Where is Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA?

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 28, 2026 | 14:51 ET

Where is Bowling Green Located? - Bowling Green is a city located in the Hardee County of Kentucky, United States. Bowling Green lies between 39.2507 Degrees North latitudes and 76.5205 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Bowling Green, Kentucky

Where is Bowling Green, Kentucky

Bowling Green Map, Kentucky, USA

Where is Bowling Green?: The Google Map showing the location of Bowling Green in the U.S. state of Kentucky.

Where is Bowling Green Located?

Bowling Green is a city located in the Hardee County of Kentucky, United States. Bowling Green lies between 39.2507 Degrees North latitudes and 76.5205 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Bowling Green city is 72294 people and the city has a total area of 39.44 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.

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Bowling Green, Kentucky Quick Facts

FactDetails
CityBowling Green
CountyWarren County
StateKentucky
State CapitalFrankfort
CountryUnited States
US RegionSouth
Latitude36.9685°N
Longitude86.4808°W
Elevation548 ft (167 m)
Land Area40.68 sq mi
Water Area0.42 sq mi
Total Area41.10 sq mi
Population (Census 2020)72,294
Population DensityApproximately 1,777 per sq mi
ZIP Codes42101, 42102, 42103, 42104
Area Code270, 364
Time Zone StandardCentral Standard Time (CST, UTC-6)
Time Zone DaylightCentral Daylight Time (CDT, UTC-5)
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
FIPS Code21-08902
Congressional DistrictKentucky's 2nd Congressional District

Nearby Cities and Towns to Bowling Green, Kentucky

  • Smiths Grove, Kentucky - 12 mi Northeast
  • Scottsville, Kentucky - 21 mi East
  • Franklin, Kentucky - 23 mi South
  • Glasgow, Kentucky - 33 mi East
  • Russellville, Kentucky - 28 mi Southwest
  • Morgantown, Kentucky - 30 mi Northwest
  • Portland, Tennessee - 34 mi South
  • Lebanon Junction, Kentucky - 48 mi North
  • Nashville, Tennessee - 66 mi South
  • Elizabethtown, Kentucky - 71 mi North

Bowling Green, Kentucky Climate and Weather Overview

MonthAvg High (°F)Avg Low (°F)Avg Precipitation (in)
January45284.4
April68474.9
July89694.3
October71493.3
Annual684850.0
Climate AttributeDetails
Climate ClassificationHumid Subtropical (Köppen Cfa)
Annual PrecipitationApproximately 50.0 inches
Annual Sunshine DaysAbout 209 days
Severe Weather RiskModerate - Thunderstorms, tornadoes, heavy rain and occasional winter ice storms
Annual SnowfallApproximately 7 inches

Driving Distances from Bowling Green, Kentucky

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
Smiths GroveKentucky1215 min
ScottsvilleKentucky2125 min
FranklinKentucky2325 min
RussellvilleKentucky2835 min
MorgantownKentucky3035 min
GlasgowKentucky3340 min
PortlandTennessee3440 min
Lebanon JunctionKentucky4855 min
NashvilleTennessee661 hr 10 min
ElizabethtownKentucky711 hr 15 min

Transportation and Connectivity in Bowling Green, Kentucky

TransportationDetails
Nearest AirportBowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport
IATA CodeBWG
Nearest International AirportNashville International Airport
Major HighwaysInterstate 65, U.S. Route 31W, U.S. Route 68, U.S. Route 231, Kentucky Route 80
Rail ServiceCSX Transportation freight rail service
Local TransitGO bg Transit public bus service
  • Interstate 65 connects Bowling Green with Louisville to the north and Nashville to the south.
  • U.S. Routes 31W, 68 and 231 provide regional access throughout south-central Kentucky and northern Tennessee.
  • Nashville International Airport, about 72 miles south, offers extensive domestic and international flight connections.
  • GO bg Transit operates local bus routes serving neighborhoods, Western Kentucky University, shopping areas and major employment centers.

Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Bowling Green, Kentucky

LandmarkType
National Corvette MuseumAutomobile Museum
GM Corvette Assembly PlantAutomobile Manufacturing Facility
Lost River CaveNature Preserve and Cave
Western Kentucky UniversityPublic University Campus
Historic RailPark and Train MuseumRailroad Museum
Fountain Square ParkHistoric Downtown Park
Beech Bend ParkAmusement Park and Raceway
Basil Griffin ParkCommunity Park
Baker Arboretum and Downing MuseumArboretum and Art Museum
Riverview at Hobson GroveHistoric House Museum

Colleges and Universities in Bowling Green, Kentucky

InstitutionTypeLevelNotable For
Western Kentucky UniversityPublicResearch UniversityBusiness, engineering, journalism, nursing and education
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical CollegePublicCommunity CollegeTechnical education, healthcare and workforce training
Western Kentucky University Health Sciences ComplexPublicGraduate EducationHealth sciences and medical education
Daymar College (Former Campus)PrivateCareer EducationBusiness and healthcare programs
Austin Peay State University - Fort Campbell CenterPublicUniversity ExtensionAdult and continuing education
Campbellsville University - Bowling Green CenterPrivateUniversity ExtensionGraduate and professional programs

Waterbodies in Bowling Green, Kentucky

Barren River, Drake's Creek, Jennings Creek, Lost River, Natcher Lake, Basil Griffin Lake, Smallhouse Lake, Trammel Creek, Gasper River, Barren River Lake.

Golf Courses in Bowling Green, Kentucky

CrossWinds Golf Course, Paul Walker Golf Course, Indian Hills Country Club, Bowling Green Country Club, Riverview at Hobson Grove Golf Practice Area, Kenny Perry's Country Creek Golf Course, Kenny Perry's CrossWinds Golf Course, Scottsville Country Club.

Bowling Green, Kentucky - Key Historical Facts

  • Bowling Green was founded in 1798 and became the seat of Warren County, developing as an important trade center along the Barren River.
  • During the American Civil War, the city briefly served as the capital of the Confederate government of Kentucky before Union forces occupied the area in 1862.
  • The establishment of Western Kentucky University in 1906 helped transform Bowling Green into a major educational center for south-central Kentucky.
  • The opening of the General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant in 1981 strengthened the city's manufacturing economy and established Bowling Green as the home of the Chevrolet Corvette.
  • Tourism expanded with attractions such as the National Corvette Museum, Lost River Cave and Beech Bend Park.
  • Today, Bowling Green is recognized for higher education, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, outdoor recreation and a growing regional economy.

References

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