Need fun, outdoorsy ways to stay active around campus but aren’t sure where to start? The Talisman’s got you covered. As the school year kicks into gear, here’s a list of four activities that will keep you active while you settle into your classes.
Volunteering with the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society
One way to stay active as summer winds down is by spending time outside – especially with a furry friend to accompany you. The Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society features a volunteer program where anyone over 18 can walk a dog, play with a cat and help out around the humane society. According to its website, “It’s all about new beginnings and making new friends.”
To get involved, fill out an application here or call the location at 270-783-9404. Come prepared to get your hands dirty!
Location: 1924 Louisville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Price: Free
Training for a 5K with BG Running Club
Need an intensive project? Training to run a 5K can be a great way to get active with a long-term goal in mind, all while supporting a good cause. The Bowling Green Running Club meets every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday to run, train and engage in the community. Its training culminates in multiple “Grand Prix” races, many of which are charity-based and donate to greater causes.
According to its website, “Members of the BGRC use [Grand Prix] to win prizes at the end of the year.” To receive a prize, members must compete in at least six Grand Prix races, participate in a cleanup of their adopted section on 31W Bypass, and volunteer at one race.
The Bowling Green Running Club’s next race will take place on Sept. 2, for the Run For Sight 5K presented by GGC Eyes and Clinic Optical.
Location: Multiple locations on the website calendar.
Price: Free
Ax-throwing at Rage ‘n Axe
With finals just around the corner, rage might be creeping up slowly over students’ shoulders. Rage ‘n Axe, a rage room and ax-throwing venue in Bowling Green, might pose a solution as an intensive workout that doubles as therapeutic. According to Dueling Axes, ax throwing utilizes multiple muscle groups, including your core, laterals, shoulders and arm muscles.
Rage ‘n Axe offers ax throwing for one to two hours and access to its rage rooms for 15 to 30 minutes. According to its website, customers wanting to take part in the rage room can destroy items like “glasses, plates, mugs, and flatscreen TVs with baseball bats, sledgehammers, and other tools.”
Visitors can book a session here.
Location: 327 Greenwood Lane, Bowling Green, KY 42104
Prices: One hour starting at $24, one and a half hours starting at $34, and two hours starting at $44.
Walk a nature trail at Lost River Cave
Lost River Cave in Bowling Green offers a scenic way to stay active. The cave, known for its underground boat tours, also features three walking trails close to campus and free of charge.
First, the Blue Hole Trail is a leisurely hike that has “… enchanting blue holes, limestone bluffs, and a natural spring,” according to the website. Here, hikers can also find powder houses that stored dynamite during the Civil War.
A few steps forward, hikers will find the Meadow Restoration. According to the website, its restoration began in 2019, removing invasive native plants with help from volunteers to pave the way for native meadow plants. The site continues, “Rejuvenating this natural habitat continues to be an important project to support both native plants and native wildlife that need them to thrive.”
The paved Prairie Restoration Site is the final stop at Lost River Cave, located above the valley and, as the website continues, is “perfect for walkers, runners, and strollers.” The final trail features native wildflowers and is pet-friendly as well, promising “a breath of fresh air.”
Location: 2818 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Price: Free