Things to do in Bowling Green this fall

As the weather gets cooler and the leaves start to change from bright greens to deep reds and oranges, the fall spirit is in the air. Several businesses are starting to offer fall-inspired products and activities for the community. There is no lack of fall activities in Bowling Green, even in the age of COVID-19. 

Each place on this list says they are taking precautions by requiring masks and social distancing so the community can continue fall traditions as Halloween and Thanksgiving approach. So, grab your favorite mask, a few friends, a camera, and enjoy these local fall activities!

Chaney’s Dairy Barn

Chaney’s is known for their homemade ice cream and dairy barn. Year round, they offer self-guided farm tours for $4 a person. Throughout October, they offer a corn maze to get into the fall spirit. Chaney’s has done a different corn maze each year for the past 15 years. This year’s maze is dedicated to all the hard work of essential workers during the pandemic. From an aerial view the maze spells “Thank you to all essential workers.” 

There is also an activity throughout the maze called “The Farm Scene Investigation” where maze-goers can find clues to solve the disappearance of Farmer Joe. This part of the maze is optional, but it adds more to the experience. The maze is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and will be available through Oct. 31. It costs $6 a person and $1 of all admissions goes to Stuff the Bus.

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Jackson’s Orchard

Jackson’s Orchard is a popular spot for fall activities each year. There are a variety of activities throughout the orchard. It offers hayrides for $4 a person, and along the journey there is a corn maze free of charge, an option to pick your own apples for $17 and an option to pick your own pumpkin from the patch ranging from $3 to $8 depending on the pumpkin size. Jackson’s Orchard also offers a playground for ages 4 to 21 for $3 and a petting zoo for $2. The hayride takes cash or card while the playground and petting zoo are cash only. 

The Groovy Gus Donut Bus will be at the orchard each weekend in October along with the usual concession that carries homemade products made from the fruit grown on the orchard. The gift shop also sells homemade food items along with produce and other knickknacks. Jackson’s Orchard is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday and has Fall “Expanded” Weekends throughout the month of October.

Lost River Cave

Lost River Cave is open all year in Bowling Green, but the changing leaves bring on a different vibe during the fall. Lost River has several hiking trails to explore along with cave tours and a gift shop. The cave tours are $19.95 for ages 13 and up, or just $10 for WKU students when you show your student ID. You can book a tour online or walk into the visitor center and pick the next available tour time. The tours last about 45 minutes and are filled with stories about the history of Lost River Cave. 

Additionally, the ninth annual Scarecrow Trail is open from Oct. 2-25. Each year, businesses and other people from the community can build a scarecrow to place along the trails, and the proceeds are used to maintain the trails. The deadline for entries has passed; however, you can still visit the trails and see all of the entries. From Oct. 2-11, patrons are also encouraged to vote for the best scarecrow. The trails are open every day from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Gift Shop and Visitor Center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.