many of these homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stylistically, the district is an excellent representation of late 19th and 20th century architecture. Included are examples of the Italianate, Queen Anne, Eastlake, and Colonial/Georgian Revival styles. Stained glass windows, wrap-around verandas, turned posts and spindles, decorative wood shingles all illustrate the expressive details and craftsmanship that went into building a home during this period.
300 West Wooster Street, Bowling Green, OH
Bowling Green Parks
Relax in the shady, serene atmosphere of Bowling Green's seven recreational parks with over 200 acres. The Parks offer athletic fields, playgrounds, shelter houses, and picnic areas. Available at City Park are an aquatics complex and tennis courts. Other parks are located on Wintergarden and Haskins Roads.
Bowling Green State University
Beginning as Bowling Green Normal college in 1914, the University has developed into a major college campus of more than 100 buildings spread over 1,300 acres and providing a diversity of programs to approximately 18,000 students. Many of the original buildings that served as the heart of campus, still remain with many modern facilities added more recently. The University offers a great variety of activities open to the public, including theatre productions, concerts, sporting events, planetarium shows, and lectures.
Clough Street Windmill
Between North College Drive & Troup Avenue Nestled among shade trees on the edge of a spring-fed quarry is Bowling Green's most unique landmark. This 45-foot cobblestone and red-shingled windmill was built by a Dutch craftsman in 1939 to hide an unsightly smokestack and furnace, which heated Dutch-styled houses across the street. Today this non-working structure is rented as apartments
Downtown Bowling Green
Stroll through the historic downtown shopping area highlighted by storefronts dating back to the 1800's. Diverse retail businesses sell craft supplies, unique gift items, sweets, sporting goods, art, clothing, and much more. Everything is available within an easy walk of four or five blocks. Take a shopping break at one of Bowling Green's restaurants or deli shops. Convenient parking is located in front and back of many stores.
Ice Arena
Ice skate or curl during any season at the University's indoor arena. Public skating is held several afternoons and evenings each week with skate rental available. The Ice Arena is also the site of home games for BGSU's nationally known hockey team.
Mercer Road, Bowling Green, OH
Libraries
The Wood County Public Library has a wealth of information available in books, magazines, microfilm, and video and audiocassettes. It also houses an excellent local history department. The Jerome Library at BGSU is stocked with an enormous collection of books, periodicals, and microfilms.
251 North Main Street, Bowling Green, OH
Music & Theater
BGSU's Kobacker and Bryan Recital Halls at the Moore Musical Arts Center host an ambitious schedule of performers from across the country and the talented University community. Various styles of music and dance are presented throughout the year with many concerts free to the public. University theater productions at Eva Marie Saint Theater feature a roster of outstanding performers at their best. During the summer, the University combines with the community to perform entertaining musicals
Wood County Courthouse
The county courthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a majestic symbol of Wood County's judicial system since the late 1890's. The Richardson Romanesque style features stone sculpturing, stained glass, and a functioning clock tower. Inside, picturesque murals highlight the courthouse walls.
East Court & North Prospect Streets, Bowling Green, OH
Wood County Historical Museum
Discover Wood County's fascinating history from the 19th and early 20th centuries through authentically displayed "Theme Rooms". Erected in 1868, the museum building first served as the County Infirmary -- a home for the poor, sick, and orphaned. Today, visitors can enjoy picnic areas, shelter houses, and nature trails. The 54-acre site is in the process of being developed as an historical center with restoration of outbuildings planned along with some commercial enterprises. Museum tours are available April through October.
13660 County Home Road, Bowling Green, OH
Woodland Mall
Visit our mall and shop at the quality selection of department stores --JC Penney and Elder-Beerman--along with many name-brand specialty shops. Relax in sunlit Cafe Court with a meal or a snack from surrounding eateries. Enjoy a movie at one of five indoor cinemas.
1234 Main Street, Bowling Green, OH