There’s a magic to fall that makes it the perfect season to pause before the holiday rush sweeps us away. The air turns crisp, leaves set the landscape ablaze with vibrant hues, and life seems to slow down just enough for us to soak it all in. It’s the calm before the storm, a chance to savor simple joys: the crunch of leaves underfoot, the warmth of a cozy drink, or the thrill of a new adventure outdoors. With that spirit in mind, we’ve crafted a bucket list filled with quintessential fall activities within 200 miles of Bowling Green, KY. Each one is designed to help you relish this fleeting season and create memories that’ll carry you through the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
- Explore Mammoth Cave National Park (Bowling Green, KY)
- Take a guided cave tour and enjoy the stunning fall foliage in the surrounding forests. Don’t miss the scenic hiking trails for that perfect autumn photo. Click Here
- Visit Jackson’s Orchard (Bowling Green, KY)
- Pick your own apples, pumpkins, and enjoy fresh cider and warm apple fritters. Great for families or a cozy fall date. Click here
- Take a Scenic Drive Through the Red River Gorge (Slade, KY – 2 hours 15 min)
- The Red River Gorge offers some of the best fall foliage views in Kentucky. Take a leisurely drive or hike one of the many trails to see the vibrant colors. Click Here
- Attend Skeleton’s Lair in Scottsville
- Skeleton’s Lair is an award-winning haunted scream park located on Cemetery Road near Bowling Green, Kentucky. The themed attractions include a haunted woods, haunted hayride, haunted house, and 3D themed house. Skeleton’s Lair is entering its 25th season and has received many honors through the years… most notably the 2017 Haunted House Association’s Board of Directors Award for excellence and longevity in the haunt industry. Click Here
- Explore Lost River Cave (Bowling Green, KY)
- Take a boat tour through the cave or enjoy a self-guided hike on the trails, surrounded by beautiful fall colors. The butterfly habitat is also a charming spot. Click Here
- Visit the Historic Shaker Village at South Union Shaker Village (Auburn, KY – 20 minutes)
- Stroll through this beautiful village and explore its historic buildings. Click Here
- Attend the Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular (Louisville, KY – 2 hours)
- Walk through Iroquois Park and marvel at thousands of intricately carved pumpkins. It’s a magical experience perfect for the whole family. Click Here
- Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride (Nashville, TN – 1 hour 15 min)
- Soar above the colorful autumn treetops and rolling hills on a hot air balloon ride in Nashville. The fall views from above are breathtaking! Click Here
- Celebrate Latino Heritage at the 3rd Annual Fall Fiesta on October 19th! (Bowling Green, KY)
- Join us for an unforgettable afternoon as we celebrate Latino Heritage and the vibrant traditions of Dia de Muertos at the 3rd Annual Fall Fiesta! This event is part of the Downtown BGKY Harvest Festival at Fountain Square and promises to be a cultural explosion of music, food, and art, honoring the beauty of both life and heritage. Click here
- Hike at Land Between the Lakes (Golden Pond, KY – 1 hour 15 min)
- Explore the beautiful fall foliage at Land Between the Lakes. Take a hike, visit the Nature Station, or drive through the Elk & Bison Prairie.
- Explore the Great Smoky Mountains (Gatlinburg, TN – 3 hours 45 min)
- If you’re up for a longer drive, witness the majestic fall colors of the Smoky Mountains. Hike, camp, or take a scenic drive for an unforgettable fall experience.
- Visit Groove Records Nashville for Fright Night Fridays (Nashville, TN – 1 hour 15 min)
- All movies start at 8pm. Admission is free. Free popcorn. Just bring a chair or blanket, your favorite beverage and invite your friends! The best free, yearly event in East Nashville. 7 years of horror! This year’s schedule, September 27th- Slumber Party Massacre October 4th- Poltergeist October 11th- Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night 2 October 18th- Friday the 13th Part II October 25th- Night of the Demons.
- Haunted House Adventure at Talon Falls (Hickory, KY – 2 hours 45 min)
- Get your spooky thrills at one of the scariest haunted attractions in the region. Perfect for those looking for a bit of Halloween fun. Click Here
- Happy Halloween Weekends at Holiday World (Santa Claus, IN – 2 hours 15 min)
- Happy Halloween Weekends offer endless fun, thrills, and treats for all ages! Get lost in 12 acres of corn mazes, hop on a hayride, and visit Professor Holiday’s Wacky Workshop of Wonders. For those seeking a spooky challenge, explore Carnival Chaos, a maze of “startles” designed for older children and adults. The day wraps up with Kitty’s Dance Spooktacular, trick-or-treating for kids 12 and under, and the dazzling Halloween in the Sky show. Click Here
- Tour Bourbon Country (Various Distilleries – Within 2 hours)
- Fall is the perfect time to tour the bourbon distilleries around Bowling Green, including Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, and Heaven Hill. Enjoy tastings with beautiful fall backdrops.
- Attend Oktoberfest (Various Locations – Within 200 miles)
- Many towns and cities within driving distance host their own Oktoberfest celebrations with beer, live music, and traditional German food. Find a local event near you! Our preference, Cincinnati!
- Attend the Nashville Film Festival (Nashville, TN – 1 hour 15 min)
- Enjoy a cozy evening indoors watching some of the best indie films and documentaries showcased at this renowned festival. Click Here
- Kenneland Fall Meet October 4th-26th (Lexington, KY – 2 hours)
- Keeneland’s 2024 Fall Race Meet opens Friday, October 4, and continues through Saturday, October 26. No racing will be held on Mondays or Tuesdays. The Keeneland Fall Meet is where many of the sport’s most notable Thoroughbreds and participants will take part in this premier racing event in the heart of horse country. We encourage you to purchase your tickets online in advance. It’s our favorite season to watch horse racing (double dip with UK Football) Click Here
- Take a Ghost Tour in Louisville (Louisville, KY – 2 hours)
- Embark on a spooky adventure with ghost tours of haunted historical spots in Louisville, including the famous Waverly Hills Sanatorium.
- Go Horseback Riding at Barren River Lake (Lucas, KY – 30 min)
- Enjoy the scenic beauty of Barren River Lake on horseback. The cool fall weather and colorful foliage make it an unforgettable experience.
Save this list and start planning your fall adventures around Bowling Green!
