Top Five Places to Visit Between Bowling Green, Kentucky and Urbana, Illinois

Are you planning a road trip between Bowling Green, Kentucky and Urbana, Illinois, and wondering where to make a stop? Look no further! We have compiled a list of the top five places to visit along this route. From scenic spots to historic sites to unique eateries, these destinations are sure to make your journey even more memorable.

Halfway Point: Griffin, IN

Before we dive into the top five destinations, let's talk about the halfway point of this route: Griffin, IN. Located approximately 140 miles from Bowling Green and 100 miles from Urbana, Griffin is a small town that can be easily overlooked. However, it's worth a stop, especially if you're interested in the history of the Underground Railroad.

Griffin was a prominent station on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped slaves escape from the South to the North. The town's location near the Ohio River made it a strategic point for freedom seekers. You can learn more about Griffin's role in the Underground Railroad at the Griffin Museum, which is housed in a former church that was used as a station. The museum has exhibits, artifacts, and documents that shed light on this important chapter of American history.

1. Mammoth Cave National Park

Our first destination is one of the most popular attractions in Kentucky: Mammoth Cave National Park. Located about 25 miles north of Bowling Green, Mammoth Cave is the world's longest known cave system, with over 400 miles of explored passageways. The park offers various guided tours that cater to different interests and skill levels, from easy walks to challenging crawls. You can marvel at the intricate formations of stalactites and stalagmites, learn about the geology and ecology of the cave, and imagine what it was like for early explorers who ventured into the unknown depths.

But Mammoth Cave National Park is not just about the underground world. It also has over 80 miles of hiking trails, several campgrounds, and a scenic drive that takes you through rolling hills and picturesque valleys. The Green River, which runs through the park, provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. If you're looking for a nature escape, Mammoth Cave is a must-visit.

2. Lincoln's Boyhood Home National Historical Park

Our second destination takes us to Indiana, where we'll explore the early life of one of America's most beloved presidents: Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln's Boyhood Home National Historical Park is located in Lincoln City, IN, which is about 70 miles north of Bowling Green and 70 miles south of Urbana.

The park preserves the site where Lincoln spent his formative years from the age of 7 to 21. The highlight of the park is the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, which includes a visitor center, a museum, and a reconstructed cabin that represents the type of dwelling where Lincoln lived. You can see artifacts related to Lincoln's childhood, such as his schoolbooks, his father's tools, and a logbook from the family's journey to Indiana. You can also walk on the Trail of Twelve Stones, which marks significant events in Lincoln's life and the history of the United States.

In addition, the park has hiking trails, picnic areas, and a nature center that showcases the flora and fauna of the area. You can also visit nearby attractions such as the Lincoln State Park, the Lincoln Pioneer Village, and the Colonel William Jones State Historic Site.

3. Purdue University

Our third destination is not a specific attraction, but rather a whole university that offers a glimpse into the world of higher education. Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, IN, which is about 50 miles north of Indianapolis and 70 miles south of Chicago. If you're a fan of college campuses, science, or aviation, Purdue is worth a stop.

Purdue is one of the top-ranked public universities in the United States, with a strong focus on STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). It has over 40,000 students, 13 colleges and schools, and hundreds of research centers and labs. You can stroll around the campus and admire its architecture, which ranges from classical to modern, and includes landmarks such as the Bell Tower and the Engineering Fountain. You can also visit the Purdue University Airport, which has a long history of aviation research and testing, and hosts the Purdue Aviation Day every spring. And if you're hungry, you can try some classic college food at Harry's Chocolate Shop, a Purdue institution since 1919.

4. Amish Country

Our fourth destination takes us to a different world, a world of simplicity, tradition, and hospitality. Amish Country is a region in northern Indiana that is home to a large community of Amish people, who live according to their own customs and beliefs. The area is about 60 miles east of Urbana and 100 miles northwest of Indianapolis.

Visiting Amish Country is like stepping back in time. You can see horse-drawn buggies, men wearing black hats and suspenders, women in modest dresses and bonnets. You can hear the clip-clop of hooves on the pavement, the sound of hand-cranked sewing machines, the clatter of dishes in a farmhouse kitchen. You can taste homemade pies, jams, and cheese, made with fresh ingredients and traditional methods.

There are several towns and villages in Amish Country that offer a glimpse into the Amish way of life. Shipshewana is perhaps the most famous, with its bustling flea market, antique shops, and quilt auctions. Nappanee has the Amish Acres historic farm and heritage resort, which includes a wagon ride, a barn-raising demonstration, and a musical theater. Middlebury has the Essenhaus complex, which features a restaurant, a bakery, and a hotel. Wherever you go in Amish Country, you'll be treated with kindness and respect, and you'll learn something new about a culture that values simplicity and faith.

5. Monticello Railway Museum

Our fifth and final destination is a treat for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The Monticello Railway Museum is located in Monticello, IL, which is about 30 miles east of Urbana and 45 miles west of Champaign.

The museum preserves and operates vintage trains and locomotives that date back to the early 20th century. You can take a ride on a passenger train that runs on a section of the former Illinois Central Railroad, and enjoy the view of the countryside. You can also visit the museum's collection of steam engines, diesel engines, cabooses, and other rolling stock, and learn about the history of rail transportation in the United States. There are guided tours, exhibits, and special events throughout the year, such as the Thomas and Friends Day and the Polar Express.

But the Monticello Railway Museum is not just about trains. It also has a museum store that sells train-related memorabilia and souvenirs, as well as a picnic area and a playground for kids. And if you're hungry, you can try some classic Midwest cuisine at the Railroad Cafe, which serves burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes in a vintage train car.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks: the top five places to visit on a trip between Bowling Green, Kentucky and Urbana, Illinois. Whether you're interested in nature, history, education, culture, or trains, these destinations offer something for everyone. So get in your car, grab your map, and hit the road! Who knows what else you might discover along the way?